According to the American Heritage Dictionary, the term masculine is defined as “characterized by or possessing qualities traditionally attributed to men, such as aggressiveness”. In Thomas Foster’s, Meat Puppets or Robopaths? Cyberpunk and The Question of Embodiment, he proclaims that “Neuromancer defines the opportunities that postmodern culture provides for those of us who are interested in redefining the construction of masculinity,…” (Foster 225). I completely agree with Foster’s statement that the term ‘masculine’ is redefined in the novel. After reading Neuromancer, I concluded that Case was nothing of a masculine man, but was rather a man in the shadows of a strong , determined and powerful female, Molly.
Throughout Neuromancer, Molly often appears as the ‘masculine’ character both on a physical and mental level. On a physical level, Molly’s retractable, double-edged, four centimeter scalpel blades implants in her hands and optical implants that appear as mirrors (Gibson 24) resembles an image of weapons, an object that we often associate with men. For example, hunting is often portrayed as a man’s hobby because men are more attracted to the use of guns or bow-and-arrows. Being in possession of these types of weapons allow men to not only feel more dominant, but also to feel power. However, in Neuromancer, Case’s bodily modifications only allow him to have access to cyberspace. While being accessible to cyberspace can mentally be a weapon, it is not an attribute that appears to be physically threatening such as those Molly comprises of.
Using the technology of simstim, Case has the experience of virtually inhabiting Molly’s body. When Case ‘flips’ and possesses Molly’s body, he witnesses the world through Molly’s eyes, shares her sensations, but is incapable of communicating with her. When Case is disembodied in cyberspace, he has complete control of his thoughts and body. However, when Case jolts into Molly’s flesh “for a few frightened seconds he fought helplessly to control her body. Then he willed himself into passivity, became the passenger behind her eyes” (Gibson 56). In our world today, it is perceived that men often take upon the role of the ‘controller’ or ‘driver’ in situations because these are the common ‘traditional’ masculine qualities one is supposed to employ as a man. However, in Neuromancer, Case is physically unable to acquire this role as a ‘driver’ but rather must view the world as a backseat passenger. As Foster stated in his chapter, I believe that Gibson is ultimately redefining the characteristics in which a traditional man are supposed to acquire. Maybe Gibson believes that in the future, the terms in which we define ‘masculine’ men will be altered as a result of more dominant and powerful females present in society.
You do a good job of pointing out how Case is not as masculine as one might immediately suspect, Amanda. But does it make Molly less in control that she depends on Case to do half of the work for her?
I agree with you in the fact that Case is not as masculine as men are thought to be, however, just because a man is male, it doesn’t mean they are going to be masculine. Regardless if there are powerful women, how masculine a man can be depends on each individual’s character and personality.
I agree that Molly takes on a more masculine role in the novel and the examples you provide justify your statement. Another aspect of Molly to consider that makes her less stereotypically feminine is her ability to keep fighting when her leg is destroyed. I think this again portrays the strength Molly has. Although Molly can be used to be a more masculine female character, Case just switching bodies may not be enough evidence to claim he is more feminine.
Molly, the complicated bravo, implanted with intimidating machinery, the perfectly carved assassin! Throughout the readings of Neuromancer, we have considered Molly as a some-what feministic object, since her supposed role as a female takes a more masculine role. To further establish this notion, we are given a pitiful male at an all time low, Case. Considering these things, it seems appropriate to make the assumption, but unfortunately that seems to not be the case.
Gibson’s world in Neuromancer according to the paper foreshadows “powerful females” becoming the dominant gender. Unfortunately, the comment seems superficial, in that it undermines many misogynistic scenes. If misogyny continues to exist, is this fictional future really a pedestal for women to show their dominance? Furthermore, the first woman we are introduced to is referred to as “whore’s giggle”(Gibson, 4), would a female sanctuary really refer to the first female in such a derogatory term? Also, Molly seems to appear as the only dominant female type – 3Jane, Linda, etc., not so much. Lastly, the shear fact that Molly’s body is a synthetic construction of conglomerated machinery shows that without her weapons, she is as vulnerable and weak as every other character.
Conclusively, though one can see Molly as a dominant figure, her appearance cannot truly define women as a whole when others stand in the way. In the end, gender roles remain the same in Gibson’s mind.
I completely agree with Professor Croxall’s comment. In the end, Molly is only useful because of Case. He does his part of the work and is just as important in the mission as Molly. I don’t believe that Case has to posses some kind of physically harmful weapon to be considered masculine. He may not be dominant, but he can still hold on to his masculine side. After all he is a man.