This master thesis theoretically explores the concept of masculinity and male discourse, its history and development. In the first part, the concept is then placed into the research field of the analysis of male literary figures and representation of masculinity from different angles. The second part presents the analysis of male characters in the work La Ronde (the original German name is Reigen) by Arthur Schnitzler, their role in society, particularly with regards to the role of power and sexuality, and their influence on female characters within the drama, as well as the influence of female characters on both power and sexuality. Special attention is paid to the relations of social power and differences between them within the private or public sphere.
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