Masculinity
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According to Webster's dictionary, masculinity is that relating to the gender that includes most words referring to males. Masculinity is one word that has had an assortment of meanings throughout the centuries. The word even fluctuates in definition with age. Details such as levels of maturity, the value of honor, and relationships with females tend to waver in defining masculinity. The short story "A&P" and the poem "To His Coy Mistress" were written by men who each presents two different interpretations of masculinity.
While one of these works presents the action of a male stepping into adulthood to get what he wants, the other uses a more male juvenile approach. In the story "A&P," the main character, Sammy, decides to make the more mature decision by quitting his job for the sake of someone else. "Did you say something, Sammy? I said quit. I thought you did...