Tobias Smollett expands on the conflict between Peregrine Pickle and Godfrey Gauntlet, as both characters struggle with their emotions, social norms, and class issues, through the use of dialogue, and symbols of masculinity in The Adventures of Peregrine Pickle. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why violent video games should not be banned”? Get an original essay The setting of the 1750s gives way to the essential aspect of the confrontation between the two characters as they must respect the social norms of the time . The back-and-forth nature of the dialogue conveys the irony that Mr. Pickle and Mr. Gauntlet are, in fact, in conflict but conforming to respect social norms. Following social norms of politeness and addressing Mr. Pickle by his last name, Mr. Gauntlet expresses his concern about the relationship between Mr. Pickle and his sister. By saying, "I should be glad," Mr. Gauntlet preserves the social propriety of his politeness in his speech, suppressing his true emotions about Mr. Pickle being in a relationship with Mr. Gauntlet's sister. Mr. Pickle replied: “Sir, I should be glad to know what title you have to demand this satisfaction?” (4-5) Mr. Pickle returns this same social norm of politeness and respect by addressing Mr. Gauntlet as "Sir", however, by repeating Mr. Gauntlet's language by saying, "I should be happy" , Mr. Pickle is subtly challenging Mr. Gauntlet; his masculine pride subtly surfaces through the dialogue. This idea is developed further when he asks: "What title have you to demand this satisfaction?" » Mr. Pickle maintains a calm and respectful manner of speaking while channeling his inner anger into a challenge to masculinity, honor and reputation. Mr. Gauntlet wishes to preserve his masculinity as a brother while preserving his family's honor and his sister's reputation due to the class difference between him and Mr. Pickle. Mr. Pickle, on the other hand, challenges Mr. Gauntlet's efforts because his love for Mr. Gauntlet's sister transcends class issues. The dialogue between the two characters is a rapid confrontation which, while remaining respectful of the social formalities of the time, has undertones of pride, honor, reputation and challenge to masculinity. The conflict between Mr. Pickle and Mr. Gauntlet is about masculinity. The brother's archetypal masculinity is challenged by the sister's lover's masculinity which transcends the brother's authority and class issues. "'Gentleman. Good God, what is it!' replied the other, looking with contempt at his crew, which was not the most superb" (20-22). The carriage and the horse are a symbol of masculinity and Mr. Pickle's crew being "none of the most superb" is a comparison and challenge of his masculinity to that of Mr. Gauntlet The conflict between the two men escalates when they decide to ". quarreling with the sword' (31) The sword is a classic phallic symbol and sword fighting is a classic symbolic competition of masculinity, an allusion to Shakespeare's play, "Mr. Gauntlet told his adversary that he himself was regarded in the army as an expert swordsman” (34-35). This statement itself is brimming with masculinity, through the use of the sword symbol. Using equestrian and sword symbols, Smollett conveys the fury of pride and masculinity as well as the social propriety of honor and reputation between Mr. Pickle and Mr. Gauntlet. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a custom paper now from our expert writers.Get a Custom EssayThe Archetypal Struggle of Masculinity Between..