V.S. Naipaul’s novel Miguel Street explores the differing relationships between men whether positive or negative. A chapter that stands out in particular is “The Coward” as it follows the journey of a distinctive individual on Miguel Street that is deemed unmistakably macho and is later stripped of such a title. Humans are curious creatures that are eager to categorize the world around them with hopes to make better sense of their surroundings. As a result, stereotypes are built as well as gender roles, and when broken, ostracization may follow. 

 In the beginning of the chapter, Big Foot is introduced as a man who looks fearful, and in turn is respected due to not only his build but also in reference to his quiet isolated nature: “People were afraid of him because he was so silent and sulky; he looked dangerous, like those terrible dogs that never bark but just look at you from the corner of their eyes” (Naipaul 47). This description of Big Foot introduces the idea that a man’s respect is based on surface level observations such as physical and social attributes. Additionally, in the text it is mostly men making assumptions about him which may reveal a comparative nature between the men on his street. To further this, his nickname in itself alludes to how his size and mystery is causal to his respect on the block. Later in the story it is revealed that Big Foot is more than what is assumed of him. 

 On a walk Big Foot becomes injured and shows a moment of vulnerability: “But when the dog came to him he seemed to forget his foot which was bleeding badly. He began hugging and stroking the wet dog, and laughing in a crazy way” (52). The narrator then gains better understanding of him and refers to the incident as a secret he will keep. This example shows a positive relationship between the two men as one understands that if this were to be made known, ridicule would follow. In addition, it reveals the standards of what a man is “ought to be”: stoic, composed and reveals no emotion. Emotion is simply a human response to their surroundings and should not be deemed emasculating. This is also later seen when Big Foot returns to the block after time away to participate in a boxing match. 

 Unfortunately, BigFoot loses his match and in turn cries over his defeat. He is not only laughed at by his peers but also made a spectacle in the newspaper. Big Foot’s tears display a positive version of masculinity as it shows that no matter how macho a man may be perceived, he is still subject to the wide variety of emotions everyone faces. The response from those around him is disheartening and showcases a negative example of interpersonal relationships. By his peers mocking him, it reduces a man's role to a dangerously simplistic one. Again, the comparative nature between the men on Miguel Street is revealed as Big Foot’s original fear and respect presumably made others feel inferior, and once they had an opportunity to strip that of him, they took the chance immediately. Lastly, the disapproval of his peers shows a disheartening collective thought such as “If I can bottle my emotions then why can't you?”, or “How is it that a man as large as you loses such a battle?”.

 Characters such as Big Foot serve as a reminder that typifying individuals only limits possibilities rather than encourage growth. Additionally, it is important to note that gender roles are unfortunately upheld as a collective. Through exploration of characters such as Big Foot, stereotypes and societal expectations can be broken down to create a better future where each person can live comfortably as themselves. 

Works Cited
Naipaul, V. S. (1959). The Coward. In Miguel Street (pp. 47–56). essay, André Deutsch.