In Miguel Street by V.S. Naipaul, masculinity is a key theme, especially in terms of the relationships between men. The chapters we read as a class, “Bogart,” “B. Wordsworth,” and “How I Left Miguel Street”, give us an idea of both positive and toxic sides of masculinity as the men interact with each other in their very close community. Through these relationships, we are able to see how Naipul demonstrates the difficult ways men live and express their masculinity. Although these situations are specific to the novel, it is to be assumed that this type of conflict around masculinity is a common experience for men all across the world. This novel may open the eyes of those who may have not noticed these complexities. 

Positively there are several instances of loyalty, guidance, and unity. For example, in “B. Wordsworth,” the young narrator gets guidance from B. Wordsworth. He teaches him how to appreciate beauty and nature while exposing him to poetry. B. Wordsworth illustrates a kinder, more compassionate form of masculinity through this mentorship. This type of guidance from another encourages the narrator to think outside the box and remember that life is more than Miguel Street. As this friendship grew stronger, B. Wordsworth opened up to the narrator. This alone is a form of positive masculinity as in many communities, being vulnerable is not socially acceptable. Although he later on revealed that the story of his wife’s passing was heavily fabricated, this time the narrator spent with B. Wordsworth before his death, inspired him to keep digging deep. This friendship was a symbol of mentorship in many ways which is a very positive effect of masculinity between men in the novel. 

The men of Miguel Street also show loyalty to one another, making fostering a sense of community easy. Even though jokes are often said, there is a sense of unspoken support. This is seen in the chapter “Bogart,” where the men admire Bogart’s mysterious personality, even though he lives a secret life. His behavior starts to confuse others, but in the end, they accept him as one of their own. This loyalty brings the men closer and gives them a  

Although Bogart’s quiet, tough attitude is respected, it also keeps him from forming genuine relationships. Because of this, he lives a life with no true friends or connections which is something nobody wants. A different aspect of his “strong, silent” persona is his involvement in criminal activity.  His character serves as an example of the downsides of idolizing this idea of not showing emotions or being “tough” as a man. 

In “How I Left Miguel Street,” the narrator thinks about how many men on Miguel Street seem to be caught in a never-ending cycle of frustration and failure. His desire to leave comes from the realization that living on the streets limits his ability to develop as a man. This chapter illustrates how toxic masculinity affects entire communities. 

Although we only read a few chapters, this message is very powerful. It’s clear that the effects of toxic masculinity are constantly overlooked in our world and it needs to be acknowledged. Illustrating these concepts in novels like this one can open people’s eyes to see that there is so much more to life than maintaining a certain image. Vulnerability is something many people struggle with but the reality is that men in these types of communities struggle the most with opening up.