Representations of Masculinity in Slumdog Millionaire

One of the most important relationships in the story is that of Jamal and Salim. The two boys have been through trials and tribulations together since a young age. After the death of their mother in an anti-Muslim attack on their slum, Salim and Jamal have had to fend for themselves for the majority of their lives. Salim automatically took the role of the leader of the two, he is outspoken, hot tempered and at times extremely selfish. However it is undoubtedly true that the main priority in his life is keeping his younger brother safe. In the beginning, the age difference between the two was prominent, Jamal was constantly confused and looking for safety. However towards the end of the story Jamal could be taken for the same age if not more mature than Salim. He could fend for himself and speak out against his brother - making Salim lose some of his authority.

I believe Jamal and Salim show audiences two sides to masculinity, like two sides of a coin, the brothers had the option to make the same choices - yet Salim always seemed to choose wrong. Jamal was always the kinder of the two, he does not care for money or for power, all he wants in life is to be with Latika. This shows the gentle emotional side of masculinity, that craves the approval and presence of a female. Salim never liked Latika even from the beginning. He was distant and uninterested in females. Salim did want money and power, and would stop at nothing to get it. At times Salim would even sacrifice his own brothers safety in order to get somewhere in life. When it comes to the scene in which Salim rapes Latika, i think that Salim did so in order to hurt Jamal because he was jealous that Jamal cared for Latika possibly more than he did for Salim.

This shows that Salim also shows emotion and vulnerability. However in terms of total mindset, Jamal and Salim are obviously different. I believe that Salim demonstrates the feisty, ruthless, stop at nothing trait that is often considered masculine. However as Salim ends up taking his own life and Jamal gets the girl and wins the money, this is showing us that the choices Salim made quite clearly were not the right ones.

Salim and Jamal both had to mature a lot sooner than most young boys. Salim possibly more than Jamal, in the scene in which he kicks Jamal out and keeps Latika for himself - we see the dark uncontrollable side of Salim. This can be considered an extremely stereotypical masculine trait as in most stories it is always a male that is the bad guy. Both boys follow the typical damsel in distress storyline however Jamal wants to protect Latika and Salim almost resents her, the only reason he wants to keep her for himself is to use her for his own power. Salim shows that men highly value connections between other men, brothers, elder men (Javed). He is only interested in being top dog. However Jamal shows that men want to protect and save women, Jamal cares more about Latika than anyone in the world. Even though he hardly ever sees her throughout his life.





By the end of the story it is quite apparent that Salim is regretful of the decisions he's made in life, he finally lets Latika go so that she can be with Jamal. This shows how strongly Salim cared for his brother. Salim ends up in such a bad mindset that he kills himself, but surrounded by money he feels he has accomplished what he wanted - even though it has not brought him happiness.

The idea of masculinity and testing of bonds between the boys is almost as prominent in this story as the romantic side between Jamal and Latika. Jamal and Salim together sum up both sides of masculinity the kind, caring and the ruthless, dedicated side perfectly.