Masculinity is defined as the quality or condition of being masculine, something traditionally considered to be characteristic of a male. Ernest Hemingway's famous collection of stories, In Our Time, focuses on the theme of masculinity. Capturing the influence of war with the way people acted before, during, and after the war in the beginning of Hemingway's book to the end. It is important that male in the society obtain the quality of being masculine. It is as though being masculine is a duty kept at task, to be proven or recaptured at all times.
             The theme of masculinity ties the stories together in Hemingway's book, making masculinity a major theme. In the short story, "Indian Camp," all character's eyes are on the doctor rather than on the Indian woman in labor. It is here where you see the doctor take over the role of child birth, once he operates on her. He doesn't give her the option of natural birth, but instead operates on her and she gave birth by a Caesarian section. He decided he would operate, even though he did not even have any anesthetic for the pain she already felt. Once the whole procedure was completed Nick's father, the doctor, and the Uncle George had a humorous, high-spirited discussion. "Feeling exalted and talkative as football players are in the dressing room after a game" (Hemingway 18).
             The father of the child commits suicide. Setting an example of a feminine matter acted by a man. It is known that a woman is unable to held or work under pressure very well. The Indian man killing himself shows he does not have the correct male behavior. That male behavior is being masculine under any situation. Nick's father quickly examines the Indian father's father body, while Uncle George withdraws from the scene. There is a silence as Nick's father treats the incident and Nick's questions. Lastly, it is in this story a strong, ...