Toxic Masculinity in Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers

Abstract

This article examines the representation of toxic masculinity in the novel Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. This research aims to reveal how toxic masculinity is constructed in the novel and the critical position of Francine Rivers as the auther of the novel towards the issue of toxic masculinity. Along with qualitative type research, Stuart Hall's theory of representation is utilized to analyze the actions and behaviors of the characters in the novel, particularly using the discursive method put forward by Michel Foucault. The research results show that in the novel Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers, toxic masculinity is portrayed through various characters and their behaviors. It leads to women objectification and physical and mental abuse as consequences of negative religious doctrine in patriarchal society and pursuit of wealth caused by men’s greediness. This study also shows that the author recognizes that the issue of toxic masculinity which existed as a result of patriarchal society in the California Gold Rush era of the 1850s is available in the novel, and she strongly show her disagreement towards the issue.