Tobias Smollett develops the conflict between Peregrine Pickle and Godfrey Gauntlet, as the two characters struggle with their emotions, social norms, and class issues, through the use of dialogue and symbols of masculinity in The Adventures of Peregrine Pickle. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essayThe setting of the 1750s gives way to the essential aspect of confrontation between the two characters because they must respect the social norms of the time. The nature of the back and forth dialogue conveys the irony that Mr. Pickle and Mr. Gauntlet are, in fact, engaged in an argument but complying with social norms. With social norms of politeness and addressing Mr. Pickle by his last name, Mr. Gauntlet expresses concern about the relationship between Mr. Pickle and his sister. By saying, "I should be happy," Mr. Gauntlet is preserving the social correctness of his politeness in speaking while repressing his true emotions about Mr. Pickle having an affair with Mr. Gauntlet's sister. Mr. Pickle replies, "Sir, I should be pleased to know what title you have to demand such satisfaction?" (4-5) Mr. Pickle reciprocates the same social norm of courtesy and respect by addressing Mr. Gauntlet as "Sir," however, in repeating Mr. Gauntlet's language by saying, "I should be happy," Mr. Pickle is subtly challenging Mr. .Gauntlets; his masculine pride subtly emerges through the dialogue. This idea is developed further when he asks “What title do you have to demand that satisfaction?” Mr. Pickle maintains a calm and respectful way of speaking while at the same time channeling his inner anger into a challenge to masculinity, honor and reputation. Mr. Gauntlet wants to preserve his masculinity as a brother while also preserving his family's honor and his sister's reputation due to the class difference between him and Mr. Pickle. Mr. Pickle, in contrast, is challenging Mr. Gauntlet's efforts because his love for Mr. Gauntlet's sister transcends class issues. The dialogue between the two characters is a rapid-fire, back-and-forth exchange that, while remaining respectful of the social formality of the time, has undertones of pride, honor, reputation, and challenging masculinity. The conflict between Mr. Pickle and Mr. Gauntlet is one of masculinity. The archetypal masculinity of the brother is challenged by the masculinity of the sister's lover which transcends the brother's authority and issues of class. "'Sir. God knows!" replied the other, looking with contempt at his equipment, which was not the most superb, "(20-22) The carriage and horse are a symbol of masculinity and Mr. Pickle's equipment which is not the most superb" it is a comparison and challenge of his masculinity with that of Mr. Gauntlet. The conflict between the two men intensifies when they decide to "fight with the sword". sword is a classic symbolic competition of masculinity, an allusion to Shakespeare's play, Hamlet "Mr. Gauntlet told his opponent that he himself was regarded in the military as an expert swordsman," (34-35) This statement itself teems with masculinity, through the use of the sword symbol. By using the equestrian and sword symbols, Smollett conveys the fury of pride and masculinity and social correctness in honor and reputation between Mr. Pickle and Mr. Gauntlet Keep in mind: this is just one example. Get a custom card from our writers now experts Get a custom essay The archetypal struggle of masculinity between two..