Perpetuating Stereotypical Masculinity in the Australian YA Fairy-Tale Valentine

Abstract:Australian fairy-tale masculinity in the young adult (YA) novel Valentine reinscribes modes of maleness in stereotypical forms. This article argues that the character Finn Blacklin marries European fairy lore of violent and monstrous faeries with Australian traditions of “larrikin faeries.” Through the violence associated with the Seelie Courts, and his fear of being othered or deemed feminine as a changeling faerie, Finn perpetuates hegemonic masculinity. As a modern iteration of the “larrikin” faerie, Finn reinscribes overindulgence and misogyny as standard in Australian boyhood. The characterization of Finn in Valentine therefore perpetuates stereotypical understandings of fairy-tale masculinity.