Blog Archives

Toxic Masculinity In Burton Blake

12/13/2018

Beginning with World War II, Burton’s father, Elias Blake, was born into and raised in a society that institutionalized and defined masculinity through the manifestation of physical power. His primary model is his guardian, Web Dawson, an ex-Marine, who trains him in the lore of guns and hunting.

The influences of accepted physical male behavior and the repression of genuine sympathy, love and emotion has the effect of alienating his son, Burton. Upon Burton’s return from South Africa to become the company CEO, he is confronted with the deeply-rooted tradition in the company culture of toxic masculinity in the characters of his two vice-presidents, Lawrence Harden and Earl Frederickson, who attempt to block and control his efforts to make changes in the philosophy of how the company operates, which is profit over people.

3 Comments

The Strength of Burton Blake's Character

12/13/2018

1 Comment

Burton Blake is a likeable young man. As a generous and altruistic person, he becomes a Rhodes Scholar. In keeping with his desire and personal standards to help others and to learn about different cultures, he is committed to working with impoverished people in other countries. He does not consider himself privileged. His unselfish intent is to help people with whom he works to improve the conditions of their lives.

My research for the book placed Burton in South Africa where he works as a Red Cross volunteer. He is reluctant to leave and resentful at being called home to replace his deceased father at the head of a company in which he initially has no interest and does not share his sense of ethics and morality learned from his mother and stepfather, as well as other childhood influences. These differences are the core conflict of his story.

1 Comment

Burton Blake As A Millennial Icon

12/5/2018

0 Comments

Burton Blake is more than a name. He is a contemporary iconic protagonist whose father emerges from World War II and mid-century America to pass along his corporate empire to a young idealist in modern society. Not only is the novel a suspenseful entertaining story with a large cast of colorful real-life characters, it explores events and influences of the last century that resonate with the country we have become today.

The sequel to The Revolutionist, Burton Blake is historical fiction that shows how billions of dollars and the greed and desperation to hold onto it can lead to corporate espionage, and even murder.

0 Comments

Journal

Toxic Masculinity In Burton Blake

The Strength of Burton Blake's Character

Burton Blake As A Millennial Icon

Categories

Archives