Being the Bigger Ram: Arable vs Pastoral Masculinities in the Towneley Mactacio Abel

This article addresses the construction of rural masculine identities through a study Towneley manuscript play Mactacio Abel (The Killing Abel) and relationships stages between human, animal, land. It argues that places pastoral arable agricultural labor in competition play’s two brothers, this takes form gendered attack on masculinity each. The begins with Cain’s farming how character’s antagonistic relationship earth hints at his failures as laborer man. examines interactions way brothers’ different experiences inform their God, before turning attention to vicious brother’s occupation scatological language is committing bestiality sheep. Finally, blurring distinctions food kin, human animal meat. Broadening current critical focus intersection urban drama identity, shows stresses contemporary anxieties about performances labor.