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Abstract

This is a study of the connection between pain and masculinity, taking the autobiography of the Russian landowner and officer Andrei Bolotov (1738-1795) as its example. In Bolotov's account less importance is attributed to the topic of physical pain than to psychological pain, which is spoken of clearly. Other types of physical experience are constructed analogous to the experience of pain. His childhood phase reveals a socialisation which prepares for the ambivalent pattern of suppression of pain, considered manly and soldierly, and its simultaneous articulation. This is reconstructed as being an important component in the construction of masculinity. Ways of dealing with pain specific to the experience of this Russian officer are made evident.