Meaning: This quote by Wyndham Lewis, a 20th-century writer and artist, is a thought-provoking reflection on the construct of masculinity and its relationship to societal expectations. In this quote, Lewis challenges the notion that men are inherently predisposed to embody the qualities associated with being a "man." Instead, he suggests that the concept of masculinity is a constructed identity that requires effort to maintain and is inherently fragile.

In primitive society, as Lewis alludes to, the process of shaping males into the societal role of "men" was a challenging endeavor. This implies that the characteristics and behaviors typically associated with masculinity are not innate but rather socially constructed. It's a statement that challenges the traditional understanding of gender roles and emphasizes the performative nature of masculinity.

The notion that "the male is not naturally 'a man' any more than the woman" implies that neither gender possesses an inherent, predetermined set of qualities that define their identity. This challenges essentialist views of gender, which assert that certain characteristics are inherently linked to being male or female. Instead, Lewis suggests that both masculinity and femininity are socially constructed and that individuals are shaped into these roles through societal expectations and norms.

The idea that men "have to be propped up into that position with some ingenuity" speaks to the external pressures and expectations placed upon men to conform to societal ideals of masculinity. This could include the pressure to embody traits such as strength, stoicism, and assertiveness while suppressing emotions or vulnerability. The phrase "propped up" suggests that this construction of masculinity is not natural or inherent, but rather artificially upheld through societal reinforcement.

Furthermore, the assertion that men are "always likely to collapse" implies that the construct of masculinity is inherently fragile and precarious. This fragility may stem from the constant pressure to conform to societal expectations, as well as the limitations and contradictions inherent in these ideals. The notion of collapse suggests that the performance of masculinity is not sustainable without continuous effort and reinforcement.

In today's context, this quote remains relevant in discussions of gender and identity. It challenges the static and essentialist views of gender, emphasizing the fluid and socially constructed nature of masculinity. It encourages a critical examination of the societal pressures and expectations placed on men, and the impact of these constructs on individual well-being and self-expression.

In conclusion, Wyndham Lewis's quote provides a thought-provoking critique of the construct of masculinity and its relationship to societal expectations. It challenges essentialist views of gender, highlighting the performative and fragile nature of masculinity as a social construct. This quote invites reflection on the impact of societal pressures on individual identity and calls for a reexamination of traditional gender roles.