* Adopting a more "masculine" tone in their writing: This could manifest as a focus on adventure, heroism, and stoicism, particularly in genres like adventure fiction and historical novels.
* Embracing the "Romantic" style: While Romanticism was a broader movement, male writers often leaned into its themes of individualism, emotionality, and the sublime, which were sometimes seen as more masculine qualities.
* Using their writing as a platform for social commentary: The 19th century was a time of great social change, and male writers often used their work to critique issues like inequality, political corruption, and industrialization. This often took a more analytical or critical tone, associated with masculinity.
* Engaging in public debates and intellectual discourse: Male writers were often seen as intellectuals and public figures, and they actively participated in public debates and intellectual discourse, contributing to newspapers, magazines, and even political campaigns.
It's important to note that these trends weren't universal, and many male writers challenged these norms. Furthermore, female writers were also active during this time and contributed to the literary landscape in significant ways. However, these trends highlight some of the ways in which masculinity played a role in shaping the literary landscape of the 19th century.