What influences Dunstan's understanding of masculinity?

Dunstan Ramsay's understanding of masculinity is significantly influenced by his interactions with male characters like Boy Staunton. These relationships shape his perceptions and reinforce various societal constructs of what it means to be masculine. Boy Staunton, in particular, embodies a certain type of successful and robust masculinity that contrasts sharply with Dunstan's more introspective and sensitive nature. Through their dynamic, Dunstan grapples with his own identity, often feeling inadequate or different compared to the assertive and confident traits exhibited by Boy.

This interaction is crucial for exploring themes of masculinity throughout the novel, as Dunstan's reflections on these encounters allow him to critique and analyze the expectations placed on men in society. While other factors, such as women’s influence, might play a role in shaping his character, the pivotal moments shared with male figures, especially Staunton, are essential for his nuanced understanding of masculinity. The depth of their relationship and its impact on Dunstan’s self-perception ultimately highlight the complexities of male identity and social expectation that are central to the narrative of "Fifth Business."