Answer :
Final answer:
The importance of men's physique in Alvin Ailey's works must be understood within the wider context of changing notions of masculinity in the 20th century, influenced by a cultural shift towards valuing physical strength and the historical precedent of Greek ideals of athletic male youth and homosexual warriorhood.
Explanation:
The physique of men in Alvin Ailey's works was significant as it reflected a broader cultural shift in the perception of masculinity. During the 20th century, a cult of masculinity developed which revered men who displayed physical strength, such as prizefighters, and eventually military men, for their combat skills. This newfound admiration arose in stark contrast to previous views that placed enlisted soldiers and sailors in low regard.
Bodybuilding, once considered vain or connected to homosexuality, also underwent a transformation. By the turn of the century, it was seen as a masculine pursuit, valued as a means for middle-class men to counteract the physical stagnation of sedentary work routines. The evolving ideals of masculinity during this time period concurrently shaped societal notions of heterosexuality in opposition to homosexuality.
Influences from ancient Greek culture, where physical expressions of the male form were celebrated, also played a role in the emphasis on male physique. The Greeks idealized athletic male youth, associating it with the peak of human achievement and divine qualities. This admiration was often intertwined with military valor, as exemplified by the tradition of male homosexual warriorhood and the bonds formed between soldiers, like the famed Sacred Band of Thebes, which were believed to enhance their bravery and combat performance.
