This thesis analyzes the hit television series Lost and how the characters Kate Austen and James ‘Sawyer’ Ford negotiate their gender performance on and off the island. From a critical rhetorical standpoint, this study further examines the stereotypical depictions of masculinity that are perpetuated though the media and how these depictions are either negated or adhered to by the previously mentioned characters. Overall, the major themes of masculinity that were found were the correlation between muscularity and masculinity as well as the display of aggressive and violet behavior to exert dominance. Ultimately, I argue that the gender performances of both Kate and Sawyer only serve to reinforce the heteronormative societal ideal that we are more uncomfortable with women who deviate away from expected gender performances than we are with male deviation. / Literature review -- Theoretical orientation -- Kate Austen analysis -- James 'Sawyer' Ford analysis -- Discussion. / Department of Communication Studies

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This study sought to determine if and how television texts produced since September 11, 2001, reflect and address cultural concerns by analyzing patterns in their theme and narrative style. Three American television serials were examined as case studies. Each text addressed a common cluster of contemporary issues such as trauma, death, and loss.