Jaws Men and Masculinity Quotes

How we cite our quotes: All quotations are from Jaws.

Quote #10

QUINT: You got city hands, Mr. Hooper. You've been counting money all your life.

We see pretty quickly how Quint judges a true man. This is the beginning of a conflict between two very different types of masculine competence.

Quote #11

QUINT: Yeah, that's real fine expensive gear you brought out here, Mr. Hooper. 'Course I don't know what that bastard shark's gonna do with it, might eat it I suppose. Seen one eat a rockin' chair one time. Hey Chiefy, next time you just ask me which line to pull, right?

Quint and Hooper are engaged in what one might call, in polite circles, a pissing contest. Quint takes every opportunity to insult Hooper and his scientific equipment, letting him know who's the authentic shark hunter and captain of the ship. He's not impressed by Brody being Chief of Police, either.

Quote #12

HOOPER: I got that beat. It's a moray eel. Bit right through my wetsuit.

As the boys swap war stories and compare scars, the audience is witnessing a pretty explicit ritual where proof of manliness is demonstrated. All Brody has to show is an appendectomy scar.