Undergraduate Thesis Or Project
 

Undergraduate Conference 2017.docx

Public Deposited

Downloadable Content

Download file
https://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/concern/undergraduate_thesis_or_projects/k3569580n

Descriptions

Attribute NameValues
Creator
Abstract
  • In her novel, Nightwood (1936), Djuna Barnes examines the relationships and identities of diverse characters during the early 20th century. My paper investigates the depiction of inversion and how it challenges heteronormative structures. However, I argue that the depiction of queer relations is only available between feminized queer subjects. The novel follows Robin Vote through her various relationships with both men and women. However, Robin’s lovers are left behind with unanswered questions about Robin’s nature and the reasons behind her destructive behavior. Her relationship with Nora Flood introduces readers to the continuing dialogue Nora has with Matthew O’Connor about Robin’s behavior and identity. Matthew considers himself an invert, like Robin, in a way that might define our contemporary definitions of someone who is transgender. Barnes’ novel focuses on the topics of gender and sexuality, but represents characters that break gender binaries within heteronormative structures. Within these constructs, such a relationship with an invert is only available between women. Matthew’s visions of womanhood and his own identity are constructed by patriarchal ideals and in a novel where female relationships are at the forefront; his identity cannot be achieved under the same relationship structures. Yet, Robin’s nonconforming identity and her relationship with Nora shift heteronormative structures by representing already existing queer structures between women. My argument draws upon the work of queer theorists such as Jack Halberstam and Siobhan Somerville.
  • Keywords: english, critical analysis, student research, book, literary theory, literature
Rights Statement
Additional Information
  • English Majors, English Minors, and Writing Minors could present their information in front of faculty and peers.
  • description.provenance : Made available in DSpace on 2017-06-07T21:32:10Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2Undergraduate Conference 2017.docx: 138676 bytes, checksum: acaa2e04ff86c09ca2fca987d74af709 (MD5)Undergraduate Conference 2017.pdf: 89527 bytes, checksum: e4463467da96658e7324c1e3f29f3f81 (MD5)
  • description.provenance : Submitted by Danielle Palatin (palatind@oregonstate.edu) on 2017-06-07T01:20:26ZNo. of bitstreams: 2Undergraduate Conference 2017.docx: 138676 bytes, checksum: acaa2e04ff86c09ca2fca987d74af709 (MD5)Undergraduate Conference 2017.pdf: 89527 bytes, checksum: e4463467da96658e7324c1e3f29f3f81 (MD5)
  • description.provenance : Approved for entry into archive by Steven Van Tuyl(steve.vantuyl@oregonstate.edu) on 2017-06-07T21:32:10Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2Undergraduate Conference 2017.docx: 138676 bytes, checksum: acaa2e04ff86c09ca2fca987d74af709 (MD5)Undergraduate Conference 2017.pdf: 89527 bytes, checksum: e4463467da96658e7324c1e3f29f3f81 (MD5)

Relationships

Parents:

Items