Gender Performativity and Societal Boundaries: an Analysis of NW and How to be Both Through the Lens of Judith Butler's Theory
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2019-08-30
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en
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This thesis provides an analysis of NW by Zadie Smith and How to be Both by Ali Smith through the lens of Judith Butler’s theory of gender performativity. Three aspects of this theory are examined: the biological sex versus gender distinction, gender performativity and sexuality.
The thesis examines the way in which the characters in the novels present themselves, how they behave, and the choices they make. This includes how characters choose to dress themselves, whether they choose to have children, which gender they present themselves as and the kind of relationships they choose to get into. This thesis emphasizes the way that societal boundaries and expectations play a role in the way the characters perform their gender and sexuality. The conclusion of the thesis provides a comparison between the way that both novels reflect Judith Butler’s theory and how the characters differ in their interaction with gender, sexuality and the boundaries and norms of their societies. In NW, the themes of sex, gender, and sexuality are described more explicitly. Characters are very aware of societal boundaries and expectations. In How to be Both, the themes of sex, gender and sexuality are less explicit. Characters are content with the way they live their lives and they are less concerned with the expectations of society.
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