Contrary to many theorists, I consider a narrative form appropriate for feminist texts. Many feminists demanded an anti-narrative form. Cixous' and Irigaray's plea for such a style based on female jouissance seems dangerous because it reinforces patriarchal stereotypes of women as irrational, biologically determined creatures. In contrast, Kristeva's anti-narrative semiotic as both bisexual jouissance and revolutionary practice seems "ideal" in connection with a certain content (such as the deconstruction of the opposition masculine/feminine). However, being difficult and elitist, anti-narrative writing has limited impact. Most people remain exposed exclusively to patriarchally influenced texts. For these reasons, I suggest a multiplicity of forms, especially since a narrative style need not be authoritative or closed. This suggestion limits the importance of form but not of language. Language should be both nonsexist and unconventional; for example, it should avoid traditional metaphors analogizing women with nature, emotion etc.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:RICE/oai:scholarship.rice.edu:1911/13396 |
| Date | January 1989 |
| Creators | Signer, Claudia |
| Contributors | Eifler, Margret |
| Source Sets | Rice University |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis, Text |
| Format | 113 p., application/pdf |
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