"FROM THE I TO THE WE": DESIRE AND BECOMING IN CARSON MCCULLERS' THE MEMBER OF THE WEDDING
"FROM THE I TO THE WE": DESIRE AND BECOMING IN CARSON MCCULLERS' THE MEMBER OF THE WEDDING
Author(s): Mohammad Hossein Mahdavi Nejhad, Ghiasuddin Alizadeh, Omid AmaniSubject(s): Gender Studies, Theory of Literature, American Literature, Sociology of Literature
Published by: International University of Sarajevo
Keywords: The Member of the Wedding; Gilles Deleuze; desire; affect; becoming;
Summary/Abstract: Carson McCullers' The Member of the Wedding depicts the anxieties and issues of a tomboy approaching adulthood and her difficulty connecting properly with her peers. Frankie's seemingly peculiar behaviour and ambivalence regarding gender issues isolate her from her peers However, her demeanour regarding identity and gender discover her underlining desire. Drawing on the philosophical concepts of Gilles Deleuze regarding subjectivity, gender, and desire, this article argues that Frankie, through her positive desire, becomes a nomad who sets foot on new horizons of experience, and her hopes for the upcoming wedding is an example of such longing for adventure. It is also argued that while she is highly under the influence of affects, instead of striving to become a member of the wedding, Frankie yearns for novel encounters to become the wedding itself, and finally become reconciled to the world in its entirety.
Journal: Epiphany. Journal of Transdisciplinary Studies
- Issue Year: 16/2023
- Issue No: 1
- Page Range: 28-46
- Page Count: 19
- Language: English