Wearing Feminine Writing: The Body Outside Convention

Author: Elaine Braunshweiger

Field of Study: English: Literature and Creative Writing; Comparative Literature

Program Affiliation: IASH

Faculty Mentors: Shannon Hearn

Easel: 51

Timeslot: Morning

Abstract: The most historically recognized literature is often written by male-identified authors and neglects the input of the writer's subject. This is a pitfall of traditional form that stems from the regulations and conceptions attached to traditional forms of writing and their inherent role in structured societal repression. This paper will research autotheoretical works by feminine-identifying individuals that defy typical form and genre constraints. Each of the works studied will be used to expand upon the idea that feminine bodies are most accurately portrayed outside of the “standard.” Through analysis of experiential and theoretical texts, this research will question whether writing the feminine body outside traditional form and genre can repair the damage done by years of stereotyping and repressing feminine bodies. By exploring literature outside of its established rules, this paper will demonstrate the importance of an autotheoretical approach as it contributes to a more diverse and liberated literary sphere.