Jeannette Winterson

[maraki16]

I am at the last semester of my studies and attend a 'contemporary english fiction task'. Among the texts we discussed and tried to analyse were Edna O'Brien's short story 'Sister Imelda' and Jeannette Winterson's novel 'Oranges are not the only fruit', which I enjoyed, though I found the analysis a bit tricky. It is also the first time in my life I think that I engage in reading contemporary english texts and paying so much attention in their context etc. What striked me from the beginning of the lectures was the importance people have shown in the division of gay/lesbian/queer literature, and that they want it to bea different genre. Personally, I really don't like that, as well as the labeling of people as 'gay' or 'lesbian', for I find such namings insulting, since I feel society embraces them with negative connotations. I really prefer the term 'homosexual' which I find more neutral.
So, to cut a long story short, first I would like to ask if anyone has read the book, and what he/she thinks of it in terms of narrative techniques- I am really not interested that much in the character's sexual identity, and the narrow-mindness of her surroundings really frustrated me.
Then, I would also like to know which you think is the significance of having a separate literary genre about queer literature. Do you think it is better this way? For some reason, I believe it would be better to incorporate this 'type' of literature in a more general literary context. I don't get whythere has to be a specific genre in which one of the characters is homosexual, insted of just being a novel in the plot of which a character HAPPENS to be homosexual. (Of course I don't have knowledge on queer/gay theory so I am sorry if my way of thinking seems a bit naive let's say or peculiar)

[LitNetIsGreat]

I am at the last semester of my studies and attend a 'contemporary english fiction task'. Among the texts we discussed and tried to analyse were Edna O'Brien's short story 'Sister Imelda' and Jeannette Winterson's novel 'Oranges are not the only fruit', which I enjoyed, though I found the analysis a bit tricky. It is also the first time in my life I think that I engage in reading contemporary english texts and paying so much attention in their context etc. What striked me from the beginning of the lectures was the importance people have shown in the division of gay/lesbian/queer literature, and that they want it to bea different genre. Personally, I really don't like that, as well as the labeling of people as 'gay' or 'lesbian', for I find such namings insulting, since I feel society embraces them with negative connotations. I really prefer the term 'homosexual' which I find more neutral.

In the context of queer theory "queer" is not meant to be used offensively. It is a term that was originally used in this setting by gays/homosexuals who were interested in highlighting gay themes, potential gay themes within mainstream texts or exposing homophobia in literature etc, etc, it is certainly not meant to be insulting, but rather was the insulted returning the label, rejecting it.


So, to cut a long story short, first I would like to ask if anyone has read the book, and what he/she thinks of it in terms of narrative techniques- I am really not interested that much in the character's sexual identity, and the narrow-mindness of her surroundings really frustrated me.

I'm familiar with it but not to a large degree. I expect that the frustration and narrow-minded attitude of the story was rather much of the point though. What narrative techniques were you particularly interested in? I don't own a copy though.


Then, I would also like to know which you think is the significance of having a separate literary genre about queer literature. Do you think it is better this way? For some reason, I believe it would be better to incorporate this 'type' of literature in a more general literary context. I don't get whythere has to be a specific genre in which one of the characters is homosexual, insted of just being a novel in the plot of which a character HAPPENS to be homosexual. (Of course I don't have knowledge on queer/gay theory so I am sorry if my way of thinking seems a bit naive let's say or peculiar)

I know what you are saying but queer theory (or feminist theory for that matter) doesn't really works like that. Rather it is a critical way to approach texts with that in mind. For example someone interested in this area might wish to expose previously neglected homosexual themes within mainstream literature, as one example. As I say though I know what you mean. Dorian Gray is a novel with homosexual themes, but does that make it a homosexual novel or just a novel with homosexual themes? Ultimately though it doesn't matter, the novel is the same.

So, in my example you wouldn't place Dorian Gray or Oranges and necessarily place it within a different genre, rather the "queer" critic (who doesn't have to be homosexual at all of course!) is merely reading the text with that aspect/theme more prominently, the text is the same either way. Hope that makes some sense.