Paradoxical Feminism - The Novels of Rebecca West

The first book on Rebecca West that is solely devoted to her fiction, Paradoxical Feminism examines West's many and contradictory ideas concerning women and their relationships with men. Although West wrote disparagingly of Western patriarchal culture throughout her journalistic career, her novels show a surprising belief in and desire for male dominance. Ann Norton perceptively analyzes this paradox in West's work, demonstrating that West undermines her own feminism with this theme of male supremacy. Each chapter investigates different aspects of West's paradoxical feminism through close readings of her novels' characters, themes, and plots. These include her attitudes toward women as artists and professionals; women as subjects and objects in men's and women's narratives; women and men as parents; women and men in marriage; and the use of female "magic" as both a female language and a force for evil. Meticulously researched and well written, this fascinating work is a must-read for those with an interest in 20th century literature and feminism.

About the author

By Ann V. Norton

Product details

• Authors: Ann V Norton, Ann V. Norton, Norton Ann V.
• Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 29.03.2000
• EAN: 9781573093927
• ISBN: 978-1-57309-392-7
• Dimensions: 157 mm x 235 mm x 15 mm
• Weight: 376 g
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Linguistics and literary studies > English linguistics / literary studies; Social sciences, law, business > Sociology > Sociological theories; Englisch, Literaturwissenschaft: 1900 bis 2000, Soziale und ethische Themen, Literaturwissenschaft: Prosa, Erzählung, Roman, Autoren, English, SOCIAL SCIENCE / Feminism & Feminist Theory, LITERARY CRITICISM / Modern / 20th Century, LITERARY CRITICISM / Feminist, Feminism & feminist theory, Literary studies: from c 1900 -, Feminism and feminist theory, Literary studies: fiction, novelists & prose writers, Literary studies: fiction, novelists and prose writers, Literary studies: c 1900 to c 2000, LITERARY CRITICISM / Novel as Form