| dc.description.abstract | This thesis investigates the thematic concern of subjectivity as problematised in two literary works by Brit Bennett and Ocean Vuong. The primary objective is to explore how these authors use narrative techniques to articulate complex identities shaped by race, gender, and trauma. Employing the technique of close reading, the study examines Bennett’s The Vanishing Half (2020) and Vuong’s On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous (2019), highlighting their distinct narrative strategies and thematic explorations.
The analysis reveals that Bennett employs settings and quest narratives to discuss racial passing and identity formation, while Vuong uses epistolary form, fragmented narrative, and rich symbolism to examine trauma and the immigrant experience. Both authors intricately weave intersectionality into their narratives, offering deep insights into how societal structures influence personal identity.
The conclusions drawn underscore the significance of literary narratives in understanding and challenging societal norms and biases. This research contributes to literary studies by providing a nuanced understanding of how contemporary literature reflects and reshapes discourses on identity and subjectivity in the context of intersectionality. The findings highlight the importance of narrative form in exploring the complexity of individual and collective identities, enriching discussions on race, gender, and the enduring impacts of trauma in literature. The thesis highlights the significance of understanding subjectivity as a fundamental aspect of human experience, emphasizing its relevance in identity studies and the critical analysis of contemporary narratives. | |
