This paper argues that applying Barbara Smith's theory of lesbian writing presented in her article “Towards a Black Feminist Criticism,” to Nella Larsen’s Passing, enables us to read the character Clare Bellew as a black woman whose sexuality threatens patriarchal and heterosexual values of motherhood and womanhood. Similarly, Smith’s theory allows for Cat and Jeffy in Gayl Jones’ Corregidora to be read as non-normative characters that subsequently challenge heterosexual aspects of white patriarchy.
| Presenter: | Marieke Jerabeck (Undergraduate Student) |
|---|---|
| Topic: | English |
| Location: | 219 Hartwell |
| Time: | 2:50 pm (Session IV) |
