A Study of Gender Dysphoria and Fluidity of Fixed Gender Positions in David Ebershoff’s The Danish Girl
Abstract
This paper aims to highlight the performative aspects of gender in David Ebershoff’s The Danish Girl by exploring gender dysphoria, internalized heterosexuality, and gender polarity. The thesis examines the relationship of gender with sexuality and how the fixation of one fixates the other and leads to gender dysphoria. It revolves around the characters experiencing and exploring identity transformation by rejecting the socially constructed identity politics. While gender and sexuality is explored by researchers, this research analyzes and sheds light upon the queer facets of feminine and masculine gender identities. Judith Butler’s Gender Trouble is used as the theoretical framework for this research. This approach investigates the institutionalized heteronormativity and the stigma attached to gender fluidity. Future researchers can probe Queer literature, Women’s studies, and Gender studies to examine the politics of gender roles and sexuality or to lead an interdisciplinary research.
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