Original scientific paper
READING HEMINGWAY’S GENDERS THROUGH JACQUES LACAN
Ljubica Matek
; Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Osijek
Abstract
The aim of this paper is to provide a somewhat new insight into the gender
issue in a selection of Ernest Hemingway’s texts from a Lacanian point of
view. Hemingway’s male characters, both consciously and subconsciously,
assign to their women the stereotypical role of a faithful supporter, usually
with no life of their own, in order to sustain an ideal image of themselves.
These men use the institution of marriage or a relationship as a
means of supporting their male supremacy, which leads to the female’s
subordination. Consequently, women are reduced to the role of a nurse
or even an apprentice, while their subordinate position creates in men
the feeling of power. The use of stereotypes in any type of discourse is an
exercise of power or superiority over others.
Keywords
Hemingway; gender; Lacanian mirror; woman-nurse; psychoanalytical criticism.
Hrčak ID:
229906
URI
Publication date:
14.12.2010.
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