Volume 18, No. 5, 2021
When Queer Becomes Quintessential: Eros Under The Elms In Desire Under The Elms
Atifa Binth e Zia , Maleeha Nazim , Dr. Zafar Iqbal Bhatti
Abstract
This paper argues that O Neill has presented the character of Eben as a slave of Eros. By reemploying the myth of Hippolyta and Medea, O Neill has exemplified this term in the context of New England of 1850’s where females are marginalized and patriarchy is celebrated. By using Judith Butler’s concept of “Performativity” this paper aims to build upon her contention that “the body is not “sexed” in any significant sense prior to its determination within a discourse through which it becomes invested with an “idea” of natural or essential sex. The body gains meaning within discourse only in the context of power relations. Sexuality is a historically specific organization of power, discourse, bodies, and affectivity” (Butler 125). This research contends that to gain the ownership of the farm, Abbie subverts her gender’s social role as she surrenders her body to her step son and quintessentially becomes a queer character with respect to the puritanical episteme.
Pages: 216-225
Keywords: Eros; Desire; Gender; Social role; Queer; Puritanical episteme