EROSS - Expressions Research Orientations: Sexuality Studies

Eross - Expressions Research Orientations: Sexuality Studies

PhD Students

Dearbhla McGrath

Phd Title

Monstrous Sexualities; A Comparative Analysis of Contemporary Retellings of La Belle et La Bête

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to examine the evolution of the conte de fée or literary fairy tale from its origins in the 17th century to present day. More specifically, this examination will entail a study of modern writers who rewrite or reinvent well known tales, and what the cultural and social implications of these new tales are, using the fairy tales produced at the end of the seventeenth century in France as a stepping off point. The reason for the choice of this particular era of tales as a point of comparison is their position at the end of a century at a time of great cultural change. It has been already established that fairy tales are common during these times of change, therefore, to be looked at here is the comparison between tales written in different cultures and times , but both happening at a 'fin de siécle', the end of a century. Furthermore, a common trait of literature that appears at times such as these is a questioning of societal and cultural norms. In light of this, the main theme to be examined comparatively in this thesis is that of the representation of sexuality and gender. This theme was prominent, though perhaps not completely evident, in the tales of the end of the 17th century. What I will examine here is the relative similarities in tales that have been produced at the end of the 20th century.

The main tale type to be looked at in this study is the animal bridegroom tale type, exploring texts with the theme of monstrosity as regards the body and sexuality as a recurring motif. This tale type has proved to be one that has 'stuck' (to use Jack Zipes term) in the minds of writers in many different cultures over the years. With this investigation, I intend to explore the ways in which this tale type has evolved, specifically with regards to the representation of gender and sexuality, accepted values and norms, spanning the centuries. With this in mind, this inter-disciplinary thesis will incorporate the study of literature and its sociological connection with accepted gender norms and taboos and additionally, the intertextual links that connect the fairy tale writers at the end of these two centuries.