Queer writers have often used fragmented narratives to explore philosophical questions related to identity, perception, memory, time, and existence. This essay will examine how these themes are explored through the techniques of narrative fragmentation in four works that present alternative views of reality, identity, and being.
The first work is "A Visit from the Goon Squad" by Jennifer Egan. In this novel, Sasha, a bisexual woman, is exploring her memories of life before she became an alcoholic, and what led her to become one. The book uses flashbacks and multiple timelines to create a sense of disjointedness and confusion about who Sasha is. It also presents different versions of herself, which creates a sense of uncertainty about her identity. This technique of narrative fragmentation allows readers to experience her fractured self and question their own sense of self.
In the second work, "Convenience Store Woman," by Sayaka Murata, a transgender woman named Keiko works as a convenience store clerk and struggles to fit into society's expectations. She has difficulty connecting with people outside of her job, but she finds solace in a group of outcasts who share her unique perspective on life. This story uses short chapters to depict her experiences as a series of disconnected moments that reveal the absurdity of society's expectations. By using such a fragmented approach, the author suggests that our understanding of ourselves and others is always incomplete.
The third work, "How We Fight for Our Lives: A Memoir," by Saeed Jones, explores the author's experience growing up queer in the South and his struggle with mental illness. He describes his relationships, including one with an older man who mentors him, as if they are part of a puzzle that can never be fully put together. The lack of cohesion in these stories emphasizes how we all struggle with the past, present, and future at once. In this way, the fragments help us see how we piece together our identities from memory, experience, and desire.
"All About Love" by bell hooks examines love as a philosophy rather than a romantic feeling. She argues that true love is a practice that requires us to understand ourselves and those around us. Throughout the book, she uses poetic language to explore different ways of experiencing love, including self-love, communal love, and spiritual love. Her use of fragments helps readers understand that love is not just a moment or an emotion, but a complex process that requires attention and care.
These four works demonstrate how narrative fragmentation can be used to challenge our assumptions about identity, time, and existence. They show us that the world is fractured and uncertain, and that we must grapple with that uncertainty to find meaning in life. The authors also suggest that our lives are composed of disconnected moments that we must stitch together to create a coherent whole. By using such techniques, they invite us to reconsider our own beliefs about who we are and what we want.
How do queer writers use fragmented narrative to explore philosophical questions of self, time, and existence?
Queer writers often employ fragmented narratives in their works to explore philosophical themes such as identity, temporality, and existence by interrogating traditional notions of linear storytelling and conventional modes of representation. This strategy can be seen as a way to challenge dominant ideologies that exclude non-heteronormative experiences from mainstream culture and discourse.