The Fragmented Female Body and Identity

The Fragmented Female Body and Identity explores the symbol of the wounded and scarred female body in selected postmodern, multiethnic American womens novels, namely Toni Morrisons Beloved, Theresa Hak Kyung Chas Dicte, Phyllis Alesia Perrys Stigmata, Gayl Joness Corregidora, Emma Prezs Gulf Dreams, Paula Gunn Allens The Woman Who Owned the Shadows, and Kathy Ackers Blood and Guts in High School and Empire of the Senseless. In each of these novels, disjointed, postmodern writing reflects the novels focus on fragmented female bodies. The wounded and scarred body emerges from various, often intersecting, forms of oppression, including patriarchy, racism, and heteronormativity. This book emphasizes the different and nuanced forms of oppression each woman faces. However, while the fragmented body symbolizes oppression and pain, it also catalyzes resistance through recognition. When female characters recognize some element of a shared oppression, they form bonds with one another. These feminist unities, as a response to multiple forms of oppression, become viable means for resistance and healing.