Degree

BS (Social Sciences & Liberal Arts)

Faculty / School

School of Economics and Social Sciences (SESS)

Department

Department of Social Sciences & Liberal Arts

Date of Award

Spring 2024

Date of Submission

2024-08-31

Advisor

Dr. Irum Iqbal Hussain, Lecturer, Department of Social Sciences and Liberal Arts, Institute of Business Administration

Committee

Palvashay Sethi, Lecturer, Department of Social Sciences and Liberal Arts, Institute of Business Administration

Project Type

SSLA Culminating Experience

Access Type

Restricted Access

Keywords

Gender studies, masculinity, femininity, poststructuralism, postfeminism

Abstract

This document explores the construction and fluidity of gender identities in modern fantasy fiction, focusing on Sarah J. Maas's, A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) series. Through the lens of poststructuralist feminism, mainly Judith Butler's theory of gender performativity, the study examines how gender roles are not static but are continually reshaped by societal norms, power dynamics, and personal experiences. The protagonist, Feyre Archeron, serves as a focal point for this analysis, as her journey from a human to a High-Fae highlights the fluctuating nature of gender identity in response to shifting circumstances. This evolution is further complicated by the series’ portrayal of power dynamics within relationships, particularly in Feyre’s interactions with Tamlin and Rhysand. Therefore, this thesis through a postfeminist lens elaborates on the complexity of Feyre’s character and how her autonomy is contested and celebrated within the constraints of patriarchy in a fantasy world.

Pages

63

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