J
2012
Erasing the Binary Oppositions (?) : The Position of Women Characters in Ishmael Reed’s Japanese by Spring
ŠALAMOUN, Jiří
Basic information
Original name
Erasing the Binary Oppositions (?) : The Position of Women Characters in Ishmael Reed’s Japanese by Spring
Authors
ŠALAMOUN, Jiří (203 Czech Republic, guarantor, belonging to the institution)
Edition
Theory and Practice in English Studies (THEPES), KAA FF MU, 2012, 1805-0859
Other information
Type of outcome
Article in a journal
Field of Study
Literature, mass media, audio-visual activities
Country of publisher
Czech Republic
Confidentiality degree
is not subject to a state or trade secret
RIV identification code
RIV/00216224:14210/12:00068236
Organization
Filozofická fakulta – Repository – Repository
Keywords in English
revision of patriarchy and white hegemony; oppressor vs oppressed; binary oppositions; postmodern novel
Links
MUNI/21/SAL/2010, interní kód Repo.
V originále
Ishmael Reed is known for writing original postmodern works which challenge white hegemony and control. His novels are praised not only for a mere deconstruction of such instances but also for erasure of the binary opposition of the oppressor/oppressed equation. However, although Reed uses his novels to deconstruct said instances of oppression, these attempts have been questioned by some critics who suggest that Reed not only does not deconstruct the opposition of male and female characters but also favours the position of male characters at the expense of female ones. This article then sets out to answer the question whether the position of women in Reed’s latest novel, Japanese by Spring, is in alignment with his intent to deconstruct binary oppositions or not. The article concludes that, while Reed is susceptible to emphasising male roles over female roles in his early fiction, in order to promote deconstruction of white hegemony his latest novel is endowed with powerful female characters and successfully deconstructs said binary oppositions.
Displayed: 14/5/2025 11:57