"DARKNESS, DIRT, DEVIANCE"--AND DADDY : PATRILINEAL RELATIONSHIPS AND THE NEGOTIATION OF WOMANHOOD IN THE LITERATURE OF MIDDLE EASTERN AND ARAB-AMERICAN WOMEN

ECU Author/Contributor (non-ECU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)

Anne Z. Benenhaley (Creator)

Institution

East Carolina University (ECU )

Web Site: http://www.ecu.edu/lib/

Abstract: This thesis explores both works of fiction and non-fiction through which several Middle Eastern and Arab-American women writers have rebelled against traditional religious and ethical standards of their cultures in order to assert their individuality and independence. The writers represented--Darina Al-Joundi, Fadia Faqir, Lucette Lagnado, Elif Shafak, Teresa Nicholas, and numerous short story writers--adeptly display how the worlds of Middle Eastern and Arab-American women often extend beyond the expected roles of wives and mothers, often at the encouragement of their non-traditional Middle Eastern fathers. In several of these works, women flout gender and societal expectations despite enormous pressure to hold to traditional values\; sometimes, women rebel against the wishes of their fathers (and brothers) or, in some cases, they rebel because of a lack of male influence in their lives.

Additional Information

Publication

Thesis

Language: English

Date: 2023

Subjects

Women's studies;Middle Eastern studies;Brothers;Childlessness;Incest;Mental illness;Patriarchy;Rape

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