Feminist narratology? Literary and linguistic perspectives on gender and narrativity

Abstract

Feminist narratology is a burgeoning field in the study of language and literature. This article revisits one aspect of such research: that focused on the global narrative profile, often referred to as plot structure. The analysis presented here considers this in light of the potential relationship(s) between gender and narrativity. Particular reference is made to the fiction by contemporary author Michèle Roberts. I argue that while there are superficial parallels between the characteristics of écriture feminine and the stylistic features in her work that relate to the perception of narrativity, it is not possible to propose a definitive correlation between gender and narrative form. Instead, by taking a deliberately integrative stance and drawing upon recent questions raised in feminist linguistics, a series of critical re-evaluations may be put forward that suggest there is further work yet to be done in developing feminist narratology.