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Comparison Of Identity In Zami And Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit

2898 Words12 Pages

Zami by Audre Lorde and Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit by Jeanette Winterson both complicate the traditional "coming out" narrative by exploring the complexities of identity formation. While both novels deal with themes of sexuality, they also challenge the idea that sexual identity is the only defining aspect of a person's identity.
In Zami, Lorde presents a complex portrait of her own identity as a Black, lesbian, feminist writer. The novel explores the intersections of these identities, as well as the ways in which they have been shaped by Lorde's experiences of racism, sexism, and homophobia. Lorde's narrative is fragmented, moving back and forth through time and space as she reflects on her own history and the histories of her community. …show more content…

Narrative Structure: Zami is a non-linear narrative that moves back and forth through time and space, while Orange Is Not The Only Fruit is a more traditional linear narrative. How does each novel's narrative structure affect its exploration of identity formation?
2. Cultural Context: Zami is set primarily in the 1950s and 1960s in the United States, while Orange Is Not The Only Fruit is set in 1970s England. How do the cultural contexts of these novels shape their representations of identity formation?
3. Intersectionality: Zami explores the intersections of race, gender, and sexuality in Audre Lorde's identity, while Orange Is Not The Only Fruit explores the intersections of religion, sexuality, and family in Jeanette's identity. How do these novels use intersectionality to complicate the traditional "coming out" narrative?
4. Parent-Child Relationships: Both novels explore the relationship between the protagonist and their mother, and how this relationship is shaped by their sexuality. How do these relationships differ in each novel, and what do they reveal about the challenges of coming …show more content…

The novel is written in a highly stylized and metaphorical language, blending elements of fairy tales and biblical imagery. This style reflects Jeanette's dual identities as both a devout Christian and a lesbian, and her struggle to reconcile these seemingly contradictory aspects of herself. Winterson's use of language is also deeply connected to her exploration of gender and sexuality, emphasizing the ways in which language can be used to marginalize and exclude certain identities and

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