Savannah Tessier
Professor Helms
EN 2490.01
In Jasbir Puar’s article, “‘I Would Rather Be a Cyborg Than a Goddess’: Becoming Intersectional in Assemblage Theory,” the intricate web of intersectionality within the framework of assemblage theory is meticulously dissected. A concept originated from Kimberlé Crenshaw, a Columbia Law School employee, and professional writer on critical race theory, civil rights, Black feminist legal theory, and more, intersectionality posits that individuals’ identities are intricately shaped by the convergence of various social categorizations, including race, class, gender, and sexuality. Puar delves into how the assemblage theory provides a lens through which the complex interplay of these identity markers can be comprehended. This theoretical framework captures social formations as dynamic configurations, analyzing how intersecting systems of oppression operate to mold individual experiences and shape social structures.
However, Michael Parrish Lee’s article, “Eating Things: Food, Animals, and Other Life Forms in Lewis Carroll’s Alice Books,” adopts a literary approach to explore the themes of food, animals, and other life forms. Through very meticulous close reading and analysis, readers can see how Lee unravels the symbolic significance of these motifs within Carroll’s whimsical narratives. Food and animals emerge as recurring symbols in Carroll’s fantastical realm, imbued with deeper meanings that reflect broader themes of identity, transformation, and societal critique. By contextualizing these motifs within Carroll’s work, Lee offers profound insights into the cultural and historical significance of food and animals as symbolic representations.
Puar’s exploration of intersectionality delves into how various social categorizations intersect and interact to shape individual experiences and social structures as well as the complexities of identity and power dynamics in society. On the other hand, Lee’s analysis of symbolism in Carroll’s “Alice” books enriches our understanding of cultural and historical representations within Victorian literature. By closely examining motifs such as food and animals, Lee uncovers deeper thematic messages about identity, transformation, and societal critique. Through meticulous textual analysis, Lee reveals the layers of meaning embedded within Carroll’s whimsical narratives, offering profound insights into the cultural significance of these symbols within Victorian society.
While Puar’s article operates within the realm of critical theory and social sciences, focusing on theoretical concepts and interdisciplinary perspectives, Lee’s article adopts a literary framework, employing close reading and textual analysis to uncover symbolic meanings in literature. Despite these differences, both articles contribute valuable insights to their respective fields of inquiry and offer interdisciplinary perspectives that deepen our understanding of complex social and literary phenomena.
While Puar’s article draws upon a diverse range of examples from popular culture, academic scholarship, and personal narratives allowing Puar to show how intersectional identities are shaped by intersecting systems of power and oppression… Lee’s article adopts a primarily text-based approach, utilizing close textual analysis to unearth the symbolic meanings of food and animals in Carroll’s “Alice” books. Through meticulous examination of Carroll’s writing, Lee unearths the rich symbolic tapestry that permeates his narrative, shedding light on how food and animals function as potent symbols within his fantastical world.
In terms of interdisciplinary perspectives, both articles draw upon insights from multiple fields to enrich their analyses. Puar’s article engages with a myriad of disciplines, including critical theory, feminist studies, queer theory, and disability studies, to delve into the intersections of identity, sexism, and power. Puar’s interdisciplinary approach allows for a comprehensive analysis of complex social phenomena, drawing upon insights from multiple fields to enrich her theoretical framework. Similarly, Lee’s article draws upon literary theory, cultural studies, and historical analysis to explore the themes of food and animals in Carroll’s “Alice” books. By engaging with interdisciplinary perspectives, both authors offer multifaceted analyses that deepen our understanding of their respective subjects.
Culture plays a pivotal role in shaping identity and symbolism, influencing how individuals perceive themselves and interpret the world around them. Cultural norms, values, and traditions provide a framework through which people understand their place in society and construct their sense of self. Moreover, cultural experiences and backgrounds influence how individuals navigate intersecting systems of oppression, shaping their lived realities and shaping their identities. By acknowledging the significance of culture, Puar’s analysis of intersectionality becomes enriched, as it recognizes the diverse ways in which cultural contexts intersect with other identity markers to shape individual experiences. Similarly, Lee’s exploration of symbolism in Carroll’s “Alice” books is enhanced by an understanding of the cultural contexts in which these narratives were produced and received. Symbols such as food and animals carry cultural connotations that resonate differently depending on one’s background, highlighting the importance of cultural awareness in literary analysis.
Similarly, Lee’s analysis of symbolism in Carroll’s “Alice” books can be viewed through a lens of gender and sexism. Victorian society was characterized by rigid gender roles and expectations, which are reflected in Carroll’s portrayal of female characters and themes of transformation. Symbols such as food and animals may carry gendered connotations, reflecting societal attitudes towards femininity and masculinity. By exploring these themes, Lee contributes to our understanding of how gender norms and stereotypes are perpetuated and challenged through literature. Moreover, Lee’s analysis underscores the importance of recognizing how sexism intersects with other forms of oppression, such as race and class, to shape individuals’ experiences and interpretations of symbolic representations.
In conclusion, while Jasbir Puar’s “‘I Would Rather Be a Cyborg Than a Goddess’: Becoming Intersectional in Assemblage Theory” and Michael Parrish Lee’s “Eating Things: Food, Animals, and Other Life Forms in Lewis Carroll’s Alice Books” may differ in subject matter, both articles offer invaluable insights into their respective fields of inquiry. Puar’s article contributes to critical theory by delving into the intersections of identity, sexism, and power, while Lee’s article enriches literary analysis by uncovering the symbolic meanings of food and animals in Carroll’s work. Together, these articles epitomize the diverse approaches and interdisciplinary dialogues that characterize academic scholarship. Through their meticulous analyses, Puar and Lee shed light on complex issues, enriching our understanding of identity, power dynamics, sexism, and symbolism within literature. Due to the different knowledge that comes from both and the different voices we get from the authors, the pieces need each other to provide different kinds of information and analyzations. They provide a variety of reading which is important in the continuation of learning. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7939370/)
Cattani, Gino, and Ji-Hyun Kim. “Variety-Seeking, Learning and Performance.” PloS One, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 8 Mar. 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7939370/.
Coombes, Hannah. “Intersectionality 101: What Is It and Why Is It Important?” Womankind Worldwide, 15 Oct. 2020, www.womankind.org.uk/intersectionality-101-what-is-it-and-why-is-it-important/.
“Using Intersectionality to Understand Structural Inequality in Scotland: Evidence Synthesis.” Scottish Government, The Scottish Government, 10 Mar. 2023, www.gov.scot/publications/using-intersectionality-understand-structural-inequality-scotland-evidence-synthesis/pages/3/.
Sprockets and Springes 