25th Annual Student Research Conference
Confessions of a Mask: Norms and Socially Constructed Gender Roles
Nicole P. Renfro
Dr. Hena Ahmad, Faculty Mentor
In Yukio Mishimas Confessions of a Mask, queer theory can be applied to express the breakdown of gender binaries and socially constructed gender roles. Using the protagonist as a fictional version of himself, Mishima projects the view of a confused adolescent who struggles to perform straight behaviors in order to function normally in society. The protagonists view of correct and incorrect sexual desire demonstrates the socially constructed gender roles. Gender binaries express in everyday society the differences in male and female behavior and the differences a gender driven society wishes to see. In my paper, the use of queer theory will analyze Mishimas view of the respective gender roles and illuminate the problematic areas of sexuality and gender identity.
Keywords: Yukio Mishimma, Confessions of a Mask , gender binaries , gender roles, queer theory , gender identity
Topic(s):English
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 109-3
Location: VH 1408
Time: 8:30