Beyond Containment

This critical exploration of corporeality in Mercè Rodoreda's fiction examines gendered bodies through various theoretical lenses, enriching our understanding of her work.

In Beyond Containment, the author presents a thoughtful analysis of corporeality within the narrative fiction of the Catalan writer Mercè Rodoreda. Drawing from diverse fields such as art and film theory, feminism, and literary criticism, the text delves into the complex notions of the gendered body, situating Rodoreda's work within specific cultural, geographical, and political contexts. This multifaceted approach allows for a richer understanding of how corporeal themes manifest in Rodoreda's storytelling.

The study is structured around four key areas of focus: the body as surface, image, and texture; the interplay between the body and space; the concept of the culturally and politically constructed body as a boundary; and the exploration of the abject or open body. These themes are examined in relation to Rodoreda's narratives, revealing how her literary creations engage with and challenge normative ideas surrounding gender and identity.

Moreover, Beyond Containment positions Rodoreda's work in conversation with various texts, media, and discourses, highlighting her artistic vision as both a reflection and a mediator of the material experiences of the twentieth century. This critical reading not only enhances our appreciation of Rodoreda's contributions to literature but also invites readers to reconsider the implications of corporeality in narrative form.