Eve/Evelyn's Transgender Process in The Passion of New Eve: A Masculine/Female Identity

Abstract

Gender construction, a pivotal aspect of feminist discourse, has been a focal point in Angela Carter’s works, particularly in exploring the ideological, social, and political underpinnings of rigid gender divisions. This article delves into Carter’s feminist postmodern agenda, focusing on the deconstruction of gender binarism as exemplified in her novel, The Passion of New Eve. Drawing on Judith Butler’s Gender Theory, this paper examines Carter’s use of transgender as a narrative technique to deconstruct fixed gender boundaries, critique patriarchal systems, and emphasize the flexibility of gender identities within a postmodern feminist framework. Through a meticulous analysis of the novel, this study unveils Carter’s project to illustrate the fluid nature of gender. Central to this exploration is the character of Eve, whose double-gendered body serves as a case study in challenging traditional gender roles. By portraying Eve’s gender transitioning process and highlighting the fluidity of gender construction, Carter exposes the ideological dynamics underlying socially constructed gender categories. Carter’s subversion of patriarchal norms, symbolized by the castration of Evelyn and his subsequent transformation into a biological woman, underscores her critique of misogynist structures. This study reveals the nuanced portrayal of gender fluidity and the deconstruction of binary notions within Carter’s narrative. Through Eve’s transformative journey, Carter disrupts entrenched patriarchal systems, advocating for a more inclusive and flexible understanding of gender identities.