Topics in/of Theory

The novels analyzed in this chapter incorporate thematically oriented forms of theory. Patricia Duncker’s Hallucinating Foucault integrates parts of Michel Foucault’s discourse analysis and queer theory. The novel presents various options (of desire, sex, the ‘normal’, etc.), destabilizing their authority and hinting at the fluidity between the seemingly clear-cut boundaries—something that, again, might be extrapolated from the novel for new concepts of literary theory. Ulrike Draesner’s Dowry integrates gender theory by putting an intersex character at the center of the novel. This character serves both as a diegetic presentation of theory and as a checkpoint for the other characters’ tolerance of ambivalence—thus using the other characters’ opinions for an evaluation of theory. Moreover, the central ideas of gender theory are applied to peridiegetic aspects of the novel. This can be understood as a metaization and creation of theory. Finally, Mithu Sanyal’s Identitti (as well as Bernardine Evaristo’s Girl, Woman, Other) can be understood, first, as an ‘introduction’ to critical race theory, presenting the current state of the debates. Second, the novel demonstrates a critical approach to theory by affirming certain positions or tendencies and devaluing others. Third, it offers perspectives that go beyond theory, for example by highlighting moral, emotional, or epistemological aspects not covered by (critical race) theory.