DECONSTRUCTING FEMINIST NARRATIVES: EXPLORING STEREOTYPES AND CULTURAL MYTHS OF WOMEN IN 'THE VANISHING HALF' BY BRIT BENNETT

Abstract

The study examines and illustrates the cultural myths and stereotypes about women in the novel by Brint Bennett. The study aims to identify and examine the different cultural myths and stereotypes about women in the portrayal of female characters in “The Vanishing Half'. The study overlooks the intersection between women's personal identities and what society expects of them. Some of the myths about women, like beauty and identity, motherhood, and some of the common stereotypes, like ‘strong black woman’ and ‘passive woman’, are examined in this study through qualitative analysis of the novel 'The Vanishing Half'. A little consideration was given to how these cultural myths and stereotypes affect the characters, personal lives, and experiences of women. The study not only explored the literary function but also offered insightful information for more studies about gender, identity, and culture.