HE, SHE, AND THE WORDS: GENDER AND WRITING IN THE NOVELS OF PAUL AUSTER

Abstract

Paul Auster’s novels have received much critical attention and literary acclaim, with most commentary focusing on his postmodern strategies: metafiction, embedded narration, multiple narrative voices, and open-ended interpretations. Auster’s works share certain characteristic features and themes: confused and vulnerable male characters, the writing process, guilt and atonement, and dysfunctional relationships.

This thesis argues that the extensive body of literary criticism and book reviews has nevertheless paid too little attention to the crucial role of female characters in his novels and the extent to which Auster’s obsession with language intersects with his representation of gender. Using three emblematic works – The Book of Illusions, Invisible, and Oracle Night, I demonstrate how words function as a controlling factor over Auster’s vulnerable male narrator-protagonists. The thesis establishes gender as an important topic in the study of Auster’s novels and ultimately suggests that Auster’s portrayal of his male protagonists may participate in a revised conception of modern American masculinity.