The Argonauts Can Be Described As A Book Essay - 1265 Words

Maggie Nelson’s book The Argonauts can be described as a book that has hit its cultural moment, a book that has come just in time. In an age where questioning what society has strict ideas for what is and is not ‘normal’, Nelson’s book is able to not only break down these social constructs, but do so in an unorthodox way. As Nelson undergoes pregnancy, and her partner Harry begins to take testosterone and even receives top surgery, Nelson really questions some of the most controversial topics discussed throughout the world today. By examining the theories of gender, sexuality, and heteronormalcy, Nelson is not only able to question why society has accepted these constructs to be normal, but she is also able to break down these ideas in some very simplistic ways. Through her use of language, structure, and theory, Nelson is able to speak out and reflect on some of the most controversial issues that plague the country. One of the controversial topics that Nelson discusses is gender, and refers to Judith Butler’s Gender Troubles. In her book, Butler deconstructs the gender binaries because she believes that they lock our thoughts in a cage. â€Å"There is no reason to assume that genders ought also remain as two† (Butler 9). Butler is not trying to completely destroy gender identity, but what she wants is to remove the binary labels of gender, and learn why society has accepted the genders male and female to be normal. Nelson feels that she is someone who personally does not needShow MoreRelatedAn Analysis Of Edith Hamilton s Mythology1073 Words   |  5 PagesEven in the tale of the Argonauts, this curiosity must be fed. Therefore Gods and Goddesses were a perfect fit within their lives. For example Zeus, king of the Gods was able to launch lightning from his hands at the Earth below. A man is unable to flee from his Moira, or his destiny. 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