Abstract

In this thesis, I explore how queerness in Lily and her relationships are emphasized by tension between different forms of intimacy and Lily’s resistance to categorization. Lily prefers physical intimacy with Gerty and linguistic intimacy with Selden. This leads to ambiguity in the relationships, which highlights how they deviate from the heteronormative; both are queer in the sense of being indefinable. Lily resists linguistic intimacy with Gerty to avoid categorization because Lily’s identity is fluctuating and performative. That, along with Selden and Gerty idolizing Lily, prevents her from forming deeper bonds with them. I support this by utilizing Michel Foucault’s work on categorization. Building on Lori Harrison-Kahan and Johanna M. Wagner’s writings, I use queer theory to explore the fluid nature of Lily, Gerty, and Selden’s relationship. Adrienne Rich’s terms compulsory heterosexuality and lesbian continuum support my argument that Lily and Gerty’s indefinable connection is inherently queer, although they are taught by society to be heterosexual. Selden and Lily resist this too, with Lily only seeking his friendship. Like other literary heroines of this time, Lily’s life ends because she rejects marriage and fails to adapt to the new female identity. Few scholars have attributed the complexity of Lily’s identity and relationships to her queerness, which I argue she attempts to control through her intimacies. Fewer have examined homoerotic undertones between Lily and Gerty.