Although speculative fiction in all its iterations has historically mostly been the domain of white, Western men it inherently possesses the capacity for theorizing different futures. This thesis...Show moreAlthough speculative fiction in all its iterations has historically mostly been the domain of white, Western men it inherently possesses the capacity for theorizing different futures. This thesis will explore the works of speculative fiction by three female authors of color: N.K. Jemisin’s Broken Earth trilogy, Octavia Butler’s Parable duology and Nnedi Okorafor’s Who Fears Death to examine how these novels imagine alternative futures. The theoretical framework will consist of the integration of posthumanist thought with cyborg theory and postcolonial theory, as these theoretical approaches all share the theorization of challenge to dominant power structures. Ultimately, this thesis will read these works and specifically their main characters as figures who straddle or ascend boundaries and in doing so, offer possibilities for transformation and resistance.Show less
This thesis discusses three contemporary feminist dystopias that have been published between 2016 and 2018. It argues that feminist dystopian fiction can contribute to the understanding of the...Show moreThis thesis discusses three contemporary feminist dystopias that have been published between 2016 and 2018. It argues that feminist dystopian fiction can contribute to the understanding of the female struggle in the United States by reflecting on reproductive rights and body politics in a dystopian setting. Through three thematic studies, language, genre and imposed boundaries on the female body, this thesis shows how the feminist dystopian genre places the female body in the midst of political and social disturbances. Amid the current political environment that seeks to restrict reproductive health care and rights for women, these novels challenge its readers' perception of their realities. This helps instigate change and a critical attitude towards current social issues and anxieties that are affecting the safety and health of women nationwide.Show less
