An Analysis of Gender Binarism in McCullers’ The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter

Abstract

This paper provides an analysis of gender binarism in Carson McCullers’ novel, The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter , situated within the socio-cultural milieu of Southern America. It examines the depiction of persisting challenges posed by binary gender paradigms and the portrayal of potential emancipation within the narrative. The analysis focuses on two central characters, interpreting them as contrasting cases. One character represents the paradox inherent in the rebellious endeavors, highlighting how these actions, influenced by Phallocentrism and a broader framework of hierarchical structures, might inadvertently reinforce gender binarism. The other character exemplifies a triumphant departure from the binary gender paradigm through striving to attain a state of equilibrium marked by the harmonious coexistence of gender differences. Through this analysis, the paper reveals the author’s dual perspectives in her exploration of gender binarism using these two distinct protagonists. At last, it employs the traditional Chinese philosophical concept of “harmony in diversity” in conjunction with feminist and gender theories to elucidate the encouraged path toward emancipation from gender binarism within McCullers’ narrative.