Gender Identity As Constructed in The Diary of Anaïs Nin of 1931-1934

Abstract

The traditional binary opposition of two sexes has been questioned by contemporary feminists, gender researchers and queer theory supporters. The idea that gender is a socio-cultural construct is widely accepted in the academic world. Gender stereotypes are being critically addressed in order to be deconstructed.

The aim of this thesis is to study gender identity of Anaïs Nin as constructed in her diary of 1931-1934. The hypothesis of the paper is that gender identity is a cultural, fluid construct which has no ontological nature and is the result of individual's gender performance. The works of Judith Butler lay the theoretical base for the analysis of Nin's gender identity. The writer's gender identity proves to be a fluid, ever-changing, contextual category. Nin was able to identify with both sexes and moved beyond traditional gender norms and boundaries. By rewriting and editing her diary, Nin constructed her gender identity in her diary.