Symbolic Function of Food in Contemporary Women's Literature

Bc. Zuzana Polišenská

Master's thesis

Abstract:

Tato diplomová práce se zabývá tématem jídla v současné ženské literatuře, jak je zpracováno v intelektuální a populární britské beletrii. Záměrem práce je zkoumání díla Virginie Woolfové Paní Dallowayová, Margaret Atwoodové Žena k nakousnutí, Helen Fieldingové Deník Bridget Jonesové, Joanne Harrisové Čokoláda a Elizabeth Gilbertové Jíst Meditovat Milovat. Pokouší se nahlédnou na vztah mezi ženskými postavami a stravováním. Především je jejím záměrem poukázat na jejich vztah k životu, který je symbolizován vtahem k jídlu.

Abstract:

This diploma thesis deals with the issue of food in contemporary women’s literature as demonstrated in both high-brow and popular British literature. For the purposes of my analysis, I will look at Virginia Woolfʼs Mrs. Dalloway, Margaret Atwoodʼs The Edible Woman, Helen Fieldingʼs Bridget Jonesʼs Diary, Joanne Harrisʼs Chocolate and Elizabeth Gilbertʼs Eat Pray Love. It attempts to look at relationship between female characters and nourishment. Above all, it is intended to show their relationship to life that is symbolized by relationship to food.

Keywords

symbolic meaning of food, eating disorders, female writers, individuality, social force, secret guilt, substitute, embodiment, sexuality, death

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 26. 4. 2012

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 11. 6. 2012
• Supervisor: Mgr. Lucie Podroužková, Ph.D.

Masaryk University

Faculty of Education

Master programme / field:
Teacher Training for Primary and Lower Secondary Schools / Lower Secondary School and Language School Teacher Training in English Language