Queering the Non-human: A Study of Oscar Wildes The Happy Prince

Name of Author : Mufeeda T

Abstract: Queer theorists challenge the validity and consistency of hetero-normative discourse, and focus to a large degree on non-hetero-normative sexualities and sexual practices. Queer theory states that there is an interval between what a subject does (social role) and what a subject is (the self). So, despite its title the theory’s goal is to destabilise identity categories, which are designed to identify the sexed subject and place individuals within a single restrictive sexual orientation. Queer theorists seek to uncover the social construction of sexuality, sexual identities and the conjoining process of institutionalisation of the gay, lesbian and women’s movements. Deeply influenced by post-structuralism, queer theory tries to dismantle the heteronormative statuesque where a binary gender system consisting of men and women dictates what is ‘normal’ and considers every deviation from the norm as perversion. Queer theory also focuses on the performative aspect of gender identity as gender is always performed at every point of life through gender specific behaviour and its continuous perpetuation. Gender is therefore not the essence of a person but is continually attributed to one through his or her behaviour and actions. The binary gender system is criticised because there could be more forms of gender identities than just man or woman.

Keywords : The Happy Prince, Hetero-normative discourse, Oscar Wilde

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