Bulletin of Hispanic Studies

Geographical and Corporeal Transformations in Carmen Boullosa's Duerme

Bulletin of Hispanic Studies (2006), 83, (3), 225–240.

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3828/bhs.83.3.6
Language
English
Pages
16

Abstract

This article examines the novel Duerme (1994) by the Mexican writer, Carmen Boullosa. Considering the geographical and corporeal transformations undertaken in the novel, this article argues that it is through the manipulations of the city, and of the body that inhabits this geographical space, that Boullosa sketches a radical undoing of colonial power. Making reference to theories of Grosz, Lefebvre and others regarding the body in space, this article proposes that the operation performed on the protagonist, Claire, constitutes a radical incursion of geography into the body, which then creates a potential for subversion of colonial norms. Finally, the article considers the last two chapters of the novel, where this radical potential is seemingly suppressed, although a latent subversive power still remains.

El presente artículo estudia la novela Duerme (1994) de la escritora mexicana, Carmen Boullosa. Considerando las transformaciones geográficas y corporeas que toman lugar en la novela, el artículo sostiene que, a través de las manipulaciones de la ciudad, y del cuerpo que habita este espacio geográfico, Boullosa propone deshacer el poder colonial. Haciendo referencia a las teorías de Grosz, Lefebvre y otros sobre el cuerpo en el espacio, el artículo propone que la cirurgía a que se somete a la protagonista, Claire, constituye una incursión radical de la geografía en el cuerpo, lo cual crea un potencial de subversión de las normas coloniales. Finalmente, el artículo considera los últimos dos capítulos de la novela, donde aparentemente este potencial radical queda suprimido, aunque perdura un poder latente de subversión.

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Author details

Taylor, Claire