Queer Women in Modern Spanish Literature: Activism, Sexuality, and the Otherness of the 'Chicas Raras'

This collection of essays explores the work and life choices of Spanish women who, through their writings and social activism, addressed social justice, religious dogmatism, the educational system, gender inequality, and tensions in female subjectivity. It highlights the importance of queer women in investigating the evolution of womens writing and sexual identity during Spain's transition to modernity in the nineteenth century. The essays also examine the cultural silencing of Spanish women authors and explore generational transitions from the romantics to the LGBTQ+ community.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 172 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating collection of essays delves into the profound lives and impactful choices of Spanish women, whose literary works and social activism have addressed a wide range of societal issues. Through their writings and unwavering commitment to social justice, religious dogmatism, educational reform, gender inequality, and the complexities of female subjectivity, these remarkable women have left an indelible mark on Spanish literature and culture.

The essays in this collection bring together writers who, while not commonly associated with each other, share overlapping perspectives and voices, highlighting their unconventional nature, interconnected relationships, and their connection to modernity. By foregrounding these aspects, the volume seeks to shed light on the unique contributions of these women writers to the literary landscape of Spain.

One of the central objectives of this volume is to examine the significant role that the concept of queerness played in the personal lives and social activism of these writers. Queerness encompasses a wide range of non-normative experiences and gender dissidence, reflecting how women intellectuals navigated friendship, religion, sex, sexuality, and gender during the tumultuous period of Spain's transition to modernity in the nineteenth century. The works examined in this collection include autobiography, poetry, memoir, salon chronicles, short and long fiction, pedagogical essays, newspaper articles, theater, and letters, providing a rich tapestry of literary expressions.

In addition to exploring the profound presence of queer women in nineteenth- and twentieth-century Spanish literature and culture, the essays in this collection also delve into the reasons behind the cultural silencing of Spanish women authors. This exploration examines the generational transitions of Spanish writers from the romantic era and their hermandad lírica (lyrical sisterhood) to the feminist movements of las Sinsombrero (Women Without Hats) and the contemporary Spanish writers who are linked to these movements. By examining these shifts, the collection sheds light on the challenges and barriers faced by women writers in Spain throughout history and highlights their resilience and determination in pursuing their artistic and intellectual aspirations.

Through their writings and unwavering commitment to social justice, religious dogmatism, educational reform, gender inequality, and the complexities of female subjectivity, Spanish women writers have challenged societal norms, empowered women, and contributed to the broader feminist movement. This collection serves as a testament to their remarkable achievements and the enduring legacy they have left behind. By highlighting their unconventional voices and their relationships to each other, this volume invites readers to appreciate the rich tapestry of Spanish literature and culture and to recognize the ongoing struggle for gender equality and social justice in Spain and beyond.

Weight: 340g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032154800