Sexuality Construction in Jacqueline Woodson‘s Red at the Bone

Abstract

This research analyzes sexuality construction in Jacqueline Woodson‘s Red at the Bone published in 2019. The goals of this research are to reveal how the sexuality is constructed in Jacqueline Woodson‘s Red at the Bone using Judith Butler‘s gender performativity theory. This research focuses on how the writer constructs sexuality through the main female character, Iris. There are two research questions to discuss in this research. The first research question is how sexuality is constructed through the main female character, and the second is the author's critical position. The theory used in this research is representation theory by Stuart Hall, using the constructionist approach, particularly the discursive approach, and Judith Butler's gender performativity theory. This research was conducted by applying the qualitative method. The data, in the form of words and sentences, were classified as sentences and statements related to the sexuality construction. The data in this research are divided into two kinds. The primary data were taken from the novel, such as narration and dialogue. Then, the secondary data were taken from many sources, such as articles, journals, theses, and websites related to the study. The results of this research show that Iris's sexuality is a complex and multifaceted component of her identity. Two factors influence the construction of sexuality: biological and social aspects. Biological factors, including age and race, and social factors, are peers, parents, and media, influence Iris's sexuality. The author of this novel was inspired by the Tulsa Race Massacre in 1921 in the posh black enclave of Greenwood. This massacre and other examples of black wealth being destroyed made the author think about generational wealth in comparison with income, and it influenced the author to write this novel.