LESBIANISM IN VICTORIAN NARRATIVE IMPLIED BY SARAH WATERS’ FINGERSMITH (Lesbianisme Dalam Cerita Narasi Victoria Ditunjukkan Oleh Sarah Waters Pada Novelnya Fingersmith)

Abstract

This research discusses lesbianism and how the reconstruction of lesbian identity in Victorian narrative depicted in Fingersmith. There are three problems in this research, how is the ideal woman in Victorian era, how is the representation of lesbianism in Fingersmith and what is the ideological agenda behind Sarah Waters’ Fingersmith portraying lesbian identity. In writing this novel, Waters rewrites past representations that have traditionally been male dominated to female perspectives. To criticize heterosexuality especially in Victorian era as the dominant feature, she uses lesbianism as agenda. This research employs qualitative method that uses Queer theory from Judith Butler to observe the problematic binary classification of sexual desire (homosexual and heterosexual). The result of this research, there are some regulations in Victorian era to suppose an ideal woman. The representation of lesbianism in this novel shown by Sue and Maud transform from a passive women become active participant in society. They are trapped in the house as a prison under controlling Maud’s uncle. They gain independence and through lesbian relationship. Through this novel, Waters admits working with an agenda to give a voice toward lesbianism. She narrates other view to the Victorian women, not only submissive on the men’s hand but also creative to revolt authority.