Date of Award

5-2025

Document Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

English

First Advisor

Danica Savonick

Second Advisor

Teagan Bradway

Abstract

This thesis explores motherhood from a perspective that seeks to inform and challenge the patriarchal definitions of motherhood in order to simultaneously confront its restrictions and create new meanings from its institutionalized definition. The main text that this thesis analyzes is the 2021 novel Nightbitch by Rachel Yoder, as well as the 2024 film of the same name, critiquing how it successfully queers motherhood by questioning, challenging, and defying the impractical expectations placed upon mothers by society. Some secondary scholars whose works that I utilize to support my argument are authors such as Audre Lorde, Jessica Calarco, Adrienne Rich and Jack Hallberstam, along with many other feminist writers who examine the complexities of motherhood. Through extensive research, it is discovered how motherhood must be perceived as natural and biological so that women will feel destined to become mothers, rather than view motherhood as a choice. Since society needs mothers, society must control them, which they do through popular culture, literature, social media and politics. This results in mothers feeling like they are inadequate or “bad” due to their inability to live up to such demanding ideals. It is when they discover the inadequacy of these ideals that mothers become their most authentic selves. This is because mothers discover how powerful and strong they are in their capabilities and influences on the world.

Download

Share

COinS