abstract |
Lesson in Short Shorts is a collection of memoir-based essays that explores the art of narrative through creative non-fiction. The themes of this creative dissertation focus on feminism, disability, and personal discovery. The writer uses essays as a mode for personal exploration and social commentary, connecting individual experiences to broader societal contexts. The dissertation is framed by interdisciplinary methodologies, blending feminist and disability theories to examine the intersections of gender, identity, and advocacy. The principal methodology used is autoethnographic narrative.
The critical reflection highlights the writer's evolution of creative non-fiction through published authors' work. The focus of the research is based on Critical Disability Theory, and Disability studies, along with feminist theories, provide a critical lens, shedding light on the lived experiences of marginalized groups and the structural barriers they face. The writer used work by authors Phillip Lopate and Mary Karr to provide insight on memoir writing. Essay collections by Melissa Febos and Rebecca Solnit were used to examine themes such as vulnerability, resilience, and feminism. Personal essays from authors Alice Wong, Harriet McBryde Johnson, and Molly McCully Brown were used to examine narratives of those with disabilities. All authors were used to examine the power of storytelling to foster empathy and awareness.
The author brings personal experience of living with a physical disability to the included creative pieces. The essays also speak to the author as an educator and advocate of the themes and concepts included. This dissertation aims to bridge the gaps in existing literature by addressing the intersection of feminism and disability, offering unique perspectives on identity, societal expectations, and justice. The dissertation advocates for increased representation of feminist and disability narratives in mainstream literature.
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