Research in Literary Studies, Panel 3
Type of Presentation
Panel
Location
D34182
Start Date
4-10-2026 10:00 AM
End Date
4-10-2026 10:45 AM
Abstract
Gabrielle Bierdz: Auto-homeroticism in Oscar Wilde’s Dorian Grey and Bret Easton Ellis’s American Psycho The purpose of this presentation is to describe and analyze the auto-homoeroticism found in Oscar Wilde’s novel Dorian Grey through a close reading of the text, while comparing Dorian’s character with Patrick Batemen’s character from Bret Easton Ellis’s novel American Psycho, a modern character of similar mind. Intensive close reading was done of each subject’s properties to find connections and link points between the thought processes or actions of each character and how those correlate with the term auto-homoeroticism. In addition, for Batemen specifically, the theatrical version of his source material was also included. I argue that each character exemplifies traits commonly found in patients that suffer from Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), which then correlates with the ‘auto’ aspect of auto-homoeroticism. These traits include their heightened senses of self-worth, excessive preening and ‘self-care’, and linking their mental state to how others view them, among others. While the conventional reading is that the novel Dorian Grey showcases homoeroticism, it is more apt to say that Dorian doesn’t connect with the men in his surroundings in a romantic or sexual sense, but in a way that heightens his own self-worth and beauty, due to his NPD and sexual/romantic love towards his own body and face. Taji Lacy: Feminist Analysis of Octavia Butler through Parable of the Sower and Kindred Octavia Butler is now regarded as a pioneer of the afrofuturism genre, a subgenre of science fiction that centralizes African American narratives and characters. Butler often prioritizes female protagonists as a way of elevating the marginalized voice of African American women. Her blending of realistic fiction with inventive uses of supernatural elements brings about innovative concepts that dismantle current societal ideals. These concepts are brought to life in her books Parable of the Sower and Kindred. In these novels, Butler explores familial relationships, slavery, religion, and agency through a feminist lens that places her heroines in charge of their destinies. My presentation dissects the way Butler is influenced by the social justice movements that she was involved in throughout her life. In analyzing her work, I will compare her to other writers of her time and the reasons why she is given such high regard within literary communities. My presentation also provides an interdisciplinary perspective on literary elements, science fiction tropes, and black trauma with hopeful outcomes. The intersectionality of the black woman’s perspective is one of the latest additions to the canon, especially through the discourse of the acceptance of science fiction as a viable genre to be studied. Ultimately, I aim to show how Butler uses black feminism as an innovative improvement mechanism in the works of Parable of the Sower and Kindred. Shannel Owens: An Evaluation of Oppression, Power Struggles, and Intersectionality in A Raisin in the Sun This presentation will examine the themes of oppression, power struggles, and intersectionality as represented in society, with a focus on the play A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry. My research analyzes how oppression operates through social structures such as racial segregation, economic inequality, and gender expectations. These barriers shaped the struggles of the family in A Raisin in the Sun. By examining the characters’ interactions with society, consciousness of barriers, and power struggles throughout the play, I demonstrate how the play portrays overlapping systems of power that influence both personal and family dynamics. Ultimately, I argue that A Raisin in the Sun presents a powerful literary representation of intersectional oppression and resistance. It also reveals how marginalized individuals navigate inequality while pursuing opportunity, equality, and status. There is a relevant connection to these same themes and oppressions in society today. The pursuit of financial independence, socioeconomic status, race, and gender is still a redundant oppression that African Americans are faced with.
Faculty / Staff Sponsor
Dr. Christopher White
Research in Literary Studies, Panel 3
D34182
Gabrielle Bierdz: Auto-homeroticism in Oscar Wilde’s Dorian Grey and Bret Easton Ellis’s American Psycho The purpose of this presentation is to describe and analyze the auto-homoeroticism found in Oscar Wilde’s novel Dorian Grey through a close reading of the text, while comparing Dorian’s character with Patrick Batemen’s character from Bret Easton Ellis’s novel American Psycho, a modern character of similar mind. Intensive close reading was done of each subject’s properties to find connections and link points between the thought processes or actions of each character and how those correlate with the term auto-homoeroticism. In addition, for Batemen specifically, the theatrical version of his source material was also included. I argue that each character exemplifies traits commonly found in patients that suffer from Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), which then correlates with the ‘auto’ aspect of auto-homoeroticism. These traits include their heightened senses of self-worth, excessive preening and ‘self-care’, and linking their mental state to how others view them, among others. While the conventional reading is that the novel Dorian Grey showcases homoeroticism, it is more apt to say that Dorian doesn’t connect with the men in his surroundings in a romantic or sexual sense, but in a way that heightens his own self-worth and beauty, due to his NPD and sexual/romantic love towards his own body and face. Taji Lacy: Feminist Analysis of Octavia Butler through Parable of the Sower and Kindred Octavia Butler is now regarded as a pioneer of the afrofuturism genre, a subgenre of science fiction that centralizes African American narratives and characters. Butler often prioritizes female protagonists as a way of elevating the marginalized voice of African American women. Her blending of realistic fiction with inventive uses of supernatural elements brings about innovative concepts that dismantle current societal ideals. These concepts are brought to life in her books Parable of the Sower and Kindred. In these novels, Butler explores familial relationships, slavery, religion, and agency through a feminist lens that places her heroines in charge of their destinies. My presentation dissects the way Butler is influenced by the social justice movements that she was involved in throughout her life. In analyzing her work, I will compare her to other writers of her time and the reasons why she is given such high regard within literary communities. My presentation also provides an interdisciplinary perspective on literary elements, science fiction tropes, and black trauma with hopeful outcomes. The intersectionality of the black woman’s perspective is one of the latest additions to the canon, especially through the discourse of the acceptance of science fiction as a viable genre to be studied. Ultimately, I aim to show how Butler uses black feminism as an innovative improvement mechanism in the works of Parable of the Sower and Kindred. Shannel Owens: An Evaluation of Oppression, Power Struggles, and Intersectionality in A Raisin in the Sun This presentation will examine the themes of oppression, power struggles, and intersectionality as represented in society, with a focus on the play A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry. My research analyzes how oppression operates through social structures such as racial segregation, economic inequality, and gender expectations. These barriers shaped the struggles of the family in A Raisin in the Sun. By examining the characters’ interactions with society, consciousness of barriers, and power struggles throughout the play, I demonstrate how the play portrays overlapping systems of power that influence both personal and family dynamics. Ultimately, I argue that A Raisin in the Sun presents a powerful literary representation of intersectional oppression and resistance. It also reveals how marginalized individuals navigate inequality while pursuing opportunity, equality, and status. There is a relevant connection to these same themes and oppressions in society today. The pursuit of financial independence, socioeconomic status, race, and gender is still a redundant oppression that African Americans are faced with.