Beyond the Ordinary: Women’s Experiences of Disability in the Surrealism of

Samanta Schweblin’s 'Mouthful of Birds’

This research is situated within the field of Literary Studies under English

Lhterature, with a concentrated focus on Disability Studies as it intersects with

contemporary literature and feminist theory.

The representation of disability in literature has predominantly been approached

from realist perspectives, often confining the understanding and portrayal of disabled

experiences within conventional, normative frameworks. This realism-centric approach

has led to a significant gap in exploring how alternative literary genres, especially

surrealism, conceptualize and engage with the notion of disability.

Samanta Schweblin’s "Mouthful of Birds," a collection noted for its surreal and

often disturbing narratives, provides a unique opportunity to examine this gap. The

surreal elements in Schweblin's stories challenge the boundaries of reality, offering a

landscape where conventional perceptions of normalcy, including those related to

physical and mental abilities, can be questioned and reimagined.

However, there is a noticeable scarcity of scholarly work that critically analyzes

how surrealism, as a literary device, contributes to or challenges the existing disability

narratives. This is particularly evident in the context of how female experiences of

disability are portrayed in surreal literature. Given that women's experiences with

disability can be significantly different due to societal and cultural factors, it is crucial to

understand how these experiences are shaped by and reflected in non-realist literary

forms.
 Moreover, the intersection of disability studies and surrealism raises important

questions about how disability is conceptualized in non-traditional narratives. Does

surrealism offer a more liberating or, conversely, a more confining representation of

disability? How do the surreal aspects in Schweblin's stories interact with and influence

the reader's perception of disability and normalcy? These questions highlight a critical

gap in disability studies within the realm of literary analysis.

This study seeks to address the gap in literary criticism by analyzing howj0

surrealism in Samanta Schweblin’s "Mouthful of Birds" contributes to the discourse on

disability, with a particular focus on female experiences. It aims to explore how the

surreal elements in Schweblin’s narratives challenge or reinforce existing disability

theories and perceptions, thereby offering new insights into the representation of

disability in contemporary literature.

The intersection of disability, gender, and surrealism in literature presents a rich

field of study, drawing upon diverse academic discourses. Samanta Schweblin's

"Mouthful of Birds" (2019) emerges as a compelling text for this exploration, particularly

due to its surreal narrative style and focus on female characters.

In disability studies, the works of scholars like Lennard J. Davis (2013) and

Rosemarie Garland-Thomson (2002) offer foundational perspectives. Davis’s "The

Disability Studies Reader" and Garland-Thomson’s "Integrating Disability, Transforming

Feminist Theory" underscore the importance of integrating disability into broader

sociocultural contexts. They argue for a more nuanced understanding of disability beyond

medical or pathological models, which is crucial for analyzing Schweblin’s surreal

depictions of disabled experiences.

 The role of women in literature, especially within surreal contexts, has been

explored in texts such as "Women in Dada: Essays on Sex, Gender, and Identity" edited

by Naomi Sawelson-Gorse (1998). This work provides insights into the historical

representation of women in avant-garde and surreal movements, offering a backdrop to

Schweblin's contemporary narrative approach.

Surrealism in literature, particularly in the context of Latin American writers, has

been discussed extensively by scholars like Alejo Carpentier (1975) in "The Kingdom of

this World". Carpentier’s concept of "lo real maravilloso" (the marvelous real) echoes in

Schweblin's work, where the boundary between the real and the surreal blurs, especially

in the context of experiencing disability.

Recent studies have begun to intersect these fields. For instance, Sarah

Hallenbeck’s "Claiming the Bicycle: Women, Rhetoric, and Technology in Nineteenth-

Century America" (2016) illustrates how women’s mobility and disability intersect.

While not surreal in nature, it provides a foundation for understanding how mobility and

disability can be portrayed in literature.

In terms of specific disability narratives, David T. Mitchell and Sharon L.

Snyder’s "Narrative Prosthesis: Disability and the Dependencies of Discourse" (2000)

highlights how disability has been used as a narrative device. Their concept of 'narrative

prosthesis' could be a pivotal lens through which to view the surreal and often

metaphorical use of disability in Schweblin’s stories.

Overall, these works collectively form a nuanced understanding of how disability,

gender, and surrealism interact in literature. Schweblin's "Mouthful of Birds" provides a

contemporary canvas to extend these discussions, particularly in the way surrealism can

offer new dimensions to the portrayal of women's experiences with disability.

The proposed research, "Beyond the Ordinary: Women’s Experiences of

Disability in the Surrealism of 'Mouthful of Birds'," is highly significant as it intersects

disability studies, gender studies, and literary analysis. This study stands out for its

unique focus on surrealism in literature, an area seldom explored in the context of

disability and gender. By dissecting Samanta Schweblin's portrayal of women with

disabilities in a surreal framework, the research promises to unveil new perspectives on

how disability is perceived and represented in literature, challenging traditional

narratives. This approach not only broadens academic understanding but also has

profound implications for societal views on disability, encouraging a shift towards more

inclusive and diverse representations. Such insights are crucial for advocating for the

rights and recognition of disabled individuals, particularly women, whose experiences are

often marginalized. This study, therefore, holds substantial relevance in promoting a

more empathetic, inclusive, and well-rounded understanding of disability in the cultural

and literary domains.

The primary objective of the study "Beyond the Ordinary: Women’s Experiences

of Disability in the Surrealism of 'Mouthful of Birds'" is to explore and critically analyze

how disability, particularly as experienced by women, is portrayed in the surrealistic

narratives of Samanta Schweblin. This research aims to bridge the gap between disability

studies and literary analysis, particularly within the framework of surrealism, an area that

has received limited academic attention in this context. By examining the

intersectionality of gender and disability in these surreal narratives, the study seeks to
provide a deeper understanding of how these themes are interwoven and represented in

literature. Furthermore, it aspires to shed light on the broader cultural and societal

implications of these representations, particularly in terms of challenging existing

stereotypes and misconceptions about disability. Through this analysis, the study also

aims to contribute to the discourse in gender studies by highlighting the unique

experiences of disabled women, thereby fostering a more nuanced understanding of

gender and disability. Ultimately, the research seeks to offer new perspectives and

insights that could influence future literary criticisms, cultural studies, and possibly

inform policy related to media and literature, advocating for more inclusive and accurate

representations of diverse experiences.

At the core of this research lies an in-depth textual analysis of Samanta

Schweblin’s collection, employing close reading techniques to unravel themes, symbols,

and narrative strategies related to the depiction of women and disability within surreal

contexts. To enrich this analysis, theoretical frameworks from disability and gender

studies, such as the social model of disability and feminist disability theory, will be

intricately woven into the examination, offering a layered understanding of how the

experiences of disabled women are constructed and represented in literature.

Further augmenting this inquiry, a comparative lens will be applied, juxtaposing

Schweblin’s narratives with other works in surreal literature that echo similar motifs.

This comparison not only situates Schweblin’s contributions within a wider literary

milieu but also accentuates the distinctiveness of her approach to disability and gender.

The research will be underpinned by a comprehensive literature review that traverses the
domains of disability studies, gender studies, and literary criticism, particularly focusing

on the surreal. This review will not only contextualize the study within existing

scholarship but also highlight the research gaps this study aims to address.

The research will unfold across several integrated chapters, each building upon

the other to create a cohesive narrative. The introductory chapter will set the stage,

presenting the research topic, objectives, and its broader significance. This will be

followed by a literature review, mapping the terrain of disability and gender studies

within the realm of surreal literature. The theoretical underpinnings will then be laid out,

detailing the frameworks that will guide the textual analysis. The heart of the thesis will

be the meticulous analysis of 'Mouthful of Birds,' where theory and text converge to

unravel the complex tapestry of gender, disability, and surrealism. A comparative

analysis will broaden the scope, drawing parallels and contrasts with other surreal works,

thereby deepening the understanding of Schweblin’s narrative artistry. The discussion

chapter will weave together the strands of analysis, interpreting the findings within the

wider literary and theoretical landscape. The study will culminate in a concluding

chapter, summarizing the key insights, their implications for future research, and

reflective concluding remarks.

Throughout this journey, ethical considerations, particularly in terms of

representation and interpretation of disability and gender, will be a guiding beacon,

ensuring a sensitive and respectful approach towards these intricate and often nuanced

topics. This integrated methodology promises not only an in-depth literary exploration
but also a meaningful contribution to the intersecting fields of disability studies, gender

studies, and literary criticism.

This research underscores the importance of exploring disability within the realm

of surreal literature, an area that has been relatively uncharted. Schweblin's narratives

have served as a unique lens through which the experiences of disabled women are

viewed, challenging conventional representations and stereotypes. The comparative

analysis with other surreal works has further highlighted the distinctiveness of

Schweblin's approach to storytelling and her contribution to the broader literary

landscape.

The study stands as a testament to the power of literature as a medium for

exploring and challenging societal norms and stereotypes. It illuminates the importance

of considering diverse experiences and perspectives, particularly in the context of

disability and gender, and paves the way for further scholarly inquiry in this intriguing

and vital area of study.

Bibliography

1. Braidotti, Rosi. Nomadic Subjects: Embodiment and Sexual

Difference in Contemporary Feminist Theory. 2nd ed., Columbia University

Press, 2011.

2. Cixous, Hélène, and Catherine Clément. The Newly Born Woman.

Translated by Betsy Wing, University of Minnesota Press, 1986.

 3. Clare, Eli. "Stolen Bodies, Reclaimed Bodies: Disability and

Queerness." Public Culture, vol. 13, no. 3, 2001, pp. 359-365.

4. Davis, Lennard J., editor. The Disability Studies Reader. 5th ed.,

Routledge, 2017.

5. Garland-Thomson, Rosemarie. Extraordinary Bodies: Figuring

Physical Disability in American Culture and Literature. Columbia University

Press, 1997.

6. Hall, Kim Q., editor. Feminist Disability Studies. Indiana

University Press, 2011.

7. Kafer, Alison. "Feminist, Queer, Crip." Indiana University Press,

2013.

8. Kristeva, Julia. Powers of Horror: An Essay on Abjection.

Translated by Leon S. Roudiez, Columbia University Press, 1982.

9. McRuer, Robert. "Crip Theory: Cultural Signs of Queerness and

Disability." NYU Press, 2006.

10. Mitchell, David T., and Sharon L. Snyder. Narrative Prosthesis:

Disability and the Dependencies of Discourse. University of Michigan Press,

2000.

11. Morris, Jenny. "Feminism and Disability." Feminist Review, no.

43, 1993, pp. 57-70.

12. "Disability Studies Quarterly." [Online Journal]. dsq-sds.org.

13. Schweblin, Samanta. Mouthful of Birds. Translated by Megan

McDowell, Riverhead Books, 2019.

 14. Siebers, Tobin. "Disability in Theory: From Social

Constructionism to the New Realism of the Body." American Literary History,

vol. 13, no. 4, 2001, pp. 737-754.

15. "Journal of Literary & Cultural Disability Studies." [Online

Journal]. liverpooluniversitypress.co.uk/journals/id/59.

16. Tremain, Shelley, editor. Foucault and the Government of

Disability. University of Michigan Press, 2005.