The Fragmented Sexual Identity in Donald Barthelme'sSnow White

Abstract

My study in Bartheleme'sSnow Whiteis to show the fragmented sexual identity of the main female protagonist, Snow White. In quest of establishing sexual identity, she happens to make sexual relationship with many lovers. Out of her lovers, she does not choose anyone. If she had chosen one and established her relation, she could have maintained her sexual identity. But she fails to do so. She does not work with patience and rationality and works with sexually motivated impulses. So, she indulges herself only in the fulfilment of her sexual desires. But, she even becomes unsuccessful to satisfy herself sexually what to speak of maintaining sexual identity. Infact, she takes faulty way to materialize her quest into reality. Her aim and her action do not seem harmonious. Thus, Snow White's unsuccessful sexual relationship with many lovers has created fragmentation in her sexual identity. If she had caught only one lover and strengthened her relationship with him to her best, she could have succeeded in maintaining her sexual identity. But, she does not do so and falls in confusion, frustration, and identity crisis.