조이스 캐럴 오츠의 『블랙 워터』

Joyce Carol Oates' Black Water : Listening to the Voice of the Victim

This study examines the internal thoughts of the protagonist, Kelly Kelleher in Joyce Carol Oates' Black Water based on the real incident in Chappaquiddick Island, Massachusetts in 1969, to listen to her voice. Remembering and rewriting the scene of the accident and scrutinizing Kelly's life, Oates explores her consciousness. Kelly believes that she can actualize her dreams and live her own life as an American girl. However, false images and ambivalent reality of an American girl hindered by patriarchy are revealed. The patriarchal family and society force Kelly to be a good girl who is submissive, docile, and obedient especially to an authoritarian father-figure with power. I trace the patriarchal background in which Kelly has been raised and by which she has been influenced. Also, the causes why Kelly wants to have an unequal relationship with a powerful man in politics are discussed. In addition, I analyze how Kelly is betrayed by the father-figure she trusts, exploring Oates' subversion of patriarchal fairy tales/myths. Finally, I examine how Kelly facing her own death tries to remember her own life and to rewrite what has happened to her again and again, reflecting the meaning of her life with the will to live even though she is dying. This research tries to reveal dying Kelly's voice as the victim.