폴라 보걸의 『뜨겁고 두근거려』에 나타난 권력과 섹슈얼리티의 정치

Power and the Politics of Sexuality in Paula Vogel’s Hot ’N’ Throbbing

This study uses Foucault’s genealogical method to analyze the power relations and politics of sexuality in Paula Vogel’s play Hot ‘N’ Throbbing. Foucault’s analysis shows how the body of individuals is controlled by society, especially in the form of discipline and the regulation of populations. According to Foucault modern society has become preoccupied with sex because it is directly related to those two major forms of bio-power. Sexuality, as we know, is a socially constructed concept. Vogel explores these themes of sexuality, power and desire in a dysfunctional American family that is torn apart by the destructive influence of pornography and domestic violence. The protagonist, Charlene, is divorced from her abusive husband Clyde and writes feminist erotica for a living. The play depicts the complicated power relations between Charlene and Clyde by shifting between three different yet intertwined voices to narrate the play: the inner voice, the Voice Over and The Voice. In doing so, Vogel makes the dichotomous abuser/victim relationship ambiguous and shows that ultimately, no one is really in control. In addition, contradictions in Charlene’s character raise questions about Vogel’s perspective on feminism. Thus we find that the play has multiple layers that suggest multiple important themes.