상상력과 실천: 애드리언 리치의 혐오를 초월하는 “공통 언어의 꿈”

Abstract

This paper aims to explore how Adrienne Rich’s The Dream of a Common Language embodies the practice of lesbian feminism theory in the 1970s. As a radical lesbian feminist, Rich fiercely critiques compulsory heterosexuality and celebrates the sexual and sisterly love between women through the important, ground-breaking essay, “Compulsory Heterosexuality and Lesbian Existence.” Evoking “Compulsory Heterosexuality and Lesbian Existence,” The Dream of a Common Language describes the communal lives of women based on shared experience and values, focused on the idea of ‘lesbian existence’ and the ‘lesbian continuum.’ In particular, “Twenty-One Love Poems” delineates lesbian sensuality and sensibility that have not been written in poetry before. The poems not only criticize patriarchal notions of love, but also affirm the love between women. Portraying lesbian relationships, Rich’s poems give visibility to what historically and politically had been so closeted in both literature and society. To fight against discrimination and homophobia, Rich chooses to risk condemnation from homophobic critics and readers; in doing so, she encourages the readers and feminists to examine the conservative dialogues about lesbian sexuality.