Abnormal Individual’s Acceptance And Rebellion Of Power Discourse In Maurice

This dissertation employs the power discourse theory of Michel Foucault toanalyze the role of phallogocentric masculinity in the formation of the “abnormalindividual”. In patriarchal society, phallogocentric masculinity penetrates the differentstages of family, public school, university and society and influences the subject’sself-identification. In E.M. Forster’s novel Maurice, Edwardian homosexual is thecollection of Foucauldian abnormal individuals such as the adolescent masturbator, theincorrigible individual and the monster. Such abnormality is the result of failedinternalization of masculine model. The root of the abnormality is revealed through thecriticism on hegemonic masculinity. The conclusion is that the abnormal cannot berestored to normality unless the subject breaks with the incompatible discourse ofpower.Chapter1is an introduction to E.M. Forster, Maurice and the related studies athome and abroad. Chapter2introduces the related theoretical basis, that is,phallogocentrism, power/knowledge and discourse, and the three Foucauldian sourcesof abnormal individuals. Chapter3represents family as the primary stage in cultivatingmasculinity. Power discourse implants into the subject the concept of masculinitythrough education and science of sex, and the masculine priority is shown in its leadingposition in the gender relations. However, the incompatibility of power discourse andMaurice’s sexual orientation finally causes his adolescent masturbation, a physicalabnormality. Chapter4shows the important role in strengthening masculinity played bythe University of Cambridge, where one’s superiority is shown in the mastery ofdiscourse in a community. The division between body and spirit caused by theexcessive emphasis on metaphysical pursuit makes Maurice an incorrigible individual,a cognitive abnormality. Chapter5explores the function of society in supervisingmasculinity. The evidence of masculinity lies in one’s position in power relations. Thepressure on masculinity leads to the differentiation of people’s preferences under social panopticon. The disillusion to the existing masculine model changes a society supporterto a monster, a behavioral abnormality. Chapter6analyses the impossibility in medicaltreatments, which are established within the power discourse. Edwardian homosexualsas the combination of the abnormal, the only way to resort to normality is to realizetheir real identity and escape from the current system of power discourse. Flight to theutopian greenwood becomes the only choice. Finally, Chapter7is the summary of themain idea of the dissertation.