Writing the wrong: an investigation into incest and transgressive sexuality in the novel 'Clutching shadow'

Abstract

Writing The Wrong is the accompanying thesis to my novel, Clutching Shadow, and investigates the nature of transgressive sexuality, namely an incestuous relationship between half-siblings Jez and Lex Sinclair. The thesis explores issues within the novel, such as how our childhood might have an effect on our sexual development, and how our sexual past influences our sexual present, and looks to various theoretical works for verification of the outcomes in the novel. The thesis also questions the concept of transgression and taboo; the novel deals with consensual incest as though it is a love story, which throws up the questions: why is incest wrong if it is a consensual relationship? Looking to other literary works shows how other writers have approached this subject. The subject of abuse and control in Clutching Shadow is also explored, and backed up by using theoretical sources on the psychology of child abuse and submissionldomination which shows how the abuse cycle can continue throughout a person's life.