Supporting the Supporting Narratives? On Szilárd Borbély’s A Testhez (To the Body) and Gábor Németh’s Zsidó Vagy? (Are You Jewish?)

Abstract

In this paper, I illustrate how we can employ feminist theoretical issues in interpreting contemporary Hungarian works of art. In my reading, a dialogue is taking place between feminist theories on subalternity and literary works concentrating on the issues of representing excluded groups. Judith Butler often challenges the views that wish to represent the excluded groups and practices by widening the established heteronormative paradigm, so that the excluded groups can be integrated. She suggests a more radical solution, in which the entire system of representation, the entire frame and categorization are altered. In support of my theoretical claim I discuss some poems by Szilárd Borbély in the volume A testhez (To the Body) and argue that it can be related to the first type of representation of the subaltern, while the novel by Gábor Német, Zsidó vagy? (Are You Jewish?) belongs to the second type. I also emphasize that in some places even these two works, evidently expressing solidarity towards marginal groups, can repeat some hidden forms of prejudice against women.