Maternal Bodies, Ojibwe Histories And Materiality In The Novels And Memoirs Of Louise Erdrich

Abstract

This thesis examines uterine metaphors and birthing scenes in the novels and memoirs of Louise Erdrich. Specifically, it examines convergences between these images and material feminisms, as well as Ojibwe spirituality and ontology. Within these images and metaphors, Erdrich critiques personal, family and gender boundaries and also the nature/culture divide and even ideas which separate birth and death. It begins with actual birthing scenes in her texts, then moves to metaphors and similes which birth or maternity is implied. This thesis uses feminist theories by Alaimo, Harraway, Hekman and Irigaray and also science study scholars like Bruno Latour and Andrew Pickering. Additionally, it applies texts by Basil Johnston and Victor Barnouw which examine Ojibwe stories and spirituality. The thesis argues that within the convergences between material feminism and Ojibwe spirituality, Erdrich offers an interesting critique of Western ontology.