john irving the world according to irving

Gender Communication Theories and Analyses surveys the field of gender and communication with a particular focus on gender and communication theories and methods. It, as well, introduces a historical background of the feminist movements by focusing on the first wave and with much emphasis on the second wave of feminism that is basically characterized by 'consciousness raising' and rebellion. It also investigates how women were perceived by the American society throughout the years, from 1940s to 1980s, and the difficulties they face to confront their circumstances that denied them the equality of opportunity and freedom of choice.

As such, it highlights Irving's ambivalence in depicting feminist views or characters. The aim of this research is to analyze Irving's feminist perspectives that, as the novel shows, seem to drift from positive (liberal) to negative (radical) feminist perspectives through many feminist characters, from the single mother, nurse, and writer, Jenny Fields to the voiceless and fanatical group of women, whom Irving respectively calls, the Ellen Jamesians. John Irving (1942-) is regarded by critics as a male feminist who arouses much controversy about his view of feminism as pertaining to the masked intention behind the writing of his novel. The novel's main action takes place in the 1940s and continues until the 1980s. The World according to Garp was published in 1987.

John irving the world according to irving