The monstrous as a strategy for the rupture of social conventions and the construction of femininity in the stories “Costumbres pre-matrimoniales” and “Sin remitente” by Jacinta Escudos

Abstract

This research analyzes the stories “Costumbres pre-matrimoniales” and “Sin remitente” by Jacinta Escudos, in which there are two characters, ‘The mother’ and Anabell, respectively, who have monstrous characteristics and behaviors that they adopt in order to oppose and fight against the rules of a society that invalidate them as human beings. Thus, the concept of monster will be understood as a way of denominating that which is outside the norm, but also as an opportunity for the subjects to experience processes of self-knowledge about their bodies that go beyond what is expected of them. In this case, through the acquisition of masks and “violent” behaviors, these female characters transgress regulatory ideals and propose a new femininity that does not limit their sexual freedom, nor classify them in gender or age stereotypes, so they are not defined as mere objects subordinated to the actions of those around them.