Examining the complex interrelations between gender and violence in the works of Iain Banks, the study focusses on both his mainstream and science fiction novels. It critically analyses how gender roles are portrayed in Banks’ novels, and how this portrayal interacts with acts of violence. Employing an interdisciplinary approach, the study is drawing from sociology, psychology, and philosophy. includes a cross-sectional study of sexualised violence in Banks’ works, examining how sexualised violence is used to reinforce or challenge gender stereotypes. While Banks’ works frequently highlight the inequality and violence inherent in patriarchal societies, they often fall short of fully subverting traditional gender binaries. The recurring theme of gendered violence, whether in the form of physical or psychological abuse, underscores the persistent influence of patriarchal norms. The study provides a thorough analysis of the complex interplay between gender and violence in Iain Banks’ fiction. It highlights both the subversive potential and the limitations of Banks’ gender portrayals, offering a nuanced perspective on the ways in which literature can both challenge and reinforce societal norms. It underscores the importance of critically examining gender representations in literary works to understand their impact on broader cultural discourses. CONTENTS 1. Introduction 1 2. Iain Banks vs. Iain M. Banks 9 2.1 Genres in Banks’ Fiction 10 2.2 Transgressions and Limits 28 3. Gender and Violence 34 3.1 Theories, Constructions and Hierarchies 35 3.2 Representations of Femininity and Masculinity 40 3.3 Gendered Violence 46 3.4 Sexualised Violence: Reading Rape 53 4. Gender Bender? 57 4.1 Gender and Identity 59 4.2 Violence and Adolescent Masculinity 61 4.3 The Self and the Other: Construction through Oppositions 67 4.4 Unveilings: Constructions and Performances 74 5. Gender Stereotypes? 77 5.1 Sex and Gender and the Culture 77 5.2 The Changer’s Unchanging Gender Performance 80 5.3 ‘Feminine’ Culture vs. ‘Masculine’ Idirans? 89 5.4 – a Reproduction of Gender Stereotypes? 93 6. Stereotypes Meet Subversive Potential: 96 6.1 Gender: a Magnifying Glass for Difference 98 6.2 The Space in Between 105 6.3 Gendered Characters, Gendered Societies 109 7. Making Victims, Making Perpetrators 111 7.1 Violated Women – Sexual Transgression as Means of Masculine Domination 113 7.2 Inversions – ‘Domination Feminine’ 127 7.3 Incestuous Relations 138 7.4 Rape and Revenge 147 7.5 Violated Men – ‘The Last Taboo’ 155 7.6 Narrative Evidence of Hierarchy, Domination, and Subversion 168 8. Is the Culture Anti-Patriarchal? 173 8.1 Princess vs. Patriarchy: 174 8.2 Strong Woman Archetype 185 9. Conclusion 190 Works Cited 198 weiterlesen