Subjective Perfection
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Authors
Jones-Alexander, Va'Nisha
Issue Date
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
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Abstract
This creative thesis is a collection of short stories that examine the complexities of womanhood through the intertwined experiences of marriage, motherhood, and personal identity. Centered on the emotional realities of girls and women navigating various stages of life, the collection explores how societal expectations surrounding femininity, particularly ideals of agreeability, submission, and silence
shape and often constrain women’s understanding of themselves and their relationships.
Through a diverse cast of characters from different backgrounds, the stories engage in themes of romantic relationships, friendship, postpartum struggles, grief, and enduring love. Each narrative offers an
intimate portrayal of the internal and external conflicts women face as they negotiate cultural norms while seeking authenticity and emotional fulfillment. By challenging traditional expectations, the collection
highlights the tension between societal roles and individual desires.
Collectively, these stories illustrate the layered rationality behind women’s thoughts and actions, particularly within roles that are often idealized yet emotionally demanding. The work brings visibility to suppressed struggles, sacrifices, and unspoken desires, revealing both the risks and resilience inherent in navigating these identities. It underscores the mental and physical strength required to exist within
systems that often leave little room for self-expression or acknowledgment of personal needs.
Interspersed throughout the collection are three original poems that serve as thematic and emotional bridges between sections. These poems deepen the work’s symbolic and narrative complexity, offering additional perspectives that enhance the exploration of voice, identity, and shared experience.
Ultimately, this thesis traces the continuum from adolescence to adulthood, examining the evolving nature of identity, the intensity of female friendships, and the psychological fractures that can emerge within motherhood. By presenting honest, nuanced depictions of women lived experiences, the collection seeks to interrogate and reimagine the social constructs that define and often limit womanhood
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Citation
Publisher
Clayton State University