Clear influence, and references to numerous other schools of thought: Marxist dialectics, Structuralist linguists and Semiology are a few of the critical theories Wittig incorporates to deliver her theses. At its very core, these essays center around rejecting heterosexuality- not just -normativity, and systems of gender that oppress, rob, take. I don't really identify as a Feminist, much less a radical one like hers.

I was thus quite surprised to see my initial skepticism and even ridicule at some of the earlier essays turn into appreciation for her scathing words. As much as Wittig is prone to generalizations- sometimes for more essential premises (e.g the role of women in society, in languages), that she takes to be representative of society's, or at least a society's valuation/appraisal/belief of gender and women/lesbians, she does get more lucid. The later essays more clearly show her stand, with nuances borrowed and shaped from other schools of thought (the aforementioned dialectics/materialism of Marx comes to mind).

Given that the text itself is quite short, at 100 pages in a rather large font, give this a read. Moreso if you're already familiar with feminist writers (l'ecriture feminine, heh heh), but even if you don't consider yourself particular sympathetic to such points of view, it's not a waste of time.

4.5 stars

A fascinating read about feminism and heterosexuality, and how the latter is a tool created by patriarchy to oppress women. My book has sticky notes everywhere, and I'm excited to use some of Wittig's ideas for future papers. Enjoyed some essays less than others, such as the ones about writing, but reading the entire book is worth it. There are some questionable comparisons between women and slaves, which are two entirely different situations despite their oppressed and subservient statuses, hence my docking half a star.

De cette lecture je retiendrai le sexe comme une catégorisation de plus et une énième création de l’oppression.

La-femme en tant que produit de la pensée straight, ne laisse d’autre choix aux femmes non hétérosexuelles qui se retrouvent « hors catégorie », que de vivre comme des femmes fugitives essayant d’échapper à leur classe, notamment les lesbiennes. Car là est bien leur statut, quand on n’est pas une femme hétérosexuelle, où aller quand la société ne t’offre pas généreusement une catégorie où te ranger ? Et c’est dans ce sens aussi que Wittig répète sans cesse que « Les lesbiennes ne sont pas des femmes. »

La pensée straight est fondée sur le primat de la différence, la libération et la liberté passera par l’annulation des genres. Les rendre obsolètes puis les supprimer.

RIP Monique Wittig. You would've hated "girl maths", "girl dinner", "I'm just a girl" TikTok brain rot.