Anxiety of authorship

Definition

Anxiety of authorship refers to the fear or concern that authors may have regarding their ability to create original work, often stemming from societal pressures and the weight of historical expectations. This concept highlights the struggle between individuality and the influence of cultural narratives, especially in relation to gender, where female authors may feel particularly constrained by traditional notions of authorship and literary merit.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The anxiety of authorship often causes writers to doubt their creativity and originality, leading to concerns about plagiarism and the validity of their work.
2. Female authors have historically faced greater anxiety of authorship due to societal expectations about women's roles and limitations placed on their creative expression.
3. This concept can be seen as a reaction to the literary canon, which has favored male authors and marginalized women's voices, creating a perception that only certain narratives are valuable.
4. Anxiety of authorship can manifest in various ways, such as writer's block or self-censorship, as authors grapple with their place in literary history and the fear of not measuring up.
5. Feminist literary theory often addresses the anxiety of authorship as a means to understand how gendered expectations shape both the creation and reception of literary works.

Review Questions

• How does the anxiety of authorship impact female writers differently than male writers?
  • The anxiety of authorship tends to impact female writers more profoundly due to societal norms that historically limit women's roles in literature. These writers often face additional scrutiny regarding their originality and creative capabilities, compounded by a literary canon that predominantly celebrates male achievements. As a result, women may experience heightened self-doubt and pressure to conform to traditional expectations, which can stifle their creativity and authentic expression.
• Discuss how intertextuality relates to the anxiety of authorship in contemporary literature.
  • Intertextuality plays a significant role in shaping the anxiety of authorship as it emphasizes the interconnectedness of texts. Authors may feel overwhelmed by the vast array of existing works and the expectation to produce something entirely original. This concern is particularly pronounced among marginalized writers who navigate influences from canonical texts while trying to assert their unique voice. The resulting tension between inspiration and imitation can amplify feelings of inadequacy among authors.
• Evaluate how feminist literary theory addresses the anxiety of authorship and its implications for understanding literary production.
  • Feminist literary theory critically evaluates the anxiety of authorship by exploring how gendered expectations influence both writing practices and the reception of literary works. By examining the historical marginalization of women in literature, this perspective reveals systemic barriers that contribute to female writers' anxieties. It advocates for re-examining what constitutes literary merit and encourages inclusive narratives that celebrate diverse voices. This shift challenges traditional norms around authorship and empowers writers to embrace their unique contributions without succumbing to societal pressures.

Related terms

Intertextuality:

The relationship between texts, where one text references or is influenced by another, demonstrating that all writing is interconnected.

Patriarchy: A social system in which men hold primary power and dominate roles in leadership, moral authority, social privilege, and control of property.

Literary Canon: A collection of works considered representative or essential within a certain literary tradition, often highlighting the dominance of male authors and marginalizing women's contributions.