Abject/Abjection in Literary Theory

Etymology of Abject/Abjection

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The word “abject” comes from the Latin word “abiectus”, which means “thrown away, cast off, or degraded.” The prefix “ab-” means “away from” or “off,” while the root “iectus” means “thrown.” The word “abject” first appeared in English in the late 14th century. It was used to describe someone cast off or rejected from society often due to poverty or illness.

The related term “abjection” comes from the Latin word “abjectio,” which means an act of “throwing away” or “a rejection.”

In English, “abjection” first appeared in the early 16th century to describe a state of extreme humiliation or degradation.

Usage of Abject/Abjection

The term is often used in the context of psychoanalytic theory, where it refers to a state of being cast out or rejected by society, leading to feelings of disgust, shame, and powerlessness.

Both “abject” and “abjection” are used to describe situations or individuals that are low, degraded, or cast off from society. They can also be used to describe a feeling of extreme disgust or revulsion. The words have been used extensively in literature and philosophy, particularly in the works of theorists such as Julia Kristeva and Jacques Lacan.

Meaning of Abject/Abjection

Aspect	Description
Definition	In literature and literary theory, “abject” and “abjection” refer to a state of being or a subject matter that is considered low, degraded, or disgusting.
Examples	This can include physical objects or substances associated with bodily waste or decay, as well as individuals who have been cast off or rejected from society.
Literary Exploration	The concept of the abject is often used in literature to explore the boundaries of human experience and the limits of social norms.
Psychoanalytic Connection	In literary theory, the concept of the abject is closely tied to psychoanalytic theory, particularly the work of French psychoanalyst Jacques Lacan.
Lacan’s Perspective	According to Lacan, the abject represents a state of being that is outside of the symbolic order of language and social norms, and is therefore terrifying and repulsive to us.
Limitations of Language	The abject can be seen as a way of exploring the limits of language and representation, and understanding how our social and cultural constructions can both create and limit our experiences of the world.
Feminist Contribution	The concept of the abject has been widely used in literary and cultural studies, especially in the work of feminist theorists such as Julia Kristeva.

Origin of Abject/Abjection

Origin: The term “abject” and “abjection” come from the Latin word “abjectus,” which means “thrown away” or “cast out.”

First usage: The first usage of “abject” in English was in the 15th century, meaning “cast out or rejected.”
Theoretical usage: The theoretical usage of “abjection” was first developed by French philosopher Julia Kristeva in her 1980 book Powers of Horror: An Essay on Abjection. She quotes Victor Hugo;

No Beast is there without glimmer of infinity,

No eye so vile nor abject that brushes not

Against lightning from on high, now tender, now fierce.

Victor Hugo, La Legende des siecles

Explanation: According to Kristeva, “abjection” refers to the state of being cast out or rejected from the symbolic order, which is the realm of language, culture, and meaning. The abject is that which is excluded from the symbolic order and is therefore seen as impure or threatening to the boundaries of the self. Examples of abject objects or experiences include bodily waste, death, and the maternal body. She explains saying “Food loathing is perhaps the most elementary and most archaic form of abjection.”

Explanation Abject /Abjection

Abject refers to a state of being or subject matter that is considered low, degraded, or disgusting.
Abjection is the process of casting off or rejecting something from society or culture.

The concept of the abject is closely tied to psychoanalytic theory, particularly the work of Jacques Lacan and Julia Kristeva.
The abject represents a state of being that is outside of the symbolic order of language and social norms.
The abject is a necessary part of human experience, as it allows us to define ourselves and our social norms by excluding that which is seen as unacceptable.

The abject has been used in literary and cultural studies to explore a variety of phenomena, including the relationship between the body and society, the construction of identity, and the politics of exclusion and marginalization.
The abject has also been used in postcolonial theory and queer theory to explore the ways in which marginalized groups are cast off and rejected by society.
Overall, the concept of the abject helps us understand the ways in which societies define themselves by excluding that which is seen as other or unacceptable.

Relationship of Aetiology and Abject/Abjection

Aspect	Aetiology	Abject/Abjection
Exploration	Investigates origins and causes.	Deals with societal rejection and degradation.
Factors	Uncovers contributing factors.	Reveals why things are considered repulsive.
Context	Considers cultural and historical context.	Explains how context shapes what’s abject.
Factor Interplay	Recognizes multiple factors at play.	Acknowledges societal, psychological, and symbolic influences.
Causality Analysis	Involves deep causal analysis.	Probes complex reasons behind abjection.
Comprehensive Understanding	Provides a holistic understanding.	Offers insights into marginalization and repugnance.
Holistic Perspective	Takes a holistic view of development.	Provides a holistic understanding of abjection’s dimensions.

Theorists on Abject/Abjection

Theorist	Dates	Key Concepts and Contributions
Julia Kristeva	1941-present	– Introduced the concept of abjection in “Powers of Horror” (1980). – Explored abjection as a psychological state resulting from boundary breakdown between self and other. – Analyzed societal rejection and marginalization related to abjection.
Jacques Lacan	1901-1981	– Foundational in psychoanalytic theories underpinning the understanding of abjection. – Argued that the abject exists outside the symbolic order, eliciting fear and repulsion.
Kristeva’s Semiotic Theory		– Kristeva’s semiotic theory, precursor to abjection, focuses on pre-linguistic, bodily experiences of meaning. – Informs her exploration of the abject disrupting linguistic and social norms.
Gayle Rubin	1949-present	– Incorporates abjection in her work on the “Sexual Politics of Meat” (1980). – Explores links between the abjection of women and animals, highlighting gender and abjection intersections.
Judith Butler	1956-present	– While not primarily an abjection theorist, Butler’s performativity and gender identity work intersects with abjection. – Influences understanding of how abject identities are constructed and challenged.
Teresa Brennan	1952-2003	– Explored abjection and affect transfer in “The Transmission of Affect” (2004). – Connects abjection to emotional states and interpersonal relationships.
Hélène Cixous	1937-present	– Cixous’ feminist theories, including “writing the body,” intersect with abjection. – Explores how women’s writing challenges societal norms, including those tied to abjection.

Examples of Abject /Abjection in Literature

The character of Gregor Samsa in Franz Kafka’s The Metamorphosis is a classic example of abjection in literature. After waking up one morning to find that he has been transformed into a giant insect, Gregor is cast off by his family and becomes increasingly isolated and degraded. His physical transformation represents a symbolic rejection of his identity and place in society, and his eventual death represents the ultimate abjection.
William Faulkner’s The Sound and the Fury explores the theme of abjection through the character of Benjy Compson, a mentally disabled man who is often cast off and ignored by his family. Benjy’s inability to communicate effectively or understand the social norms of his community makes him an outcast, and his struggles to connect with others are a powerful example of the ways in which abjection can lead to isolation and loneliness.
In Samuel Beckett’s “Waiting for Godot,” the characters Vladimir and Estragon are trapped in a cycle of abjection and degradation, as they wait endlessly for a mysterious figure who may never arrive. Their physical and emotional deterioration represents a rejection of the human need for meaning and purpose, and their eventual acceptance of their own abjection is a powerful commentary on the human condition.

Tennessee Williams’ play “A Streetcar Named Desire” explores the theme of abjection through the character of Blanche DuBois, a fading Southern belle who is rejected and cast off by her family and society. Blanche’s descent into madness and isolation is a powerful example of the ways in which societal expectations and norms can lead to the rejection and marginalization of individuals.
The character of Gollum in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings represents a powerful example of abjection in literature. Gollum is a former hobbit who has been transformed by the power of the ring, and his physical and emotional degradation represents a rejection of his former identity and a descent into darkness and isolation. His struggle to reclaim his former self and connect with others is a powerful example of the human need for connection and belonging.

Suggested Readings

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