In-Betweenness in Literature & Literary Theory

Etymology of In-Betweenness

The term “in-betweenness” derives from the etymological fusion of “in,” denoting a state of being within or inside, and “between,” signifying an intermediary position or relational space.

The concept encapsulates the condition of existing between two distinct states, entities, or categories. Emerging from linguistics and later adopted in various disciplines, “in-betweenness” has evolved into a versatile term employed in cultural, philosophical, and psychological contexts. It suggests a transitional state, emphasizing the dynamic quality of occupying an intermediate space, whether temporal, spatial, or conceptual.

This term has gained prominence in discussions of identity, cultural hybridity, and the exploration of liminal realms, reflecting the nuanced and fluid nature of entities existing betwixt and between defined boundaries.

Meanings of In-Betweenness

Aspect	Meaning
Transitional State	Represents a condition of transition or flux between two distinct states, emphasizing a dynamic and evolving quality.
Intermediary Position	Signifies an intermediate or middle ground, occupying a relational space between two entities, categories, or concepts.
Cultural Hybridity	Implies the blending of cultural elements, highlighting the intermingling of diverse cultural influences and identities.
Liminal Exploration	Involves the exploration of liminal realms, emphasizing the threshold or in-between spaces often associated with transformative experiences.
Identity Dynamics	Plays a crucial role in discussions of identity, suggesting a state of being neither wholly one thing nor another, but rather a synthesis of various elements.
Versatile Application	Adopted in linguistics and various disciplines, reflecting its versatile usage in cultural, philosophical, and psychological contexts.
Temporal and Spatial Significance	Emphasizes the dynamic nature of existing in-between, whether in temporal, spatial, or conceptual dimensions.
Fluid Nature	Reflects the fluid and nuanced nature of entities existing between defined boundaries, allowing for adaptability and flexibility.
Dynamic Betwixt and Between	Captures the essence of dynamic existence, occupying a state betwixt and between, where change and transformation are inherent.

Definition of In-Betweenness as a Theoretical Term

In-betweenness, as a theoretical term, encapsulates the state of transitional existence between two distinct entities, categories, or states. It emphasizes a dynamic and evolving quality, highlighting the fluid and nuanced nature of entities occupying intermediate or middle grounds. This concept finds versatile application in cultural, philosophical, and psychological contexts, serving as a crucial element in discussions of identity, cultural hybridity, and transformative experiences in liminal realms.

In-Betweenness: Theorists, Works and Arguments

While the term “in-betweenness” may not be directly associated with specific theorists, it aligns with broader theoretical frameworks related to liminality, identity, and cultural studies.

Scholars who have contributed to these fields have indirectly touched upon the concept. Here are a few theorists, works, and arguments related to the themes encapsulated by “in-betweenness”:

1. Victor Turner:
   • Work: “The Ritual Process: Structure and Anti-Structure.“
   • Argument: Turner’s concept of liminality, emphasizing transitional phases in rituals, aligns with the idea of in-betweenness, highlighting the transformative nature of intermediate states.
2. Homi K. Bhabha:
   • Work: “The Location of Culture.“
   • Argument: Bhabha’s discussions on hybridity and the “third space” contribute to the understanding of cultural in-betweenness, where identities are constantly negotiated and redefined.
3. Gloria Anzaldúa:
   • Work: “Borderlands/La Frontera: The New Mestiza.“
   • Argument: Anzaldúa explores the concept of the borderland, embodying a space of in-betweenness where cultural, linguistic, and identity boundaries are blurred.
4. Edward Said:
   • Work: “Culture and Imperialism.“
   • Argument: Said’s discussions on cultural imperialism and the impact of colonialism contribute to the understanding of in-betweenness, as colonized societies navigate between their indigenous cultures and imposed influences.
5. Paul Ricoeur:
   • Work: “Oneself as Another.“
   • Argument: Ricoeur’s discussions on narrative identity and the self’s temporality contribute to the understanding of identity as a dynamic process, involving in-between states and constant negotiation.

These theorists and their works offer valuable insights into the theoretical underpinnings of in-betweenness, especially in the contexts of cultural, identity, and liminal studies.

In-Betweenness and Literary Theories

Theory	Relevance
Postcolonialism	Explores the liminal spaces created by colonial encounters, where cultures intertwine and identities are in flux. In-betweenness is crucial in understanding hybrid identities in postcolonial literature.
Feminist Criticism:	Examines how in-betweenness manifests in gender roles, challenging traditional binaries. Characters navigating societal expectations and personal aspirations reflect the fluidity in feminist literary analysis.
Psychoanalytic Criticism	Aligns with the exploration of the psyche’s in-between states, delving into the subconscious realms where characters grapple with conflicts and transitions. In-betweenness contributes to understanding psychological dimensions.
Structuralism/Poststructuralism	Contributes to the analysis of binary oppositions and spaces in-between within structuralism, challenging fixed boundaries. In poststructuralism, it aligns with deconstruction, emphasizing the fluidity of interpretations.
Cultural Studies:	Offers insights into how cultures interact, overlap, and influence each other. In-betweenness serves as a lens to analyze dynamic exchanges within literary texts, reflecting the broader cultural milieu.
Narratology	Enriches the analysis of narrative structures, emphasizing transitions and transformations. Characters moving through in-between states contribute to exploring narrative dynamics and character development.
Existentialism	Connects with the existential notion of “becoming” and the search for identity in the face of life’s uncertainties. Literary works exploring existential themes often feature characters navigating in-between states.
Queer Theory	Examines in-betweenness in the context of fluid gender identities and sexual orientations. Characters grappling with non-normative identities contribute to the exploration of queer narratives in literature.

In-Betweenness in Literary Criticism

1. “The Metamorphosis” by Franz Kafka:
   • Critique: Kafka’s narrative encapsulates in-betweenness through the protagonist, Gregor Samsa, who undergoes a physical transformation. This metamorphosis positions him between the human and insect worlds, embodying the liminal state. The narrative explores the societal and familial reactions to this in-between existence, offering a profound critique of human relationships and expectations.
2. “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman:
   • Critique: Gilman’s story delves into the in-betweenness experienced by the narrator, confined to a room due to perceived mental illness. The wallpaper becomes a symbol of the boundary between sanity and madness. Through the protagonist’s evolving perception of the wallpaper, the narrative critiques societal attitudes towards women’s mental health, portraying the in-between spaces of confinement and liberation.
3. “A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings” by Gabriel García Márquez:
   • Critique: Márquez weaves a tale of in-betweenness with the arrival of a mysterious winged man. The story explores the ambiguous space between the magical and the mundane, challenging the community’s reactions to the supernatural. The critique lies in the societal inability to comprehend and accept the in-between nature of the extraordinary within the ordinary.
4. “The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas” by Ursula K. Le Guin:
   • Critique: Le Guin’s narrative presents a moral dilemma, prompting characters to navigate the in-between ethical space. The citizens of Omelas live in a utopian society built on the suffering of one child. The story critiques the moral in-betweenness of a society that thrives on the sacrifice of an individual, challenging readers to confront their own ethical boundaries.

These critiques showcase how in-betweenness serves as a powerful lens for analyzing complex themes and societal dynamics within short stories. The exploration of liminal spaces enhances the understanding of characters and the nuanced societal critiques embedded in these narratives.

Terms Relevant to In-Betweenness

1. Liminality: Definition: The quality of being in a transitional or intermediate state, often characterized by ambiguity and uncertainty.
2. Threshold: Definition: The point of entry or beginning of a new stage, representing a boundary between two spaces or states.
3. Transitional Space: Definition: An area or state that exists between two distinct phases, suggesting a period of change or transformation.
4. Betwixt and Between: Definition: A colloquial expression emphasizing the state of being neither here nor there, occupying a middle ground.
5. Interstice: Definition: A small intervening space or gap, highlighting the in-between areas within a larger context.
6. Hybridity: Definition: The blending or combination of different elements, often referring to cultural, linguistic, or identity-related amalgamations.
7. Limbo: Definition: A state of in-betweenness, often associated with a temporary or unresolved condition.
8. Ambiguity: Definition: Lack of clarity or certainty, allowing for multiple interpretations, reflecting the indeterminate nature of in-between spaces.
9. Transition Zone: Definition: A region or phase marking the shift from one state to another, embodying the essence of in-betweenness.
10. Purgatory: Definition: A state of temporary suffering or purification, symbolizing an intermediate stage between earthly life and the afterlife.

Suggested Readings

1. Boehmer, Elleke. Stories of Women: Gender and Narrative in the Postcolonial Nation. Manchester University Press, 2005.
2. Cixous, Hélène. Coming to Writing and Other Essays. Harvard University Press, 1992.
3. Fanon, Frantz. Black Skin, White Masks. Grove Press, 2008.
4. Foucault, Michel. The Archaeology of Knowledge. Routledge, 2002.
5. Le Guin, Ursula K. The Left Hand of Darkness. Ace Books, 1969.
6. Spivak, Gayatri Chakravorty. In Other Worlds: Essays in Cultural Politics. Methuen, 1987.
7. Todorov, Tzvetan. The Fantastic: A Structural Approach to a Literary Genre. Cornell University Press, 1975.
8. Woolf, Virginia. Orlando: A Biography. Harcourt Brace, 1928.
9. Zizek, Slavoj. The Sublime Object of Ideology. Verso, 1989.