An 'I' neither precedes nor follows the process of this engendering, but emerges only within and as the matrix of gender relations themselves. And to bring this post back around to yet another Biblia Files thread, Culler concludes his chapter on performativity by asking about the media. Whether the image corresponds to reality or not. He then goes on to claim that the model of 'literature as an act' can help us to understand and think about general cultural events. The final chapter is on identity.
Theory also contests the priority of the subject itself.
And of course, Culler gets into literature, identity politics, and their influences on each other. Overall, I found this a very helpful book. Of course, sometimes the flailing is half the fun. But seriously, if I win the lottery, you can all expect a copy of this. All Rights Reserved.