Written on the Body by Jeanette Winterson is a complex tapestry of romantic and sexual love, weaving together elements of the romantic and picaresque genres. The novel challenges conventional narratives by refusing to disclose the narrator’s gender, inviting readers to grapple with their own biases and assumptions about gender roles. In doing so, Winterson presents a universal experience of love that transcends traditional boundaries.

Interrogating Gender and Sexuality

The narrative's refusal to reveal the gender of its protagonist forces readers to confront and question sexual stereotypes associated with gender. The androgynous narrator shares intimate relationships with both men and women, primarily with married women who are ostensibly heterosexual. This dynamic not only expands the spectrum of sexual possibilities but also influences how readers perceive the narrator’s actions and choices. When contemplated as male, the narrator’s impulsive and self-indulgent behavior may be likened to that of Tom Jones, the protagonist of Henry Fielding’s 1749 novel. Tom’s antics are often met with indulgence, even envy. Conversely, if perceived as female, the narrator’s behavior might diverge from the typical femme fatale archetype, presenting a more nuanced and sympathetic character, thanks to the predominantly female lovers and the witty, exuberant nature of narration.

Subverting Stereotypes

This gender ambiguity creates a disorienting effect, continuously challenging and altering conventional understandings of sexual and gender-based stereotypes. As a confidant of sorts to the reader, the narrator reveals a flawed and sometimes unsympathetic character. This complexity is vividly illustrated in the portrayal of Jacqueline, a mousy and ordinary lover who suffers greatly from being abandoned. Jacqueline's departure stands in stark contrast with the robust and sexually adventurous nature of previous lovers, highlighting a less compassionate side of the narrator. The disdainful description of Jacqueline’s ordinariness underscores the narrator’s biases, offering a critical reflection on the nature of empathy and emotional connection.

Self-Discovery and the Body

The novel's title hints at the themes of self-exploration and expression through sexuality. Winterson frequently explores the intertwining of self and other, asserting that discovering oneself through a lover is a fundamental aspect of love. This motif is powerfully presented in Written on the Body, as the narrator muses on the bodily similarities with Louise, their lover. The narrative repeatedly references a merging with and possession of Louise’s body, epitomizing the idea of love as a profound and intimate connection: “This is the body where [my] name is written.” Yet, the body symbolizes more than just physical pleasure; it encapsulates both life and death within its form. Initially, Louise’s body is venerated in loving detail, but this adoration shifts to a more clinical perspective as disease intrudes. The body, once a source of ecstasy, becomes an adversary.

Romantic Influences and Themes of Longing

Winterson acknowledges the influence of Romantic poet George Gordon, Lord Byron, on her work. This inspiration is evident in the fervent pursuit of emotional and physical intensity described by the narrator, who admits to a relentless quest for “ecstasy without end.” The language of the novel, coupled with its tragic elements and the unrequited desire for an unattainable lover, places it firmly within the romantic tradition. This is further reinforced by an underlying luxurious revelry in misery, as the narrator confesses an addiction to passion, however fraught, while expressing disdain for mere contentment. The rhetorical question posed to the reader—“Contentment is a feeling you say? Are you sure it’s not an absence of feeling?”—captures the narrator’s scorn for complacency, underscoring a perpetual yearning for more profound experiences.