Reconstruction of Self

The reconstruction of self is one of the main themes explored in Tess Gunty's novel The Rabbit Hutch. The concept of reshaping one's identity is illustrated through the character of Blandine, the protagonist, who is seen reconstructing her identity as a direct result of her trauma and the systemic pressures that have been placed upon her by the society.

Tiffany (later Blandine) is initially showcased to be a smart girl who excelled in high-school, but dropped out, after facing a toxic secret relationship with her music teacher. The reason behind her decision to drop out is influenced by the society's response to finding out about her relationship. She is unfairly blamed for the relationship while her teacher, Mr.Yager, was barely held accountable despite being the main culprit. They blamed Blandine (Tiffany) for being sexually involved with a married man while James faced no consequences.

As a response to this experience, Tiffany decided to take up the name "Blandine" that stood for the resilience and strength of a 15-year-old French hero from centuries ago. In addition, she leaves her foster home, and begins delving into Mysticism- the art of leaving her body that symbolises her need for escaping "from her body, from the world, and from patriarchy", as stated by the author Tess Gunty. The idea of escaping her body and the world seems to be appealing to Blandine because of her resentment toward the male favouring society, and her own gender that brings along with it- societal condemnation. Her interest in mysticism showcases her need to find meaning away from societal rules and norms.

The reshaping of her persona, I believe, acts as a shield that protects her from her haunted past, clearing her path of the traumatic experiences she wishes to erase. This trauma and pressure inflicted upon her by the society that forced her to reshape her identity, ranging from her name to shifting her home, showcases Gunty's idea of critiquing our faulty system that refrains from providing the necessary support and understanding toward the vulnerable, while powerful men like James remain protected.




Works cited

https://kirkcenter.org/reviews/troublesome-corporeality-mysticism-gnosticism-and-sacramentality-in-the-rabbit- hutch/