Roth and Reputation versus Sex and Empowerment in The Dying Animal

Abstract:Recent articles about Philip Roth's selected biographer, Blake Bailey, have reignited a conversation about whether Roth should be culturally "canceled." In light of the newly reestablished debate about Roth's supposed sexism if not misogyny, this article argues that it is problematic to assume that all of Roth's female characters are sexist depictions. Through a close reading of The Dying Animal (2001), this article demonstrates that the novel's protagonist, David Kepesh, engages women who possess sexual agency. Specifically, one of his lovers, Consuela Castillo, takes control of their sexualized power dynamic. A close analysis of Consuela's control of their relationship redirects the conversation about Roth and sexism toward his characters who seek sexual agency. This article explains that Consuela displays sexual autonomy and then power as she freely pursues a relationship for her own gains, a reading which casts doubt on Roth's alleged sexism.