Theoretical Approaches to English Language and Literature
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University Of South Africa (Unisa)
Introduction
This essay will use a disability studies theoretical framework to critically analyse the first four chapters of Sara Nović's novel True Biz (2022). The essay will explore the challenges faced by the two main protagonists, February Waters and Charlie Serrano, who are both young people...
Theoretical Approaches to English Language and Literature
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ENG3703-23-S2
Assignment 02:
Literary Theory Disability Studies Theoretical Framework
Introduction
This essay will use a disability studies theoretical framework to critically analyse the first four
chapters of Sara Nović's novel True Biz (2022). The essay will explore the challenges faced by
the two main protagonists, February Waters and Charlie Serrano, who are both young people
navigating the world with disabilities. It will also examine the assumptions that shape the
ways in which other characters interact with them.
True Biz is an ASL (American Sign Language) expression that means "totally," "for sure," or
"seriously." It is often used to emphasize a point or to express one's agreement with
something.
The expression True Biz is thought to have originated in the 1970s, and it quickly became
popular among Deaf and hard of hearing people of all ages. It is now one of the most popular
ASL expressions, and it is often used in Deaf culture and media. There is a reference to TTYs
on page 29 of the extract. A TTY, or teletypewriter, is a device that allows people who are
deaf or hard of hearing to communicate over the phone.
Disability Studies Theoretical Framework
Disability studies is a broad and interdisciplinary field that examines disability from a variety
of perspectives, including social, cultural, political, and economic. One of the key tenets of
disability studies is the social model of disability, which argues that disability is not simply a
medical condition, but rather a result of the way that society is organized (Goodley, 2013).
The social model emphasizes that people with disabilities are not inherently deficient, but
rather that they are faced with barriers that prevent them from fully participating in society.
The social model of disability is useful for understanding the challenges faced by February
and Charlie in True Biz. For example, when February is denied a job because she is hearing
impaired, this is not simply a result of her individual disability. Rather, it is a result of the fact
that society has not made accommodations for people with disabilities. Similarly, when
Charlie struggles to keep up in school because his teachers are not trained to teach Deaf
students, this is not simply a result of his individual disability. Rather, it is a result of the fact
that the education system has not been made inclusive of students with disabilities.
Assumptions about Disability
, The novel True Biz highlights a number of assumptions about disability that are prevalent in
society. One common assumption is that people with disabilities are incapable of taking care
of themselves. This assumption is evident in the way that February and Charlie are often
treated by the other characters in the novel. For example, when February is at the doctor's
office with her mother, the doctor speaks directly to her mother, ignoring February
altogether. In another scene, Charlie is at a restaurant with his family, and a waiter asks his
parents how he wants to order his food, without even asking Charlie himself.
Another common assumption about disability is that people with disabilities are less
intelligent and capable than people without disabilities. This assumption is evident in the way
that February and Charlie are often underestimated by their teachers and classmates. For
example, February's teachers often assume that she is struggling academically because she is
hearing impaired. Similarly, Charlie's classmates often assume that he is not as smart as them
because he is Deaf.
These assumptions about disability are harmful because they can lead to people with
disabilities being treated as less than capable individuals. They can also lead to people with
disabilities being denied opportunities or being treated unfairly.
Challenges Faced by February and Charlie
February and Charlie face a number of challenges as a result of their disabilities. February
struggles to fit in at school and is often teased by her classmates. She also has difficulty
communicating with her hearing teachers and classmates. Charlie struggles to keep up in
school because his teachers are not trained to teach Deaf students. He also has difficulty
communicating with his hearing parents, who do not know ASL.
In addition to these academic challenges, February and Charlie also face social challenges.
They are both often isolated from their peers and have difficulty finding friends who
understand them. They also experience discrimination from others, such as when February is
denied a job because she is hearing impaired.
The challenges faced by February and Charlie are not simply a result of their individual
disabilities. Rather, they are a result of the way that society is organized. The social model of
disability helps us to understand that the challenges faced by people with disabilities are not
inherent to their disabilities, but rather are created by the barriers that society places in their
way.
Impact on the Characters
The assumptions and challenges that February and Charlie face have a significant impact on
their lives. February often feels isolated and misunderstood. She feels like she doesn't belong
in either the hearing world or the Deaf world. Charlie also feels isolated and frustrated. He
feels like he is constantly having to prove himself to others.
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