A Reflection of Experience and Autobiography in Fay Weldon’s Fiction

Abstract

In this paper, I will present some of the most important and interesting facts from Fay Weldon’s autobiography, Auto da Fay, and the way in which certain aspects of her life have influenced her fiction and her attitude towards feminist issues. Weldon considers herself to be a feminist, going as far as to state that she has arrived at “the next stage of feminism”, and implying in various contexts that she is a pioneer in certain controversies regarding feminism. Fay Weldon seems to have an opinion on everything, be it romantic affairs, rape, pornography or prostitution, and has been criticized in various cases for the way in which she expresses these opinions. In her autobiography, readers may find the explanation for Weldon’s evolution both
as a person and as an author, creating characters with a strong background, inspired by the people around her, proving that the social standards have changed, and women have become empowered. Weldon has evolved with the times, suggesting that it is important for feminists to do the same, and help women in various parts of the world where female identity is not as strongly rooted in the social construct as it is in the West. Through the use of concrete examples from her life, Fay Weldon provides background for her female protagonists, giving readers a better understanding of feminism and femininity in the social construct. Her statements have been criticized, however, she has not been discouraged, and has always considered herself to be ahead of the crowd when it comes to feminism; nevertheless, Weldon has emerged as a mature, experienced feminist writer, which is obvious both in her memoirs and her fiction.