Examining the Hearing Line

Abstract

Reviews the book, Writing deafness: The hearing line in nineteenth-century American literature by C. Krentz (2007). The author of this book examines the formation of identity portrayed by both deaf and hearing authors in American literature to highlight a discourse over what it means to be deaf. The author uses a theoretical base on race and culture to explain how Americans negotiate deafness and indicates that the history of deaf Americans contains some interesting parallels to that of African-Americans and other minorities. In describing how deafness intersects with race, gender, class, and sexual orientation, the author enriches our understanding of the minority experience. This book offers insights into identity formation, perceptions, physical differences, race, and minority writing. The book provides a bridge for scholars and students of deaf studies, cultural studies, disability studies, social sciences, and American literature who seek that insight and understanding. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2013 APA, all rights reserved)