Speciesism, Subjectivity, and Becoming-Other in Michel Faber’s Novel Under the Skin

Abstract

This paper undertakes a critical analysis of Michel Faber’s novel, Under the Skin (2000), with the aim to explore ethical relations between different species. The primary objective of this analysis is to delve into the concepts of speciesism, subjectivity, and Deleuze and Guattari’s ‘becoming-other’ in order to investigate their potential in the realm of science fiction literature that mirrors practices of more-than-human animal exploitation and questions their ethics. The novel Under the Skin presents the viewpoint of Isserley, a female alien sent to Earth with the mission to capture human male hitchhikers, destined to become a meat delicacy on her home planet. Isserley, who has speciesist modes of thinking towards humans and, therefore, does not acknowledge their subjectivity, is resilient to becoming-other. This article seeks to criticize speciesism and anthropocentric subjectivity through the lens of critical animal studies, using Faber’s novel to explore themes such as speciesist behaviour and modes of thinking, carnism, self-centered anthropomorphism as a form of anthropocentric projection, and the possibility of ethical relations between different species. The paper also explores hierarchical systems of oppression, emphasizing the necessity to extend ethical affinities to more-than-human animals. By making use of Deleuze and Guattari’s concept of becoming-other, the research advocates for reconceptualizing boundaries between humans and more-thanhuman animals, challenging exploitative practices. The study contributes to the field of critical animal studies and science fiction literature by pursuing vegan literary analysis and fostering a reconsideration of exploitative practices towards more-than-human animals.

Keywords

• speciesism
• subjectivity
• becoming-other
• becoming-animal
• carnism
• anthropomorphism
• science fiction
• veganism