Lesbian Continuum As An Alternative Strategy In Negotiating Heteronormativity In Sarah Water’s Fingersmith

This study is conducted to examine the portrayal of lesbian continuum in Sarah Waters’ Fingersmith. To conduct the analysis, there are two research questions: first, how is the construction of lesbian continuum portrayed in the relationship between Susan Trinder and Maud Lilly and how does lesbian continuum become a strategy to negotiate compulsory heterosexuality. In doing the analysis, theory of lesbian continuum which is proposed by Adrienne Rich will be used to elaborate the novel. This study is a qualitative research where the data are taken from the novel Fingersmith, library research, journals, and other relevant sources. To gain the comprehensive analysis, this study uses some methods which are: close reading, postulation the statements of the problems, data classification, and analysis using the lesbian continuum theory, supporting analysis through library research, books, and academic journals. This study finds that the characters of Susan Trinder and Maud Lilly can be identified as having double life which constructs the lesbian continuum. Moreover, the lesbian continuum becomes a strategy to negotiate compulsory hetero sexuality with denial and negotiation of women’s oppression.