Emotions, in my experience, aren't covered by single words. I don't believe in sadness, joy, or regret. Maybe the best proof that the language is patriarchal is that it oversimplifies feeling. I'd like to have at my disposal complicated hybrid emotions, Germanic train-car constructions like, say, the happiness that attends disaster. Or: the disappointment of sleeping with one's fantasy.
In "Middlesex," author Jeffrey Eugenides expresses skepticism about the limitations of language in capturing the complexity of human emotions. He argues that typical words like sadness or joy fail to encompass the nuanced feelings individuals experience. Instead of categorizing emotions into simple definitions, he advocates for a more multifaceted approach that recognizes the intricate hybrids of feelings people endure.
Eugenides suggests that the nature of language itself, particularly its patriarchal structure, contributes to this oversimplification. He yearns for a richer vocabulary that mirrors the complexities of life, such as the bittersweet joy found in disastrous situations or the letdown of pursuing dreams that don't match reality. This perspective emphasizes the depth and variety of emotional experiences beyond the conventional labels.
