Exploration in Digital LiteratureMain MenuIntroduction to Exploration in Digital LiteratureWorks CitedAbout the Student AuthorsLucy Dunlop0f87c154df9d1f5b9c9db43bf755c92458e4029aChristina Dang16f8741b7c1912c88412ac3ecd3d51712dc3f3f0Deena Lang131c436bb0b401aee393cec40c25d6b298e0d091Amelia Tan072c06bdfc7e7ce98f28891a102d135bb24f1261
"My Body" Starting Image
1media/Screen Shot 2019-11-06 at 8.47.30 PM_thumb.png2019-11-10T09:57:36-08:00Lucy Dunlop0f87c154df9d1f5b9c9db43bf755c92458e4029a355683screenshot from "My Body" by Shelley Jacksonplain2019-11-14T11:45:07-08:00Lucy Dunlop0f87c154df9d1f5b9c9db43bf755c92458e4029a
My Body was written and designed by Shelley Jackson in 1997. It is an HTML hypertext work originally published by the Alt-X Online Network. My Body uses monochrome sketches of human anatomy to relate certain body parts to specific memories and anecdotes. By doing so, it characterizes the narrator’s coming of age, including an exploration of both sexuality and sensuality. Shelley Jackson classifies My Body as a semi-autobiographical work, but there are also undoubtedly fictitious elements. To interact with My Body, the reader begins by selecting a body part from the starting image. Each body region includes an image and recollections that reveal an aspect of the narrator’s youth. The reader is able to click through parts of the body that are hyperlinked together. There is no order or chronological aspect to the work, it is merely an exercise of exploration. This exploration of the physical body is especially meaningful because it reveals insight into the narrator’s identity. It explains how not only our biology, but also our character is influenced by our outside environment. My Body can be accessed here.