Abstract
The works of Jakuba Katalpa have provoked discussions of gender iconoclasm that may occur in literature, and of the relationship of such literature to social life. This article focuses on Katalpa''s lyrical novel Je hlína k snědku? (2006, Is Earth Edible?) whose "story" may seem sensationally amoral if it is perceived as a picture of reality.
On the other hand, if its eroticism and sensuality are understood metaphorically, as a hyperbole, the work offers a portrayal of immense vitality in a woman who is able to disregard gender expectations and who draws strength, passion and pleasure from her body and her senses. Katalpa creates works that invite consideration of l''écriture feminine.
Her later novel Hořké moře (2008; Bitter Sea) creates women''s imaginary worlds of greater existential complexity, but also confirms the possibility of woman''s freedom if this woman dares to struggle with gender constructs in life, and in literary creation.