Abstract
Recent articles about Philip Roths selected biographer, Blake Bailey, have reignited a conversation about whether Roth should be culturally canceled. In light of the newly reestablished debate about Roths supposed sexism if not misogyny, this article argues that it is problematic to assume that all of Roths female characters are sexist depictions. Through a close reading of The Dying Animal (2001), this article demonstrates that the novels protagonist, David Kepesh, engages women who possess sexual agency. Specifically, one of his lovers, Consuela Castillo, takes control of their sexualized power dynamic. A close analysis of Consuelas control oftheir relationship redirects the conversation about Roth and sexism toward his characters who seek sexual agency This article explains that Consuela displays sexual autonomy and then power as she freely pursues a relationship for her own gains, a reading which casts doubt on Roths alleged sexism.