Skip to main content

Literary Criticism: Marxism- Gramsci’s Hegemony

Marxist Literary Criticism: Unraveling Hegemony through Gramsci's Perspective

Introduction:

Antonio Gramsci (1891-1937), Italian Communist Party leader and Marxist political theorist published as a journalist for the Socialist newspaper Avanti! (Forward!). Gramsci sought to chart a new course for the Socialists. During this period he worked closely with Palmiro Togliatti, who went on to serve as leader of the Italian Communist Party from 1926 to 1964. Togliatti and Gramsci joined forces with Umberto Terracini, who began publishing the leftist journal L’Ordine Nuovo (The New Order) in 1919. The three men tried to encourage workers to take over the factories in Turin, Italy's industrial capital. They argued that if the workers seized the factories and assumed management responsibilities, the workers could form factory councils that would help them acquire the political and technical sophistication necessary for achieving socialism. Socialist Party leaders condemned this approach as utopian and argued that the chief task for the radical left should be the overthrow of the state. Within the realm of Marxism, Antonio Gramsci's concept of hegemony adds a nuanced layer to this analysis. In this article, we will delve into the tenets of Marxist literary criticism, with a specific focus on Gramsci's notion of hegemony and its implications for understanding literature. 

Understanding Marxist Literary Criticism:

Marxist literary criticism is grounded in the fundamental principles of Marxism, pioneered by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. At its core, this approach recognizes literature as a product of the social and economic relations prevailing in a society. It contends that the ruling class, which controls the means of production, shapes and utilizes literature to reinforce its dominance and propagate its ideologies.

Gramsci's Concept of Hegemony:

Antonio Gramsci, an influential Marxist thinker of the 20th century, expanded upon the Marxist framework by introducing the concept of hegemony. Hegemony refers to the dominant group's ability to maintain and legitimize its power through the consent and active participation of subordinate groups. It operates through a complex system of social, cultural, and intellectual practices that establish the ruling class's worldview as the accepted norm.
Karl Marx
In Althusser, there is no room for autonomous or non ideological thought or action. However, with Italian Marxist, Antonio Gramsci, a modified concept came into being, that of hegemony. Hegemony is the domination of a set of beliefs and values through ‘consent’ rather than through coercive force. Under hegemonic conditions the majority of a nation’s citizens has so effectively internalized what the rulers want them to believe that they genuinely think that they are voicing their own opinion. However, there is always room for dissent. American Marxist critic Raymond Williams emphasized this aspect and expressed his view that the base completely determines the superstructure is too simple. From William’s perspective, ideology, hegemony and counter-hegemonic tendencies struggle with each other in literature and culture that are constantly in motion. Cultural Materialists follow Raymond.

Application of Gramsci's Hegemony to Literary Analysis:

When applied to literary criticism, Gramsci's concept of hegemony provides a lens through which we can analyze how literature functions as a vehicle for the dominant class's ideologies and interests. Literature, as part of the superstructure, plays a crucial role in shaping and maintaining hegemony. It reflects the dominant class's worldview, reinforces their values and beliefs, and creates a sense of common sense among readers.

Interrogating Power Relations:

Gramsci's concept of hegemony prompts us to critically examine power relations in literature. We analyze how characters, themes, and narratives either reinforce or challenge the existing social order. By scrutinizing the interactions between different social classes, we gain insights into the ways in which power is wielded and contested. This approach sheds light on the representation of class struggles, exploitation, and resistance within literary texts.

Unveiling Counter-Hegemonic Elements:

While literature often perpetuates hegemonic ideologies, it can also harbor counter-hegemonic elements. These elements challenge the dominant class's worldview and expose the contradictions and inequalities within society. Marxist literary criticism, influenced by Gramsci's ideas, seeks to identify and analyze these subversive elements. By doing so, it reveals the potential for resistance, social change, and the emergence of alternative perspectives within literature.

Literature as a Site of Struggle:

Viewing literature as a site of struggle aligns with Gramsci's belief that cultural production is a battleground for contesting hegemony. Writers and artists, conscious of their social role, can use literature as a means to challenge and subvert the dominant ideologies. Marxist literary criticism encourages the exploration of literature as praxis, where the act of reading and interpreting becomes a tool for understanding and transforming society.

Conclusion:

Marxist literary criticism, informed by Gramsci's concept of hegemony, offers a valuable framework for examining the intricate relationship between literature and power dynamics. By analyzing literature through this perspective, we uncover the ways in which dominant ideologies are reflected and challenged within literary texts. It encourages us to question and interrogate the social and political underpinnings of literature, ultimately facilitating a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between art, culture, and society.

References

Marxism and literary history : Frow, John, 1948- : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive. (n.d.). Internet Archive. https://archive.org/details/marxismliteraryh0000frow

Antonio Gramsci : beyond Marxism and postmodernism : Holub, Renate, 1946- : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive. (n.d.). Internet Archive. https://archive.org/details/antoniogramscibe0000holu

Labels

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Drop any query, suggestion or comment here.

Other Fat Writing

Popular posts from this blog

Dr. Samuel Johnson's "Preface to Shakespeare": Points to Remember

E ighteenth-century writer Samuel Johnson ((1709-1784) is one of the most significant figures in English literature. His fame is due in part to a widely read biography of him, written by his friend James Boswell and published in 1791. Although probably best known for compiling his celebrated dictionary, Johnson was an extremely prolific writer who worked in a variety of fields and forms. Chief Critical Approaches of Dr. Johnson are: Johnson tried teaching and later organized a school in Lichfield. His educational ventures were not successful, however, although one of his students, David Garrick, later famous as an actor, became a lifelong friend.
40 comments
Read more

Kinds of Poetry: Narrative, Lyric, and Dramatic

Introduction: Poetry is a form of literary expression that has captivated readers and listeners for centuries. It allows poets to convey their thoughts, emotions, and experiences in a condensed and artistic manner. While there are countless poetic forms and styles, poetry can be broadly categorized into three main kinds: Narrative, Lyric, and Dramatic. Each of these kinds has distinct characteristics, purposes, and examples that showcase the rich diversity within the world of poetry. Kinds of poetry :  There are three great kinds of poetic writing: Narrative, Lyric, and Dramatic. Narrative poetry: Narrative poetry tells a story with a plot, characters, and a setting. It  is one of the oldest and most straightforward forms of poetry. It tells a story, often in a chronological sequence, using poetic devices to create a vivid and engaging narrative. Some key points about narrative poetry include: Storytelling: Narrative poetry focuses on storytelling, using poetic language to c...
1 comment
Read more

Analysis of "Progress" by St. John Ervine as One Act Play

"Peace hath her victories No less renowned than war."- John Milton  (1608 - 1674)   Letters of State...Together with Several of his Poems ,  "To Oliver Cromwell" “Progress” by St. John Greer Ervine is a successful specimen of a one act play . It has not only a unity of theme (the abolition of war) the unities of time; place and action are also meticulously maintained. Thematically, “Progress”     is written against the background of the First World War in which thousands were butchered and many more became disabled for life. It left many mothers    childless and incredible number of widows and orphans. This insensible devastation has created diverse reactions in social thinking, and “Progress” by the Irish playwright St. John Greer Ervine is just the product of one of the strongest of these sentiments, namely the anti-war feeling of the post war modern age .  Through the basic conflict between two ideas- the point of view of ...
10 comments
Read more