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.

Ardhendu De 

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