EXPLORING SUBALTERNITY IN MARIAMA BÂ’S SO LONG A LETTER: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF MARGINALIZED VOICES
Keywords:
Feminism, Post-Colonial, Patriarchal Society, Subalternity, So Long A LetterAbstract
The current study examines the unexplored subaltern features in Mariama Ba’s ‘So Long a Letter’, emphasizing how the novel highlights marginalization of women’s in both patriarchal and post-colonial society. The research specifically navigates the character of Ramatoulaye to uncover the complex experiences of a female protagonist confronting double oppression. The study aims to illuminate subaltern perspectives by exposing the silenced voices of women in the novel. The research is significant as it not only complements the previous studies for highlighting feminist perspectives but also draws attention to wider implications of exploring women’s roles in doubly affected societies. The study endeavors to address the gap by utilizing qualitative method for theoretical and interpretative analysis to highlight its multifaceted approach. Through the use of Spivak’s (2023) concept of subalternity from essay ‘Can the Subaltern Speak?’, the study explores Mariama Ba’s translated version of ‘So Long a Letter’. The findings reveal that the selected novel not only reflect feminist ideologies but also invites readers to explore its subaltern dimension, offering an insightful understanding of women's role in a doubly oppressed society.
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