Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Assistant professor of sociology, Department of sociology, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
2
M.A. student in Cultural Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
The aim of this paper is to explain how subalterns are represented in Tangsir and Sang-e Sabur, two novels by Sadeq Chubak, a renowned Iranian novelist. By critically reviewing some famous subaltern studies approaches, we have developed a new concept of subalternity: marginalized-enclosed subalterns. Subalternity, based on the themes of the mentioned novels, is depicted in the following ways: amoral life in a filthy and dirty situation; severe social deviances consisting of murder, depravity and child abuse; superstitious and religious beliefs that relieve pain. Subalterns are also represented in the novels as victims of individual non-subalterns, with women appearing as double victims. Therefore, this representation produces passive subalterns. Moreover, without considering diversity, subalterns have been represented as a homogenous group with more or less similar characteristics. Subalternity has not been represented as an outcome of macro social structures, but rather as an outcome of their behaviour and beliefs. Due to the said context, subaltern resistance has become rare, and inevitably, heroes have emerged. The subaltern has been introduced with certain inherent characteristics by emphasizing behaviour, characteristics, and environmental stereotypes, in addition to the absence of structural factors. As a result of subalternity culture, subalternity has been reproduced. Subalternity culture has also produced passive, guilty and ignorant subalterns.
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