Power Dynamics: A Feminist Reading of Monica Ali’s Brick Lane

Abstract

This paper titled “Power Dynamics: A feminist Reading of Monica Ali’s Brick Lane” explores the oppressive nature of socio-cultural roles, Language and Power dynamics aimed at marginalizing women. Using the theory of feminism and post colonialism this paper explores aspects of Power from Kate Millets “Sexual Politics” to debunk the power structure put in place by the patriarchal society and the concept of Subalternity by Spivak to discuss the double marginalization of Ali’s protagonist as well as the role of multiculturalism in the emancipation of women. The use of language and repressive structures stands as a different gender index used by patriarchy to enforce unequal power structures in heterosexual relations. While other critics have looked into female subjectivity in Ali’ Brick Lane, this research investigates power dynamics from a multicultural standpoint through diasporic experiences of two Bangladeshi sisters. Ali laments on the power structure in heterosexual relationships within the traditional Bangladeshi culture that oppresses and abuses women. It also explores Ali’s act of emancipation through the representation of women’s self-assertion; if oppressed women understand that the basis with which they are oppressed are not natural but constructed and that power is not gendered, the power women will be able to wield because of what lies “within them” will free them from the shackles of patriarchy.