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Power and Discourse in Milkman: A Foucauldian Analysis

Jinyue Xue

Abstract


Since its 2018 publication, Anna Burns novel Milkman has garnered accolades like the Booker Prize, National Book Critics Circle Award, Orwell Prize, International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award, and NPRs annual book status. Narrated from a first-person perspective,
it tells the story of Middle Sister, stalked by the milkman and overwhelmed by oppressive rumors. The novels success led to numerous
studies, but few focused on its power discourse. This thesis uses Foucaults theory to explore power discourse and resistance in Milkman,
concluding that power is exercised through disciplinary techniques like hierarchical observation and normalizing judgment. Gender norms are
prominent discursive constraints. The thesis also discusses reestablishing power discourse by rebuilding subjectivity and breaking authority,
aiming to raise awareness of power discourses presence and impact in society and suggest strategies for resistance.

Keywords


Milkman; Power; Discourse; Anna Burns; Michel Foucault

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References


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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.70711/rcha.v2i9.5602

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