Decolonizing Identity, Resistance, and Power Dynamics in James Joyce’s Counterparts through Edward Said's Post-Colonial Perspective

The present paper conducts a post-colonial analysis of James Joyce's Counterparts through the theoretical lens of Edward Said's post-colonialism. Published in ۱۹۱۴ as part of Joyce's short story collection "Dubliners", Counterparts intricately explores the repercussions of colonial oppression on both the oppressors and the oppressed. Employing Said's conceptual framework, this study aims to elucidate the manifestations of colonial power dynamics and cultural hegemony within the narrative. By delineating key principles of post-colonialism, the analysis endeavors to identify and scrutinize these principles within the text of Counterparts. The short story functions as a microcosm reflecting the enduring impacts of colonization in the post-colonial era, as characters wrestle with cultural and economic dilemmas emblematic of colonial legacies. Through Joyce's nuanced portrayal, the narrative highlights the complexities of colonial subjectivity and the persistent struggle for agency and identity amidst oppressive power structures. Moreover, Joyce's exploration of post-colonial themes positions him as a writer keenly aware of the socio-political consequences of colonialism. Echoing Said's assertion, the pursuit of equality and self-assertion in the East necessitates reclamation of religious, historical, cultural, and national norms—an idea vividly depicted in Joyce's examination of the Irish experience under colonial rule. Ultimately, this study contributes to a deeper comprehension of Joyce's narrative technique and thematic preoccupations, while also shedding light on the broader discourse surrounding post-colonial literature and identity politics.

کلیدواژه ها:

Identity ، Power Dynamics ، Resistance ، Hegemony ، Decolonization