Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Assistant Professor, Department of English Literature, Islamic Azad University, Masjid Soleiman, Iran
2
Instructor,Department of English Literature, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran
3
Instructor,Department of English Literature, Islamic Azad University, Masjed Soleiman, Iran
10.22080/jlab.2026.31076.1006
Abstract
This essay provides a comprehensive analysis of Kazuo Ishiguro's novel, The Remains of the Day, through the lens of Louis Althusser's post-Marxist concepts. The study explores the processes of subjectification, interpellation, and ideological repression that shape the protagonist, Mr. Stevens, within the narrative's socio-historical context. Drawing on Althusser's theories, the research examines how dominant ideologies shape character development and identity formation. The thesis examines key moments in the novel to uncover the intricate ways in which Stevens navigates duty, loyalty, and social hierarchy, highlighting the pervasive influence of ideology on individual consciousness and agency. The analysis reveals how the study further explores the implications of Stevens' repression of personal emotions and desires, aligning with Althusser's insights on ideological control. By mapping the ideological structures within The Remains of the Day, this research highlights the complexities of power dynamics, social hierarchies, and the constraints imposed by ideological norms. Through this analysis, the article contributes to broader discussions on subjectivity, power relations, and the impact of ideology on individual lives, both within literature and beyond. Ultimately, this research enriches our understanding of Ishiguro's masterful work, offering deeper insights into the thematic concerns of identity, power, and resistance. An Althusserian reading of The Remains of the Day enhances awareness of the ideological forces shaping human experience and identity formation within a context of social and economic inequality.
Keywords
)