Class Dynamics and False Consciousness in Ian McEwan’s Atonement
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70036/cltls.v2i2.108Keywords:
Atonement, Marxism, class conflict, capitalism, hegemony, false consciousnessAbstract
Aims: This research investigates the novel Atonement, written by Ian McEwan. In conducting this research, the writer aims to explore the class dynamics that lead to false consciousness found in the novel. This research focuses on how Ian McEwan represents British Society in his novel in the early 20th century. Methods: This research is a contextual analysis; therefore, it applies the mimetic approach by Abram. Furthermore, the writer utilizes the Marxist theory of literary criticism to support the understanding of the contextual analysis. The writer uses the descriptive method to present the result of the analysis. Result: This research suggests that the upper-class controls society in several ways. First is creating a circle of dependency by providing scholarships and accommodation, by exploiting the outbreak of World War II, and manipulating the narrative for interests. Additionally, Ian McEwan represents Robbie as a person living in a false conscious state by portraying his romantic relationship with Cecilia, his unattainable aspirations through education, and his misinterpretation of social class. Implication: This research concludes that the social dynamics between classes can lead to a state of false consciousness, especially in the case of Robbie, who grew up in the same environment as the upper class.
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