UNRAVELING POWER AND OPPRESSION IN ANNA BURNS LITTLE CONSTRUCTIONS

Abstract

This article explores the intricate dynamics of power and oppression within a family, as depicted in Anna Burns’ novel Little Constructions. Set in a society rife with authoritarianism and violence, the narrative delves deep into the complexities of familial relationships, highlighting how these dynamics mirror larger societal structures. By analyzing the novel through the lens of Michel Foucault’s theories on power and control, this article seeks to uncover the layers of dominance and resistance that characterize the characters' interactions. Textual quotations will illustrate how Burns portrays the insidious nature of oppression and the nuanced ways in which individuals navigate power structures within both the family and society.