The Subaltern's Failure of Recognition in Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice (1599)

Indiwara Pandu

doi:10.15642/nobel.2020.11.2.111-124

Abstract

This study seeks to find the struggle of self-recognition from the subaltern group by using the postcolonial psychoanalysis perspective. Shylock and Prince Morocco, considered to be inferior, are dealing with the recognition to make themselves as superior as the dominant class. From the analysis, supported by Fanon’s Black Skin White Mask (1952), recognition is one of the ways for the Other to enter western society. In doing this study, close reading is applied to analyze the following discussion: (1) the racial issue portrayed in The Merchant of Venice; 2) the struggle of the marginalized to gain the recognition; 3) The failure of recognition. Throughout the analysis, both Shylock and Prince Morocco fail to obtain recognition as a way to cross in western society. The constructed society based on western domination does not enable the subaltern to gain their recognition.

Highlights

Regarded as the literary canon, many of Shakespeare’s works are greatly known as classic writings that influence the world of literature nourished for years
One of the Shakespearean plays entitled The Merchant of Venice is chosen to uplift the struggle of the inferior group or subaltern dealing with discrimination in the society
This study discovers various ways for Shylock and Prince Morocco to get self-recognition from others

Summary

Introduction

Regarded as the literary canon, many of Shakespeare’s works are greatly known as classic writings that influence the world of literature nourished for years. One of the Shakespearean plays entitled The Merchant of Venice is chosen to uplift the struggle of the inferior group or subaltern dealing with discrimination in the society. In this play, Jew and people of color have been persecuted among the people. As the subalterns are mistreated by society and they are considered to be lacking, the subalterns see themselves as not fully human. In consequence, they are trapped in the feeling of an inferiority complex. The subalterns need recognition from others to make them feel like fully human

Objectives

Discussion

Conclusion