RESISTING THE IRRESISTIBLE: CULTURAL HEGEMONY AND IDEOLOGICAL CONTROL IN BARBARA KINGSOLVER’S DEMON COPPERHEAD

Abstract

 This research applies a Marxist reading to Barbara Kingsolver’s Demon Copperhead (2022) by analyzing its take on cultural hegemony. Cultural hegemony has a sneaky way of keeping class struggle in place by pushing societal norms that maintain inequality. The rich and powerful do not just hold the money they control the stories we hear about what it means to succeed or fail. Social hierarchy and the stereotypes related to the people of Appalachia are some of the most potent examples of cultural hegemony within the text. Barbara Kingsolver richly portrays large foundations in the Appalachian region including the coal industry, the pharmaceutical industry, and the foster care system; exploits, overpower and takes control over the lives of individuals. Demon’s growth symbolizes his resistance to these repressive systems. Furthermore, the research uses qualitative method to analyze the novel through Antonio Gramsci’s insight of cultural hegemony. Resultantly, Demon’s personal development, creative endeavors and resistance to hegemonic norms indicate a broader resistance against the capitalist structures that often oppress and exploit human beings.