A FEMINIST ANALYSIS OF THE FICTIONAL NOVEL THE POWER BY NAOMI ALDERMAN

Abstract

The aim of the study is to analyze the novel The Power by Naompari Alderman from a feminist perspective with reference to the feminist theory of Selma James. The novel is science fiction which presents an image of world controlled by women. The novel represents an interesting picture of a society where women have gained a special superpower to produce electric jolts from their fingers; and the discovery of this superpower within women enables them to raise above men. The study explores that how the writer of the novel, Naomi Alderman has depicted the image of world where women are stronger than men. The study aims at exploring the strengths and potentials of women characters in the novel. The novel is examined with two perspectives; first to discover the elevated status of women in the novel where they control the world system and secondly, to justify that women have the same potentials as do men and it is only about the opportunities which women have been denied throughout the course of the study. Moreover, Selma James’ theme of feminist theory is found relevant to the novel The Power. The article examines how James’ theory is evident in Naomi Alderman’s novel. The theme of James’ theory that women’s empowerment depends on the extent of opportunities they are provided is adduced from the textual analysis of the novel The Power.