Construction of Disciplinary Power in Jean Sasson's Princess

Abstract

This research study aims to know victimization of people under the power discourse society in Jean Sasson's Princess. By representing the women character Sultana and other minor characters, Sasson's book reflects the construction of societal discourse which is created by power group. It depicts the Saudi Arabian society where high class people created a type of discourse to rule over the innocent female. Sultana has been born into a royal family of the kingdom, but she has not freedom no vote, no control over her own life, no value but as a bearer of sons in the name of religious and cultural values. Hidden behind her black floor-length veil, she is a prisoner, jailed by her father, her husband, her sons, and her country. Sultana wants to see her bridegroom before marriage but cannot see him because cultural norms. Her marriage is arranged by their parents and family. She is compelled to accept husband’s second marriage because of the traditional rule is made only for female. The research paper analyzes the true story of life inside the Saudi Arabian on royal family from the perspective of Michel Foucault's New Historicism and Nietzsche’s Will to Power.