Resisting power structure in Diaz's the berief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao

Abstract

This research explores the resisting power structures, manifested against the multifaceted backdrop of the Dominican Republic's tumultuous political past and the intricate struggles of its diaspora in the United States. It offers a comprehensive examination of these dynamics, delving into the narrative's rich tapestry of oppression, romance, and the enduring human spirit. The research highlights how characters such as Oscar, Lola, and Beli grapple with personal and familial constraints, reflecting broader themes of identity, resilience, and historical trauma and it also navigates complex webs of power influenced by colonialism, patriarchy, and cultural norms. By incorporating Spanglish and intertextual references, Diaz's narrative underscores the hybridity of Dominican-American identity and offers a critique of monolithic cultural narratives. This thesis synthesizes character analysis, historical context, and narrative strategy to provide a nuanced interpretation of the novel's thematic complexity, emphasizing its significance in contemporary discussions of diaspora, identity, and cultural resistance. The theoretical framework is grounded in the principles of New Historicism, drawing on the insights of Michel Foucault, Stephen Greenblatt, and Hayden White. Foucault's concepts of power and discourse, Greenblatt's cultural poetics, and White's theory of historical emplotment collectively provide a comprehensive lens to analyze the interplay between literature, history, and power structures. By synthesizing these theoretical perspectives, the thesis reveals how Diaz’s novel challenges and reflects dominant ideologies, offering a nuanced understanding of the socio-political landscape and individual agency. Keywords: Colonialism, Diaspora, Identity, Oppression, Power Dynamics, Resistance