Elements of political and social protest writing Key Terms

Hegemony

The dominance of one group over others, often maintained through cultural means rather than force.

Subversion

The act of undermining or overthrowing established systems of power or authority.

Rebellion

An act of violent or open resistance to an established government or ruler.

Oppression

Prolonged cruel or unjust treatment or control over a group of people.

Power

The ability or capacity to influence or control the behavior of others, often explored in literature through characters and societal structures.

Oppression

The systemic and institutionalized mistreatment of a group, often depicted in texts as a means of maintaining power over the powerless.

Exploitation

The act of using someone unfairly for one's own advantage, often seen in the context of labor and economic systems.

Oppression

The prolonged cruel or unjust treatment of a group, often highlighted in political protest literature.

Political Protest

Literature that challenges or critiques political systems and social injustices.

Social Organization

The structured patterns of relationships and social arrangements within a society.

Social Injustice

A situation where the rights of individuals or groups are not upheld, often leading to inequality.

Allegory

A narrative that uses symbolic figures and actions to convey deeper moral or political meanings.

Allegory

A narrative that uses symbolic figures and actions to convey deeper meanings, often related to moral or political issues.

Dystopia

A fictional society characterized by oppressive societal control and the illusion of a perfect society, often used in political protest literature.

Political Protest

A form of activism aimed at challenging and changing political systems or policies.

Social Protest

Actions taken to express opposition to social injustices and advocate for change.

Allegory

A narrative that uses symbolic figures and actions to convey deeper meanings, often related to political or social issues.

Rhetoric

The art of persuasive speaking or writing, particularly in the context of political discourse.

Emotive Diction

Language that evokes strong feelings and emotions, often used to persuade or mobilize readers.

Rhetorical Question

A question posed for effect, not requiring an answer, used to provoke thought or emphasize a point.

Narrative Voice

The perspective from which a story is told, influencing how readers perceive the events and characters.

Diction

The choice of words and style of expression that an author uses, which can convey tone and meaning.

Representation

The way in which individuals, groups, or ideas are depicted in literature, often reflecting societal attitudes and beliefs.

Audience Response

The reactions and interpretations of readers or viewers towards a text, influenced by their own experiences and societal context.

Allegory

A narrative that uses symbolic figures and actions to convey deeper meanings about real-world issues.

Rhetorical Devices

Techniques used in writing to persuade or impact the audience, such as metaphors, similes, and repetition.

Totalitarianism

A political system where the state recognizes no limits to its authority and seeks to regulate every aspect of public and private life.

Feminism

A movement advocating for women's rights and equality, which is a central theme in Atwood's critique of patriarchal structures in 'The Handmaid's Tale'.

Totalitarianism

A political system where the state recognizes no limits to its authority and seeks to regulate every aspect of public and private life.

Feminism

A movement advocating for women's rights and equality, which is a central theme in 'The Handmaid's Tale'.