Etymology of Interpellation
The term “interpellation” has its origins in French and Latin. It derives from the French word “interpellation,” which means “to question” or “to challenge.” This French word, in turn, has its roots in the Latin word “interpellare,” where “inter” means “between” and “pellare” means “to summon” or “to call.”
In its etymological essence, interpellation conveys the act of interrupting or questioning someone, often in a formal or authoritative manner, to elicit a response or clarification.
In the realm of literary and cultural theory, “interpellation” has taken on a specialized meaning, referring to the process by which individuals are hailed or called upon to assume specific social roles and identities through ideological and societal norms.
Philosopher Louis Althusser explored this concept in his work on ideological state apparatuses.
Meanings of Interpellation
| Meaning | Explanation |
| Social Identity Construction | In literature and literary theory, interpellation refers to the process through which individuals are hailed or called upon by societal norms and ideologies to adopt specific social roles and identities. It is a concept used to analyze how literature can reinforce or challenge societal expectations related to identity, class, gender, and more. |
| Reader Engagement | In the context of literature, interpellation can be observed in the way texts address and engage with readers. Authors often employ narrative techniques and rhetorical strategies to interpellate or “hail” readers, inviting them to identify with certain characters, ideologies, or themes within the text. This engagement can significantly shape readers’ interpretations and emotional responses. |
| Narrative Perspective | Interpellation is relevant to narrative theory as it plays a crucial role in determining the narrative perspective and positioning of the reader within the story. For example, the choice between a first-person or third-person narrator can interpellate readers differently, either encouraging them to align closely with a character’s point of view or adopt a more objective stance. |
| Ideological Critique | Literary critics often use the concept of interpellation to analyze how texts reflect and reinforce societal ideologies. By examining how characters are interpellated within a narrative, critics can uncover the underlying ideological messages and power dynamics at play in a literary work. |
| Subversion and Resistance | Interpellation isn’t limited to reinforcing dominant ideologies; it can also be a site of resistance and subversion in literature. Some literary works challenge or disrupt interpellation by offering alternative perspectives or critiquing established societal norms, encouraging readers to question and reflect on established identities and power structures. |
| Psychological Impact | Interpellation can have profound psychological effects on both readers and characters within a narrative. It can shape their sense of self, belonging, and agency, often leading to complex character development and emotional resonance in literature. |
| Postcolonial and Feminist Analysis | In postcolonial and feminist literary analyses, interpellation often takes center stage. These critical perspectives examine how texts interpellate characters based on factors like race, gender, or colonial status. Such analyses shed light on the power dynamics inherent in identity construction, offering deeper insights into literary works. |
| Intertextual Connections | The concept of interpellation can also be explored through intertextual connections between literary works. Authors may interpellate characters from other texts, invoking shared cultural or literary identities and enriching the reading experience by adding layers of meaning and context. |
| Cultural and Historical Context | The meaning and impact of interpellation in literature are deeply intertwined with the cultural and historical context of a work. Different time periods, settings, and societal norms interpellate characters and readers in distinct ways, significantly influencing the themes and messages conveyed in literature. |
Definition of Interpellation as a Theoretical Term
Interpellation, as a theoretical term in literature and cultural studies, refers to the process through which individuals are hailed or called upon by societal norms and ideologies to adopt specific social roles and identities.
It encompasses the ways in which texts, ideologies, and narratives shape individuals’ understanding of themselves and their positions within broader societal structures. This concept, popularized by Louis Althusser, is central to the analysis of how literature and media reinforce or challenge prevailing norms and power dynamics.
Interpellation: Theorists, Works, and Arguments
Theorists:
- Louis Althusser: Louis Althusser, a prominent Marxist philosopher, introduced the concept of interpellation in his essay “Ideology and Ideological State Apparatuses.” He argued that individuals are subjected to ideological structures and institutions through interpellation, leading them to assume specific social roles and identities.
- Stuart Hall: Stuart Hall, a cultural studies scholar, expanded on Althusser’s ideas and applied interpellation to the analysis of media and popular culture. He emphasized the role of media in hailing individuals into specific subject positions and shaping their identities.
Works:
- “Ideology and Ideological State Apparatuses” (1970) by Louis Althusser: In this influential essay, Althusser outlines the concept of interpellation and its role in the functioning of ideological state apparatuses. He argues that individuals are hailed by these apparatuses, which include education, religion, and media, and are thus interpellated into specific social roles.
- “Encoding/Decoding” (1980) by Stuart Hall: In this work, Hall discusses the process of encoding and decoding messages in media. He introduces the idea of media interpellating audiences and highlights the agency of individuals in decoding media messages, which may not always align with the intended interpellation.
Arguments:
- Power Dynamics and Control: The concept underscores how power dynamics are perpetuated in society. The argument is that those in control of ideological structures can interpellate individuals into roles that serve their interests, reinforcing existing power structures.
- Resistance and Agency: Some arguments emphasize that it is not a one-sided process; individuals can also resist or reinterpret it, asserting their agency and challenging dominant ideologies.
- Media Influence: Scholars argue that media plays a significant role in interpellating individuals into certain subject positions. Media texts, through framing and representation, can shape how individuals perceive themselves and others within societal contexts.
- Intersectionality: Interpellation is often analyzed in the context of intersectionality, considering how individuals may be subject to multiple interpellations simultaneously based on factors such as race, gender, class, and more. This argument highlights the complexity of identity formation.
- Cultural and Historical Specificity: Arguments stress the importance of considering the cultural and historical context when analyzing interpellation. Different cultures and time periods interpellate individuals differently, leading to variations in identity construction.
These theorists, works, and arguments collectively contribute to our understanding of how interpellation functions in society and within the realm of media and cultural studies.
Interpellation and Literary Theories
| Theory | Relevance |
| Marxist Literary Theory | Interpellation aligns with Marxist theory’s focus on ideology and class struggle. It reveals how literature can interpellate characters into specific class roles and reinforces or critiques the dominant socioeconomic order. |
| Feminist Literary Theory | Interpellation is crucial for understanding how literature enforces or challenges gender norms and roles. It sheds light on how female characters are interpellated into patriarchal constructs and their potential for resistance. |
| Postcolonial Theory | Interpellation is central to postcolonial theory’s examination of colonial power dynamics. It helps analyze how literature interpellates colonized and colonizer characters, highlighting the complexities of identity, race, and cultural hegemony. |
| Reader-Response Theory | In reader-response theory, interpellation is relevant as it underscores the active role of readers in the interpretive process. Readers are interpellated into specific reading positions, affecting their engagement with and interpretation of texts. |
| Narrative Theory | Narrative theory explores how interpellation shapes narrative perspectives. The choice of a narrative voice interpellates readers into particular viewpoints, influencing their understanding of the story. |
| Queer Theory | Interpellation is pertinent to queer theory’s analysis of sexuality and identity. It examines how literature interpellates characters into heteronormative roles and how LGBTQ+ characters may resist or subvert these interpellations. |
| Psychoanalytic Literary Theory | Psychoanalytic theory can use interpellation to delve into characters’ subconscious and psychological development. It explores how characters’ interpellation into societal roles relates to their inner conflicts and desires. |
| Structuralism and Semiotics | Interpellation aligns with structuralist and semiotic approaches, as it focuses on how signs and symbols in literature interpellate readers into specific interpretations. This theory examines how language and symbols construct meaning. |
| Postmodernism | In postmodern literature, it is often subverted or questioned, challenging the stability of identities and narratives. It highlights the blurring of authorial and reader roles, inviting readers to critically engage with texts. |
| New Criticism | New Criticism emphasizes close reading and the autonomy of the text. It is relevant for understanding how texts interpellate readers into specific interpretive approaches, such as formal analysis and close reading. |
Interpellation in Literary Criticism
- “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman:
- Interpellation: In this novel, the protagonist’s descent into madness due to her confinement in a room with yellow wallpaper can be seen as an interpellation into the societal norms of women’s roles and mental health during the 19th century. Her struggle against this interpellation reflects the broader issues of women’s autonomy and mental well-being.
- “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson:
- Interpellation: The townspeople’s participation in the annual lottery and their willingness to stone one of their own can be viewed as an interpellation into a blind adherence to tradition and conformity. The story highlights the dangers of unquestioningly accepting societal norms and practices.
- 1984 by George Orwell:
- Interpellation: The dystopian society depicted in “1984” interpellates its citizens into submission to a totalitarian regime, erasing individuality and critical thinking. The concept of “Newspeak” is a clear example of linguistic interpellation, as it limits the range of thought and expression.
- “A Doll’s House” by Henrik Ibsen:
- Interpellation: In “A Doll’s House,” Nora Helmer’s interpellation into the role of a submissive wife and mother is central to the play’s themes. Her awakening to her own identity and her rejection of societal norms exemplify a break from interpellation and a quest for self-realization.
- The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger:
- Interpellation: The novel follows the journey of Holden Caulfield, who rebels against the interpellation into the adult world and its perceived phoniness. His alienation and resistance to societal expectations serve as a commentary on the pressures placed on young adults to conform to conventional norms.
Suggested Readings
- Althusser, Louis. “Ideology and Ideological State Apparatuses.” In Lenin and Philosophy and Other Essays, translated by Ben Brewster, 127-186. Monthly Review Press, 1971.
- Hall, Stuart. “Encoding/Decoding.” In Culture, Media, Language, edited by Stuart Hall et al., 128-138. Routledge, 1980.
- Jackson, Shirley. “The Lottery.” In The Lottery and Other Stories, 27-36. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2005.
- Perkins Gilman, Charlotte. “The Yellow Wallpaper.” In The Yellow Wallpaper and Other Writings, edited by Lynne Sharon Schwartz, 1-20. Dover Publications, 1997.
- Orwell, George. 1984. Signet Classics, 1949.
- Salinger, J.D. The Catcher in the Rye. Little, Brown and Company, 1951.
- Ibsen, Henrik. A Doll’s House. Dover Publications, 1992.