Misrepresentation in Literature & Literary Theory

Etymology of Misrepresentation

The term “misrepresentation” has its origins in Latin, primarily rooted in the word “mis-representare.” The Latin prefix “mis-“ conveys the idea of something being incorrect, mistaken, or faulty, while “representare” means “to present” or “to portray.”

The combination of these elements in “mis-representare” signifies the act of presenting something incorrectly or inaccurately. Over time, this Latin term evolved into the modern English word “misrepresentation,” which refers to the act of conveying false or misleading information, distorting facts, or misportraying something with the intent to deceive, whether in communication, documentation, or any form of representation.

In legal, ethical, and communicative contexts, misrepresentation is a critical concept, as it underscores the ethical and legal implications of conveying inaccurate information intentionally or negligently.

Meanings of Misrepresentation

Aspect	Meaning
Legal Context	In legal contexts, misrepresentations refer to the act of providing false or misleading information with the intent to deceive, typically in contracts, agreements, or legal proceedings.
Ethical Consideration	Misrepresentations entail ethical considerations, as it involves conveying inaccurate or deceptive information, which can lead to harm, unfairness, or a breach of trust.
Communication and Deception	In the realm of communication, misrepresentations encompass deceptive practices, where information is intentionally altered or manipulated to mislead or create a false impression.
Marketing and Advertising	Misrepresentations in marketing and advertising pertains to the use of misleading claims, false advertising, or exaggerations to promote products or services, potentially leading consumers to make uninformed decisions.
Media and Journalism	In media and journalism, misrepresentation involves presenting information in a biased or distorted manner, which can influence public opinion or perception.
Art and Literature	Misrepresentation may occur in art and literature when artists or authors intentionally depict something inaccurately, challenging conventional perceptions or making a statement.
Psychology and Perception	In psychology, misrepresentation can relate to cognitive biases or perceptual errors, where individuals misperceive or misrepresent reality due to various cognitive factors.
Historical and Cultural Perspective	Misrepresentations in history and culture may involve the selective or biased portrayal of events, figures, or cultures, altering how they are perceived or understood.
Social and Political Manipulation	In social and political contexts, misrepresentations include manipulating information to advance personal or ideological interests, often leading to misinformation and public manipulation.

Definition of Misrepresentation as a Theoretical Term

Misrepresentation, as a theoretical term, refers to the deliberate or unintentional act of conveying false or inaccurate information with the aim of misleading or deceiving others.

It encompasses a broad spectrum of contexts, from legal and ethical considerations to communication, marketing, and media.

This concept is integral in discussions of ethics, information integrity, and the impact of deceptive practices in various domains.

Misrepresentation: Theorists, Works and Arguments

Theorists	Notable Work	Arguments
Erving Goffman	The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life	Goffman explored the idea of self-presentation and impression management, highlighting how individuals engage in impression management to shape how they are perceived by others. He discussed the role of misrepresentations in constructing social identities.
Immanuel Kant	Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals	Kant emphasized the moral aspect of misrepresentations, arguing that it is ethically wrong to engage in falsehood or deception. He introduced the concept of the categorical imperative, which asserts that one should act only according to maxims that could be universal laws.
Karl Marx	Capital	Marx discussed economic misrepresentation and exploitation in the context of capitalism. He argued that in capitalist systems, there is often a misrepresentation of the true value of labor and commodities, leading to economic inequities.
Edward Bernays	Propaganda	Bernays, considered the father of modern public relations, explored the use of misrepresentation and propaganda in shaping public opinion and behavior. He argued that through strategic misrepresentation, public perceptions and actions could be influenced.
Noam Chomsky	Manufacturing Consent: The Political Economy of the Mass Media (with Edward S. Herman)	Chomsky and Herman’s work examined how media can engage in misrepresentation by shaping public discourse and selectively presenting information to serve the interests of powerful elites.
Richard T. LaPiere	Attitudes vs. Actions	LaPiere’s research focused on the misrepresentation of attitudes and behaviors. He found that people’s expressed attitudes towards certain groups did not align with their actual behaviors, highlighting the discrepancy between self-presentation and true beliefs.

Misrepresentation  and Literary Theories

Misrepresentation plays a significant role in literary theories and is relevant in various ways to the analysis and interpretation of literary works. Here are some ways in which misrepresentation is pertinent to literary theories:

1. Narrative Theory: Misrepresentation often occurs within the narratives of literary works. Narrators, characters, or authors may present events, facts, or emotions in a distorted or deceptive manner, leading to unreliable narratives. This challenges readers to critically evaluate the trustworthiness of the narrative and consider the implications of unreliable storytelling.
2. Postmodernism: Postmodern literary theory frequently explores the blurring of boundaries between reality and fiction. Misrepresentation is a central theme in postmodern literature, where authors deliberately play with reality and fiction, making it challenging for readers to discern truth from falsehood. This ambiguity encourages readers to question the nature of representation and its limits.
3. Feminist Theory: In feminist literary theory, misrepresentation is examined concerning the portrayal of gender roles, stereotypes, and the silencing of women’s voices. Feminist critics analyze how female characters and experiences are often misrepresented in literature, leading to discussions on gender bias, misrepresentation, and the need for accurate and empowering portrayals of women.
4. Reader-Response Theory: Misrepresentation can be seen through the lens of reader-response theory, where readers actively engage with the text. Readers may perceive misrepresentation when their interpretation of characters, events, or themes differs from the author’s intended representation. This highlights the subjectivity of interpretation and the role of readers in constructing meaning.
5. Cultural Studies: In cultural studies, misrepresentation is pertinent to discussions of cultural diversity and representation. Literary works can either challenge or perpetuate stereotypes, misrepresenting cultures or marginalized groups. Cultural theorists explore how literature can contribute to the misrepresentation or accurate portrayal of various cultural identities.
6. Postcolonial Theory: Misrepresentation is a key focus in postcolonial literary theory, where the legacy of colonialism and imperialism has often led to the misrepresentation of colonized cultures and people. Postcolonial critics examine how literature can be a site for challenging colonial misrepresentations and giving voice to marginalized populations.
7. Psychoanalytic Theory: Psychoanalytic literary theory delves into the inner workings of characters’ minds and emotions. It can reveal instances of self-misrepresentation, where characters may deceive themselves about their true desires, fears, or motivations. This self-misrepresentation adds depth to character analysis.

In literature, misrepresentation serves as a rich and complex theme that allows for in-depth explorations of narrative reliability, truth, identity, and cultural dynamics. It is a recurring element that challenges readers, theorists, and critics to engage with the complex relationship between representation and reality.

Misrepresentation  in Literary Criticism

Title	Critique
The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt (2013)	Critique: While The Goldfinch primarily explores themes of art, identity, and the moral complexities of life, misrepresentation is subtly present. The protagonist, Theo, misrepresents his true emotions and experiences to protect himself from judgment and consequences. This self-misrepresentation reveals the internal conflict and psychological turmoil that misrepresentation can cause in individuals. The novel also portrays the misrepresentation of art, raising questions about authenticity and value.
The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead (2016)	Critique: The Underground Railroad is a powerful critique of misrepresentations in the context of American history and slavery. It addresses the misrepresentation of enslaved individuals as property, rather than as human beings with agency and dignity. The novel challenges the misrepresentations of history by reimagining the Underground Railroad as a physical network, shedding light on the hidden stories of enslaved people. It highlights the consequences of a historical narrative that misrepresents the experiences of marginalized groups.
There There by Tommy Orange (2018)	Critique: There There critically explores the misrepresentation of Native American experiences and identities. The novel emphasizes the harmful impact of stereotypes and historical misrepresentations of Native Americans. By presenting a diverse cast of characters with unique voices and perspectives, it challenges the monolithic misrepresentation of Native identities. Orange’s work is a powerful critique of the misrepresentation and erasure of indigenous cultures.
Normal People by Sally Rooney (2018)	Critique: Normal People delves into the misrepresentation of emotions and communication in intimate relationships. The characters, Connell and Marianne, often misrepresent their true feelings to each other, leading to misunderstandings and miscommunications. The novel reflects how personal misrepresentations within relationships can impact the dynamics of love and connection, offering a critique of the challenges in honest self-representation.

Suggested Readings

1. Aristotle. Rhetoric. Oxford University Press, 2011.
2. Boorstin, Daniel J. The Image: A Guide to Pseudo-Events in America. Vintage, 1992.
3. Fish, Stanley. Is There a Text in This Class? The Authority of Interpretive Communities. Harvard University Press, 1980.
4. Foucault, Michel. Language, Counter-Memory, Practice: Selected Essays and Interviews. Cornell University Press, 1977.
5. Iten, C. Aesthetic Revelation: Reading Ancient and Medieval Texts after Hans Urs von Balthasar. University of Notre Dame Press, 2018.
6. Pears, David F. Motivated Irrationality. Oxford University Press, 1987.
7. Rimmon-Kenan, Shlomith. Narrative Fiction: Contemporary Poetics. Routledge, 2002.
8. Samoyault, Tiphaine. Roland Barthes: Une biographie. Seuil, 2007.
9. Sontag, Susan. On Photography. Picador, 1977.