Proceedings of the 9th International Conference on Advanced Research in Social Sciences and Humanities
Year: 2025
DOI:
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Narrative Resistance in The Works of Ismail Kadare: Defying Totalitarianism Through Storytelling
Dr. Valbona Kalo
ABSTRACT:
This study examines the concept of narrative resistance in the works of Ismail Kadare, analyzing how his storytelling techniques undermine ideological conformity under Albania’s communist regime. Grounded in Antonio Gramsci’s theory of cultural hegemony, Václav Havel’s notion of “living in truth,” and Roland Barthes’ insights on symbolism, this paper explores Kadare’s use of allegory, fragmented narratives, and symbolism as instruments of critique against totalitarian structures. Through close readings of The Palace of Dreams and The Siege, the study argues that Kadare transcends the constraints of socialist realism, constructing counter-hegemonies that challenge state narratives and enact cultural and political resistance. By situating his work within the broader discourse of resistance literature, this study reveals how Kadare’s narratives craft a multilayered critique of authoritarianism, offering universal insights into the complex interplay between art and power.
keywords: narrative resistance, cultural hegemony, allegory, symbolism, totalitarianism, Albanian communism