Table of ContentsThe Western Gaze and Cultural HegemonyResistance and SubversionConclusionUnder Western Eyes is a literary work by Russian author Fyodor Dostoyevsky, first published in 1866. The novel explores the themes complexities of cultural identity. , power dynamics and the impact of Western influence on Russian society. In this essay, I will analyze the novel from a postcolonial perspective, examining how the characters' experiences and interactions are shaped through the lens of Western scrutiny. Through a close reading of the text and drawing on secondary sources, I will argue that Under Western Eyes offers a powerful critique of the Western gaze and its effects on the colonized subject. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essayThe Western Gaze and Cultural HegemonyIn Under Western Eyes, Dostoyevsky depicts the Russian characters as constantly aware of the Western gaze, which imposes a feeling of inferiority and self-consciousness on them. This is illustrated by the character of Razumikhin, extremely conscious of his status as a Russian in the eyes of the Westerners he meets. This reflects the concept of cultural hegemony, as described by Marxist thinker Antonio Gramsci, whereby the dominant culture exerts its influence on subordinate cultures through the diffusion of its values ​​and norms. The Western gaze in the novel thus serves as a tool of cultural hegemony, reinforcing the superiority of Western culture and marginalizing the Russian characters. Moreover, the Western gaze in Under Western Eyes is not simply a passive observation, but an active force that shapes the behavior and self-perception of the Russian characters. This is evident in the character of Kirillov, who internalizes the Western gaze to the point of self-hatred, which ultimately leads to his suicide. This tragic outcome underlines the destructive power of the Western gaze, because it plunges Kirillov into a state of despair and alienation. This corresponds to postcolonial theorist Frantz Fanon's concept of internalized colonialism, whereby the colonized subject adopts the values ​​and attitudes of the colonizer, leading to a sense of self-alienation and internal conflict. Resistance and Subversion Despite the pervasive influence of the Western gaze, Dostoyevsky also depicts moments of resistance and subversion among Russian characters. For example, the character of Natasha asserts her free will and challenges the Western gaze through her actions, refusing to conform to the expectations imposed on her. This can be seen as a form of cultural resistance, as described by postcolonial scholar Homi Bhabha, whereby the colonized subject asserts their own cultural identity in defiance of colonial norms. Additionally, Dostoyevsky explores the theme of subversion through the character of Stepan Trofimovich, who engages in intellectual discourse and challenges the hegemonic narratives imposed by the Western gaze. This reflects the postcolonial concept of counter-discourse, as articulated by theorist Edward Said, whereby the colonized subject seeks to challenge and reframe dominant narratives through alternative forms of knowledge production. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a custom essay now from our expert writers.Get a custom essayConclusionUnder the Western Eyes offers a compelling critique of the Western gaze and its impact on the colonized subject. Through the prism of postcolonial theory, we can understand the novel as a.