Does the text reflect or resist a dominant ideology? Identify the ideology. Does the main character affirm of resist the dominant ideology? Explain how. Whose story gets told? Are lower (subordinate) groups ignored or devalued? Explain how. Are values that support the dominant ideology given privilege? Explain how. Identify a dialectic in the reading. Remember a dialectic is a thesis-antithesis-synthesis. Be sure to explain your rationale. <span class="xSP5ic ho6Zoe bxp7vf"></span>

in answer to your questions, let us read the text critically, if you will, to dwell in it marxistically. i cannot help you with a specific text, but i can help guide you through analyzing a text using these questions. does the text reinforce or oppose a dominant ideology? identify the ideology. dominant ideology: individualism, as the belief that personal success and freedom is the priority to the detriment of the collective, is a common dominant ideology found in many texts, especially those set in capitalist societies. this might also be combined with capitalism—an economical system concentrating on private ownership, maximizing profits, and differentiating classes. reflexivity or rebellion: if there is an alignment with this ideology in the text, the story can centre around the success of individuals through personal effort and sacrifice, ignoring the economic, political, and social systems that delineate or frame opportunity for some. if the text challenges the ideology of meritocracy, it might critique the systemic inequalities that allow only some people to come out on top and promote a counter-narrative that prioritizes community, equality, and social justice. does the protagonist either embolden or challenge the prevailing ideology? explain how. if the protagonist subscribes to the status quo (individualism/capitalism), they will pursue actions that seek personal gain over the collective and/or that fail to understand the structural barriers impacting those around them (many of whom they would benefit by being cognizant of), ethics or not. this may include finding success based on their own determination and sweat equity, overcoming adversity that fits the narratives around hard work and perseverance as keys to individual success. if the protagonist sees through the prevailing ideology, they could be in conflict with central tenets of individualism or capitalist culture. they might resist an unjust regime, demonstrate solidarity with fellow individuals, or understand social struggle as the basis for progress. they might also challenge the system, question the fairness of social structures, and find their purpose in breaking free from the constraints imposed by the powers that be. whose story gets told? are lower (subordinate) groups neglected or marginalized? explain how. the story of the dominant group: if the story is about the experiences, wants, and achievements of the dominant group (e.g. the wealthy, the powerful), then you are probably centering the struggles and interests of them to the exclusion of or at the expense of those of other groups. subordinate groups: if subordinate groups are presented as a monolith, dominating groups will ignore or devalue their perspectives as they are not represented at all, (or) their perspectives are represented in stereotypical, reductive or negative ways. this might be through the portrayal of working-class folks being one-dimensional, or their struggle being perceived as less valid or worthy of attention. do you have values that privilege the dominant ideology? explain how. if concepts like self-reliance, individual achievement, competition, or capital accumulation are functioning as narrative engines, or as markers of value and success with an inherent, unquestioned currency, you can be reasonably sure that the text is propping up the dominant ideology. characters who exemplify these values may be seen in a positive light, whereas characters who challenge or refuse these values may be shown in a negative light or not at all. narrative: you are either a success or a failure based on how much effort you put into itdon't get me wrong. take a reading and identify a dialectic. a dialectic is a conflict and resolution process, usually in the format of thesis-antithesis-synthesis. there is growing recognition that that's not the case, that a dominant ideology is that of individualism or capitalism, ie personal success or wealth accumulation is the ultimate goal, and social inequality is a natural outcome of competition. there are fifth options: the counterpoint questions whether or not the notion of individual success is solely down to hard work or merit. instead, it may emphasize structural forms of disadvantage (e.g., class, race, gender) that curtail opportunities for some groups. it could also suggest that success is not something that can always be achieved by just trying, no matter who you are. the resolution will likely be expanded perspective on success that acknowledges both personal agency and has an emphasis on collective action or structural change. human effort matters, but so do systems that should guarantee equal opportunity for all; individual achievement is only one part of the story. conclusion: when analyzing a text for all of these aspects, we also examine how it both circulates and critiques, subverts or resists dominant ideologies, especially ones like capitalism and individualism. explore how characters, themes, and narrative structures reinforce or resist such ideologies. dialectical thinking in literature, therefore, offers an approach to understanding the interrelation of opposing ideas, pointing to the ways in which literature can embody and also push back against the social and political forces that form it.