A Study of Alienation in Meg Wolitzer’s The Wife

چکیده

This paper examines the concept of alienation in Meg Wolitzer’s novel The Wife (2003), focusing on the main relationship within the narrative. The research centers on the protagonist, Joan Castleman, and her detachment from herself, society, and labor, as analysed through Karl Marx's theory of alienation. By exploring Joan’s marriage and her creative writing, the paper delves into her isolation from her aspirations as a literary writer. The research highlights how alienation influences Joan’s life and her struggle to assert her identity and achieve her goals. The novel critiques the patriarchal society and capitalist system, emphasising how Joan’s creativity contributes to her isolation and how her husband exploits her talents to further his success. Utilising Marx’s perspectives on alienation, the research reveals Joan’s internal and external conflicts, illustrating the significant impact of her unrecognised support for her husband. It also discusses how an individual can become disconnected from their work, which is often imposed upon them for the benefit of others.