Exploring the Traces of Panoptic Surveillance in Ismail Kadare’s A Girl in Exile

Abstract

The present study endeavours at carrying out a textual analysis of Ismail Kadare’s A Girl in Exile in the light of Michel Foucault’s disciplinary modal of power termed as Panopticism, put forth by him in his widely acclaimed book Discipline and Punish. In this context, the study lays emphasis on exploring certain traces of panoptic surveillance having negative effects on individual psyche and behaviour. It further tries to unveil the functioning of a totalitarian system that works on the principles of strict discipline, surveillance and subjugation. In addition, the study aims at highlighting negative implications of a totalitarian regime on the artist as well as his art.