Reading The Half Mother as Political Narrative: Repression, Subjectivity, and State Power through the Eyes of the EFL Learner

This research engages with the theoretical frameworks of Louis Althusser's concepts of Ideological and Repressive State Apparatuses, applying them to Shehnaz Bashir's poignant debut novel, The Half Mother (2014). The study explores how the state manipulates institutions such as religion, politics, education, and media to perpetuate its dominant ideology and internalize official narratives within the collective consciousness of its citizens. In parallel, it examines the role of repressive state mechanisms—including the army, police, and judiciary—in enforcing conformity, suppressing dissent, and executing state-sponsored violence. The novel, set in the politically volatile region of Kashmir, offers a compelling literary lens through which the intersections of ideology, repression, and resistance are vividly portrayed. The research closely analyzes the psychological and emotional responses of various characters, revealing the covert mechanisms by which control and obedience are sustained. Additionally, this study integrates the pedagogical perspective by incorporating the responses of EFL (English as a Foreign Language) learners. It highlights how exposure to politically and socially charged literary texts, such as The Half Mother, cultivates critical thinking, socio-political consciousness, and interpretive competence. By engaging with the text's complex themes, learners not only enhance their linguistic proficiency but also develop a deeper understanding of power dynamics. Thus, the research contributes to both political-literary scholarship and innovative approaches in literature-based language education.