THE POLITICS OF RESISTANCE IN ASSIA DJEBAR’S THE CHILDREN OF THE NEW WORLD AND GILBERTO PONTECORVO’S THE BATTLE OF ALGIERS

Abstract

Abstract The present study examines the depiction of Algerian women in literature and cinema. It addresses the plight of women in Assia Djebar’s The Children of the New World and Gilberto Pontecorvo’s The Battle of Algiers. It aims to highlight the different forms of resistance demonstrated in these two works, as well as the effects of colonialism and patriarchal ideas that prompt women to resist. In order to achieve this objective, the research seeks to examine the two works through the framework of the postcolonial feminist theory using Spivak’s theory of subalternity. The first chapter addresses the socio-historical context along with the theoretical framework. The second chapter investigates how colonial politics and patriarchy marginalize Algerian women and gives insight on the portrayal of the subaltern voice as well as the various strategies of female resistance. Therefore, the findings show Djebar’s and Pontecorvo’s attitudes toward patriarchy and colonialism, including the restriction of women’s rights and identities.