Analysis of Subalternity and Self-Esteem in the Character of Zenobia in La zarpa by José Emilio Pacheco

Abstract

The subaltern is anyone who is subordinated based on class, age, gender, occupation, or any other factor (Guha, 1981), as well as any marginalized social sector. The objective of this study is to analyze subalternity in the character of Zenobia in relation to Rosalba in José Emilio Pacheco’s short story La zarpa. This analysis examines how the subaltern character is represented in the story and explores the relationship between self-esteem and subalternity in Zenobia. As Carrillo (2017) states, from the perspective of resistance and autonomy, the character seeks to renegotiate power relations from a position of subordination while simultaneously yearning for liberation and emancipation. The study is conducted through discourse analysis from an interpretative and analytical approach, using the perspective of subaltern studies. Additionally, with the aid of the ATLAS.ti 9 software, codes were created based on subaltern theory and self-esteem to carry out the analysis. The study demonstrates that Zenobia is a subaltern woman in relation to Rosalba. Furthermore, it highlights the existence of a connection between self-esteem and subalternity.