Heterotopia, and the Subjectivity of Space in Jo Nesbo’s Macbeth

Abstract

This article offers a spatial analysis of Jo Nesbø’s Macbeth, a contemporary adaptation of Macbeth by William Shakespeare. Overall, this article holds the belief that space in the novel plays a pivotal role, and a scrutinized analysis on the elements of space is believed to reveal the complete meaning of the novel. Focusing on the research question of how spatial settings in Nesbø’s Macbeth impact character growth and the tension of the novel between power, utopia, and dystopia, this article applies a qualitative close reading built upon the analytical framework of Michel Foucault’s concept of “heterotopia”, supplemented by the theoretical perspectives of Gilles Deleuze and Felix Guattari based on “deterritorialization” and “reterritorialization”. To this end, considering the concrete elements which constitute the concept of space, public buildings in the novel, Inverness Casino and Obelisk Casino are to be comparatively analyzed within the scope of “heterotopia theory” by Michel Foucault. As it is to be discussed, Foucault presents various classifications of “heterotopia”, and each type is to be connected to certain characters so as to present the function of the casinos as the heterotopic spaces. Following this, the concept of binary opposition of “utopia” and “dystopia” will be applied in surfacing the relationship between the space and the characters in the novel. In this way, the second part of this article is to highlight the “subjectivity of space”, since the characters with their different means and ends are the sole differentiators in designating a space as “utopia” or “dystopia”. For this reason, the imaginary post-industrial Fife in relation to Macbeth, Banquo, Hecate and Lady (Lady Macbeth in the original play) is to be evaluated. As a final remark, the spatial theories of “deterritorialization” and “reterritorialization” by Deleuze and Guattari are to be used by focusing on Kenneth, Duncan and Bertha in relation to the constant interchange between “utopia” and “dystopia”. This research enhances current academic discourse by illustrating that space serves as the central means for conveying power structures, the shaping of identity, and ethical dilemmas within Nesbø’s adaptation of Macbeth.

Keywords

• Macbeth
• Foucault
• heterotopia
• subjectivity
• Deleuze and Guattari
• deterritorialization
• reterritorialization

Jo Nesbø’nün Macbeth Adlı Eserinde Heterotopya ve Mekânsal Öznellik

Abstract

Bu makale, Macbeth’in Jo Nesbø tarafından yapılan uyarlaması olan Macbeth romanının mekânsal bir analizine dayanmaktadır. Genel olarak makale, romanda mekânın merkezi bir rol oynadığı görüşünü benimsemekte ve mekân unsurlarının ayrıntılı bir incelemesinin eserin bütüncül anlamını ortaya çıkaracağı varsayımını ileri sürmektedir. Bu doğrultuda, mekân kavramını oluşturan somut unsurlar dikkate alınarak romandaki kamusal yapılar olan Inverness Casino ve Obelisk Casino, Michel Foucault’nun “heterotopya” kuramı çerçevesinde karşılaştırmalı olarak analiz edilecektir. Tartışılacağı üzere, Foucault heterotopyayı çeşitli sınıflandırmalarla ele almakta ve her bir tür, kumarhanelerin heterotopik mekânlar olarak işlevini ortaya koymak amacıyla belirli karakterlerle ilişkilendirilecektir. Bunu takiben, “ütopya” ve “distopya” arasındaki ikili karşıtlık kavramı, romandaki mekân ile karakterler arasındaki ilişkinin açığa çıkarılmasında kullanılacaktır. Bu bağlamda makalenin ikinci kısmı, farklı amaç ve yönelimlere sahip karakterlerin bir mekânı “ütopya” ya da “distopya” olarak tanımlayan temel belirleyiciler olması nedeniyle “mekânın öznelliği”ni vurgulamayı amaçlamaktadır. Bu nedenle, hayali post-endüstriyel Fife, Macbeth, Banquo, Hecate ve Lady karakterleriyle ilişkisi çerçevesinde değerlendirilecektir. Son olarak, Gilles Deleuze ve Félix Guattari tarafından ortaya konan “yersizyurtsuzlaşma” (deterritorialization) ve “yeniden yurtlanma” (reterritorialization) kavramları, “ütopya” ile “distopya” arasındaki sürekli dönüşüm bağlamında Kenneth, Duncan ve Bertha karakterleri üzerinden incelenecektir. 

Keywords

• Nesbo
• Macbeth
• Heterotopya
• Mekanın Öznelliği

References

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