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his is used by people from the dominated class to control these so-called inferior groups. Foucault has listed some examples in Discipline and Punish(1977). For example, in the 18th century, the bourgeoisie started factory system so that they could have a better management on workers; white people made a strict division between the white residential area and that of the black’s during the apartheid era. And this was also the trick that patriarchal power discourse had used in The Blind Assassin.  

Chapter Two  Iris’ Identity Predicaments Caused by Patriarchal Discipline 

2.1 Docile Body

Patriarchal power discourse is able to make women docile and submissive bodies through various disciplinary techniques. In The Blind Assassin, Iris was completely turned into docile body under the strict discipline of patriarchal discourse. Catering to male aesthetic standards, Iris made lots of changes to her own physical appearance, so that she might obtain recognition and appreciation from her husband. She became the object of desire for patriarchal power discourse. Besides, her body was violently tamed by her husband. When she was sexually abused by her husband, she reminded docile and accepted it peacefully. 

2.1.1 Iris’ Docility to Male Aesthetic Standards

Iris changed herself physically after marrying Richard. She endeavored to change her body so that she could please men and obtain recognition and love from patriarchal power discourse. Sandra Bartky, one of the most prominent feminists, points out that Foucault’s theory about body and discipline has revealed how patriarchal power discourse manages to control women’s body. Foucault's microscopic physics of power shows that women's body is disciplined by patriarchy in exactly the same sense. 

2.2 Deprivation of Power of Discourse

In The Blind Assassin, Iris stayed in the state of reticence. As a woman, she was deprived of the power of discourse in the world dominated by patriarchal power discourse. Thus, patriarchal power discourse could safeguard their interests and maintain their authority more easily. Without discursive power, it was impossible for Iris to express her own thoughts and demands freely. As an independent individual, Iris had no voice when it comes to make decisions for her own marriage and the trivial domestic affairs even though she was the hostess of the Griffin family. Iris’ voice would never be heard. Reticence was her sole option.

2.2.1 Iris’ Reticence toward Arranged Marriage

Iris’ marriage with Richard was arranged by her father. Richard was totally a stranger for Iris before they got married. They only met two or three times and they barely had the time to communicate with each other. Iris did not know much about Richard, nor did she had the interest to get acquainted with him. There was also a big age gap between them for Iris was just 18 years old while Richard was at his middle age. As a matter of fact, Iris did not like Richard from the bottom of her heart. However, Iris’ father simply informed her of this arranged marriage as an established fact. Her father sold her and her marriage with the purpose of saving their family business. Although she was reluctant, Iris had to accept the marriage arranged by her father. Iris had no say in front of her father’ authority. She accept本论文由英语论文网提供整理，提供论文代写，英语论文代写，代写论文，代写英语论文，代写留学生论文，代写英文论文，留学生论文代写相关核心关键词搜索。