An Archaeological Perspective on the Politicization and Gendering of Disability in Raymond Williams' Novels

Abstract

This paper employs a multidisciplinary archaeological approach to delve into the politicization and gendering of disability in the novels of Raymond Williams. By analyzing the frequent undermining and mutilation of male characters and the relative endowment of mysterious abilities in female characters, it reveals that disabled characters symbolize not only the victims of capitalism's severe divisions but also represent the silenced working class and the violated Wales under British rule. In Williams' writing, disabilities predominantly manifest in the legs and face, weakening male roles through leg disabilities, highlighting the de-gendering of women with facial disfigurement, and endowing women with a mysterious witchcraft ability to exert powerful influence over husbands, brothers, etc. The interweaving of the gendering and politicization of disability subverts traditional gender power discourses and metaphorically proposes a politicized vision for reconfiguring the political structure of Welsh society. This study further elucidates the symbolic significance of disability in literature and its impact on ancient social cultures through osteoarchaeological and cultural heritage analysis methods.