Culture, Ideology and Education/Interpellation through Literature

Abstract

The idea of culture as a source of wisdom and truth was once seen as something to be imparted to the masses to cultivate civilized societies. Literature served as both a repository and a medium for transmitting this wisdom across generations. However, Marxist critics challenged this view, redefining culture as an ordinary and comprehensive way of life— a framework through which people understand the world.

This paper examines the complex relationship between culture, literature, and education. It critiques traditional notions of education and reveals the underlying structures that shape what is considered wisdom. Additionally, it analyzes how readers are interpellated during the reading process, demonstrating that every interpretation is influenced by ideological structures. Thus, meaning-making not only reproduces ideology but also has the potential to position readers within it.