The graphic novel ‘Snowpiercer’, written by Jacques Lob and illustrated by Jean-Marc Rochette, is most closely represented by Marxist criticism. Marxist literary criticism is a loose term describing literary criticism based on socialist and dialectic theories. ‘Snowpiercer’ represents the three-class in Marxist criticism: the aristocracy, the bourgeoisie, and the proletariat.
The aristocracy can be best represented by the lieutenant in the graphic novel. An aristocracy is a form of government that places strength in the hands of a small, privileged ruling class; their power is built up by the acquisition of land, control over political structure, and the labor of the working class. The lieutenant commands the military forces and rules over the train. Towards the beginning of the graphic novel, when Adeline goes missing, a group of men come looking for her. When they approach the lieutenant asking to speak to her, he says “No”, then later follows up with, “You’re on military territory; my authority prevails” (Lob and Rochette, 21) once him flexing his authority muscle.
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The bourgeoisie can be best characterized in ‘Snowpiercer’ by Adeline. The bourgeoisie are individuals who have built up their power through the acquisition of capital; this social class has the most power and money that we can see today. In the graphic novel Adeline is described as a “young” and “beautiful” (Lob and Rochette, 10) woman, she lives at the front of the train in what is known as first-class: where the wealthier passengers live. The first-class cabins are known for being more luxurious and more spacious than the back of the train, known as “the tail” (Lob and Rochette, 8).
Lastly, the proletariat can be best symbolized by Proloff. The proletariat is the working class; they do not control institutions or political structures. Proloff best represents the proletariat throughout the graphic novel due to his tone and description. He is nothing more than a “tail-fucker” (Lob and Rochette, 4) in the novel. The lieutenant constantly belittles him, and so do other characters from the story, such as the man who is in charge of the plantation. They purposely mistreat him for no other reason than because in their society someone from ‘the tail’ is lesser than the rest of them further pushing the idea of the classes in this novel.
In conclusion, the graphic novel ‘Snowpiercer’, written by Jacques Lob and illustrated by Jean-Marc Rochette, is most closely represented by Marxist criticism. The graphic novel is constantly reminding the reader of the separation of classes and how one in first cannot mix with those lesser than them. This graphic novel is separated into three categories, the aristocracy, the bourgeoisie, and the proletariat, also knows as the rulers, the rich, and the poor.
Works Cited
- Lob, Jacques. Snowpiercer: The Escape. Illustrated by Jean-Marc Rochette, Titan Comics, 2014.
- Bello, Alejandro. Marxist Criticism. Group Presentations: Literary Theories. Group Presentations: Literary Theories, 2019, LAKE WORTH, Palm Beach State Community College.
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