Convergence of Historiography and New Historicism, Reciprocity of History and Literature: Dialectical Circulation of Foucauldian Power/ Knowledge Surveyed in Mari Evans’ “When in Rome”

Although there are propitious merits to poetry galore, few would suggest it as a means for the exemplification of critical theories. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of human sciences, there exists a reciprocal connection between findings in literature which will aid critiques to illustrate the veracity of their theories. Black poetry stands out as a favorable example of how the dialectics of power domination circulates within a society, not perpetually residing with the supremacy. The following paper elaborates on Foucault’s well-known power/knowledge critical theory by focusing on co-textual influences and presents a discussion exemplified in Mari Evans’ anthologized poem, “When in Rome”.Background of the Study: Regardless of Mari Evans’ authenticity, inadequate attention has been paid to her work in the form of critical analysis. Considering all its merits, her poetry deserves to be noticed all the more since as a committed poet, Evans is true to the principles of Black Art which demands of its followers to support issues concerning the Black minority. In this regard, Evans’ poetry outstands the works of her peers. Controversial instances, which have often been challenged in the crucible of critical thought, may need to be exemplified for the sake of elucidation. Hayden White’s insistence that events be narrated according to the survey of causes and effects and Foucault’s theory of power/knowledge circulation serve as the critical backbone of the present study. This paper aims to illustrate how Mari Evans’ selected poem, as a complement to Foucault’s theory and White’s approach to the study of history, tends to display that the circulation of power within a given society is not transferred hierarchically but rather promulgates dialectically, as defined by historiography, from one agent to another based on an imbalance in knowledge possession. Historically, it has always been assumed that the white supremacy has domination over the black minority, given that it has full grasp of knowledge, and this is exactly the presumption that is challenged in Foucault’s theory. “When in Rome” provides adequate ground in support of the theory and exhibits how common thought about domination of power and the elements which contribute to the existing functional contradictions within social relationships can be challenged. Furthermore, the poem provides sound context to question the historically presumption of alleged superiority for the White.

Foucault emphasizes on several points when he presented his power/knowledge theory. First, he stipulates that power and knowledge are integral parts of man’s existence and accentuates their interrelationship. Second, he defines certain characteristics for power, namely that it is not transmitted in a structure of levelized arrangement but circulates uninhibitedly among agents and last, that power cannot exist without resistance. White emphasizes the requirement of seeking causes and effects behind the occurrence of events, particularly to explain existing conflicts. The poem and the theories complement each other by presenting a clear and comprehensible illustration of critical-literary notions.

The application of Foucault’s theory to Evans’ poem, “When in Rome”, and investigating the causes and effects which initiate the circulation, demonstrate the qualities attributed to power, knowledge and their interrelated connection. As observed in the poem, a member of the working class is caught in the dialectical circulation of power by her employer who represents supremacy. Through knowledge and by exerting resistance, the dominated individual orients power in her own direction and avoids imposition. The poem is a revealing piece of literary work exemplifying the highlights of historical-literary reciprocity to perfection.