The Power of Othering in Literature: A Deep Dive into Its Use in Writing
- Victoria Rousseau
- Dec 7, 2024
- 7 min read
Updated: Dec 27, 2024
Othering is a powerful literary device often used to explore themes of identity, power, and belonging. In literature, characters, cultures, or entire societies may be "othered"—portrayed as fundamentally different, alien, or inferior to reinforce divisions between "us" and "them." This dynamic reveals societal prejudices, drives character development, and underscores the effects of exclusion and marginalization.