Identity Construction of the Main Character in the Novel “Mashatun” by Hani As-Salmi: An Analysis of Gramsci's Hegemony Theory

This research aims to determine how the forms of Israeli power hegemony psychologically impact the Palestinian people, as represented through the main character in Hani As-Salmi's novel "Mashatun." Hegemony and its impacts cause the construction of a person's identity, influenced by oneself and their social life. This research employs a descriptive qualitative method. The primary data source is the narration and dialogue in Hani As-Salmi's novel "Mashatun." Meanwhile, secondary data sources consist of books and articles relevant to the researcher's objectives and topic. The data collection technique in this research is the note-taking technique, with data analysis using Miles and Huberman's method, which comprises three analysis techniques: data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The results of this study indicate three forms of power hegemony, namely authoritarian, capitalism, and consensus, totaling 6 data points. Additionally, the impact of power hegemony on the main character is shown in 9 data points, representing forms of in-group and out-group attitudes or personalities. Furthermore, 4 data points demonstrate character changes in the main character. Based on the research findings, it can be concluded that the forms of Zionist Israeli power hegemony create a psychological impact on the main character. Consequently, power hegemony becomes one of the factors in the formation of the main character's personality or identity construction, built from a series of events or experiences.