Analysis

There are certainly many ways to analyze the book "A Brightness Long ago," but for my analysis, I used a Marxist perspective. This allowed me to see the deeper meanings and themes in the book related to power dynamics, circumstance, and social hierarchy, all which are relevant to the story, and the fate of its characters. The essay is a bit long, so here is a quick recap of it. 

Thesis:  The Marxist literature theory can be used to analyze and contrast the parallels between the societies of Batiara and Earth, through the power dynamics affecting social structures, the ideologies shaping cultural norms, and the possibilities driving goals and decisions. 

Point 1:  Power dynamics between classes 

In the world of Batiara there are many different power dynamics between the variety of classes from the noble families to the farmer peasants.  The noble families are known as the bourgeoisie as they have the most power in society and can do whatever they want to the proletariat and completely control them.  The bourgeoisie people have a certain prestige, thus causing inequality, especially when it comes to people who have no power not having any say. This imbalance causes there to be a lot of tension between the different classes, which eventually results in conflict, and usually an uprising. However, there is no clear uprising between the proletariat and the bourgeoisie in the book, and the only one central to the story is an attempt to overthrow a noble family by another noble family. 

Point 2: Ideologies that shape cultural norms 

Since the bourgeoisie have so much power, social and cultural norms are also dictated by them, a display of superstructure. This can be seen in the religions in the world of Batiara,  as well as educational opportunities and social barriers. The main religion, Jadism, is being followed by the majority of people. This is dictated by the bourgeoisie,  and they abuse their power by branding anyone else that does not worship Jad a heretic, and dooming them to a life of slavery if they do not let go of their faith.  Some religions are allowed to be followed, but only by paying taxes. The bourgeoisie also believe in retaining their power, similar to capitalism, and  this can be seen in how they wanted to keep certain aspects, such as  Guarino's prestigious school,  only available to higher class citizens. 

Point 3:  Motivations, goals, decisions, and possibilities 

In the lands of Batiara, money is a very important factor for anyone who lives there.  As also mentioned in Marxism, money is not only related to wealth, but it also provides new opportunities and even lives for those that are poor. Wealth is basically the same thing as power, and motivates many people.  It is the currency that can thwart fate, and therefore, invaluable.  Due to this, power and wealth are commonly seen things that the characters strive to get their hands on, influencing their decisions and actions,  and also drive the course of the plot. 

Link to the full essay on a Google Doc