Islamophobia portrayed in the novel Internment by Samira Ahmed

This study analyzes the depiction of Islamophobia in Internment (2019), a dystopian novel written by Samira Ahmed. This study applies the sociological theory of literature proposed by Alan Swingewood to examine the relationship between the novel’s story and events or situations that exist in the real world, particularly in social life. This study aims to explore how Islamophobia is depicted structurally and privately in the novel and to describe the resistance carried out by Muslim characters against Islamophobic treatment. The results of the study show that the novel reflects structural Islamophobia, such as state policies, restrictions, and isolation in internment camps, and private Islamophobia, including violence and hate speech. This study also found that resistance is manifested both individually, through Layla's courage, and collectively, through organized protests among prisoners. The novel serves as a medium to criticize social injustice and raise awareness of the dangers of legitimizing discrimination through state power.