Meaning of 'Disenfranchised' in Context

Read the following excerpt from a literary analysis:

In her novel, Jane Smith employs the term disenfranchised to evoke the profound sense of isolation experienced by the main character, Clara. This word choice not only conveys Clara's lack of agency but also captures the broader socio-economic conditions that confine her to a life of marginalization. The impact of this vocabulary is further emphasized by Smith's use of imagery surrounding oppressive environments, such as the dilapidated buildings of her neighborhood, which serve as a physical representation of Clara's internal struggles.

By choosing disenfranchised, Smith deliberately critiques societal structures that perpetuate inequality. The roots of the word in 'franchise' suggest that Clara has been stripped of not only her rights but also her voice, a theme that resonates deeply throughout the narrative. This analysis leads one to question how such word choices influence the reader's perception of characters and their environments.