The kernels of irreducible representations of the general linear group

A derivation for the kernel of the irreducible representation T_(λ) of the general linear group GL_n(C) is given. This is then applied to the problem of determining necessary and sufficient conditions under which T_(λ)(A) = T_(λ)(B), where A and B are linear transformations, not necessarily invertible. Finally, conditions are obtained under which normality of T_(λ)(A) implies normality of A.