Postcolonial literature

Question 1

What’s postcolonial literature?

Answer 1

Some of the most compelling and innovative writing in the English language over the past 80 years or so has emanated from far beyond the British and Irish Isles – Australia, Barbados, Canada, India, Jamaica, Kenya, New Zealand, Nigeria, South Africa, Trinidad and Zimbabwe. The literature from these countries is now commonly referred to as ‘postcolonial literature’, a term which clearly announces a connection to the history of British colonialism, which established English as a principal language in these countries and thus as a language available for literary production. These texts have elements in common in their critical and creative engagements with the processes of colonialism, decolonization and post-colonial independence.

Question 2

Introduction to British Empire

Answer 2

See Notability

Question 3

The identity of the British Empire, the fourfold conception

Answer 3

Protestant, Commercial, Maritime, Freedom

Question 4

Types of colonies

Answer 4

Colonies of rule
Colonies of settlement
Colonies of settlement and rule

Question 5

Story of colonisation

Answer 5

See Notability

Question 6

Literary Overview - Names of literature

Answer 6

Postcolonial literature / postcolonial literatures
Not a new period of study, but a new form of criticism or critical strategy
Commonwealth literature
New literature in English

Question 7

Features of this literature

Answer 7

Multilingual context
Period of fundamental change that augured a sharp break with the past
Things Fall Apart —> turn the table of traditional colonial discourse = Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe

Question 8

Readings

Answer 8

Ngugi wa Thiong’o - Weep Not, Child (1964)
Jean Rhys - Wide Sargasso Sea (1966)
Edward Kamau Brathwaite - The Arrivants: A New World Trilogy (1973)
Anita Desai - Clear Light of Day (1980)

Question 9

Consequences of colonialism inside the British society

Answer 9

Victorian Age: Theories of degeneration spread pseudo-sciences to prove inferior humanity and bestiality.
What is considered “abnormal”, “non-respectable”, “deviant” is rejected and ostracized (homosexuals, unmarried women, colonial people): fear of miscegenation, fear of being contaminated by the primitiveness of the colonies, fear of losing the purity of the superior race = beginning of biological racism.
20th century: many other writers from former colonies came to England in search of the myths and stereotypes of Englishness they had been taught to admire and aspire towards.
Main themes:
Caribbean immigrants learn painful lessons about English society, ghettos, social marginalization;
Psychological impact of the discourses of racialization;
Juxtaposition of Islam and Englishness.