Post-Colonial Criticism (1990s-present)

Waylon Jin

Mr. O'Brien British Literature E Block

March 8, 2014

Post-Colonial Criticism

Post-Colonial Criticism- A type of cultural criticism, post colonial criticism usually involves the analysis of literary texts produced in countries and cultures that have come under the control of European colonial powers at some point in their history("The Bedford Glossary").

• History is Written by the Victors
• A Unique Perspective on Empire
• Power, Hegemony, and Literature

Interesting Points-  

• in Things Fall Apart, Achebe details the strife and devastation that occurred when British colonists began moving inland from the Nigerian coast. Rather than glorify from the European point of view, Achebe illustrates destructive events.
• influenced by Marxist thought, by the work of Michel Foucault
• It is not a question of restoring precolonial cultures, but rather showing how former colony and colonizer can establish a mutually respectful relationship in a post colonial world.

http://www.123helpme.com/things-fall-apart-by-chinua-achebe-view.asp?id=162764

^

Thesis- Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe was a perfect example 

of what effect new ideas and technology can have on societies that have 
been isolated for generations and have created a unique culture and 
society because of it.

^Post Colonial Criticism is the school of criticism.

• Nigeria is analyzed with the effect of British colonialism on it. Achebe is the author of the novel and originating from the colonized country. He does not demonstrate the misconception of European influence, but the actual devastating effects in it.

Another Essay- http://www.jstor.org/stable/10.2307/3828358?Search=yes&resultItemClick=true&searchText=Jane&searchText=Eyre&searchText=post&searchText=colonialism&searchUri=%2Faction%2FdoBasicSearch%3FQuery%3DJane%2BEyre%2Bpost%2Bcolonialism%26amp%3Bacc%3Don%26amp%3Bwc%3Don%26amp%3Bfc%3Doff

^Thesis-. Bronte uses references to colonized races to represent various social 

situations in British society: female subordination in sexual relationships, fe- 

male insurrection and rage against male domination, and the oppressive class 

position of the female without family ties and a middle-class income.