Ecole Normale Superieur

Module: British and American Literature Class: Year

Postcolonialism is a current movement of thoughts and a theory, and deals mainly with the effects of
colonization on the culture and thoughts of colonized societies. What are the changes that occurr colonized
countries get freedom from the colonizers and the Literature that is written examining this aspect and related
issues is called postcolonial literature. As Tonny Myers states:
“Postcolonial literature can be defined as literature produced by countries that gained independence from
colonial rule in the twentieth country. In 1900 the British Empire covered a pink swathe of the globe that
included the Indian subcontinent and other parts of Asia, much of Africa, Australia, Canada, Ireland, many
Caribbean islands as well as numerous and scattered smaller possession (207)”
The term can be defined to signify extensively the political, cultural, economical and linguistic effect on former
European colonies. Postcolonialism also analyses the cultural differences between the colonizers and the
colonized, the orient and occident and between black and white. In the words of Leela Gandhi, “Postcolonial
theory recognizes that colonial discourses typically rationalizes themselves through rigid opposition such as
maturity/ immaturity, civilization/ barbarism, developed/ developing, progressive/ primitive” (32).
Further, postcolonialism attempts to decentralize Eurocentric norms and constructs the identity of the native; it
counters the assumption that western and European culture is superior to Eastern culture. As Peter Barry
explains, postcolonial writers evoke a pre-colonial version of their own nation and culture which was spoiled by
the colonizers during the period of colonialism and they reject the modern and contemporary colonial status of
their countries:
“If the first step toward a postcolonial perspective is to reclaim one’s own past, then the second is to begin to
erode the colonialist ideology by which that past had be devalued (186)”
Generally, the literature written after the withdrawal of imperial power from the territory of the native people is
called postcolonial literature. the term ‘postcolonial’ came after the term ‘colonial’ and was based on the theory
of the superiority of European culture or Imperial culture. Colonial literature means the literature written by
native people including the writing by Creoles and indigenous writers during colonial times.
The term ‘postcolonialism’ was used approximately after the 80s. Imperialism became a concept of the past.
Now all native countries that were colonized by England are in the process of trying to retrieve their lost
identities, identities that were almost destroyed. their own culture, literature, and language were affected by the
colonizers. Postcolonialism is a period/phase which tries to find a lost history and identity. According to
Pramod K. Nayar:
“‘Postcolonialism’ is the theoretical wing of postcoloniality. It refers to a mode of reading, political analysis,
and culture resistance/intervention that deals with the history of colonialism and present neo colonial
structures… It is, in short, a critique. It invokes ideas such as social justice, emancipation, and democracy in
order to oppose oppressive structures of racism, discrimination and exploitation (Postcolonial. . . 17).”
Elements of postcolonialism
Marginalization, Identity, Multiculturalism, Hybridity, Mimicry, Migration etc. are elements of
postcolonialism. Marginalization occurs when some groups of society are kept on the edge by a dominant
group. People may be marginalized socially, politically or economically. Marginalized people have to struggle
for their livelihood, don’t have their fundamental rights and are exploited by society. ey are deprived of
opportunities and access to all those things that enable one to improve the quality of one’s life. ey are given
labels of different castes and class. Economically they do not get good jobs because it is thought that this group
of society is not capable or deserves or is able to keep good jobs. So this group of society faces exclusion,
social injustice, and inequality. Marginalized people are kept far from the centre of development; they live their
life on the edge of poverty. On the basis of the above description marginality can be divided as follows:
1. Societal marginality, 2. Political marginality, 3. Economical marginality, 4. Spatial marginality
Approach to literary texts:
When approaching the analysis of a literary work through the lens of postcolonialism, it is imperative to delve
into the complexities of power dynamics, cultural hegemony, and the lasting impacts of colonialism on
societies. Postcolonial literary theory scrutinizes the representation of colonized peoples, their histories, and the
aftermath of colonization in literature.
First and foremost, it is essential to situate the text within its historical context. Understanding the historical
backdrop of colonialism, imperialism, and decolonization is crucial for interpreting how power structures and
cultural hierarchies may manifest within the text.
Secondly, pay close attention to the voices that are marginalized or silenced within the narrative. Postcolonial
analysis often focuses on giving agency to the colonized subjects and challenging the dominant Western
perspectives that have historically dominated literature.
Moreover, consider how language is used in the text. Postcolonial theorists emphasize the importance of
language as a tool of power and resistance. Analysing how language is employed, who has the authority to
speak, and whose voices are suppressed can reveal underlying power dynamics.
Additionally, examine how the text portrays cultural identity and hybridity. Postcolonial literature often
grapples with questions of identity, belonging, and the blending of multiple cultural influences. Look for
instances where characters negotiate their identities in the aftermath of colonization.

Furthermore, interrogate the themes of displacement, diaspora, and homecoming. Postcolonial texts frequently
explore the experiences of dislocation and the quest for belonging in a world marked by colonial legacies.