CANON
A body of writing recognized by authority (literary critics and
scholars) deemed suitable for academic study.
Colonialism
• The exploitation of a weaker country by a stronger one. It
includes the use of the weaker country's resources to
strengthen and enrich the stronger country. It is a feature
of European expansion since sixteenth century, as Western
powers took control of people and territory across much of
globe. Last wave in Africa, late-nineteenth century. South
American colonies gained independence in nineteenth
century, African and Asian colonies after WW II.
• Frequently, the study of colonialism is divided into settler
and forcibly colonized countries.
• ex. Nigeria would be a colonized country, and Canada
would be a settler country.
Colonization
• The act of colonizing, or the establishment of
colonies such as "the British colonization of Africa."
Imperialism
• The national policy of conquest of other regions or
peoples for the purpose of extending political and
economic control and of exploiting the resources of
other regions or people.
Systems of Discourse
• The language and culture of the homeland—Britain and
the English language—are imposed on the colony. In turn,
these discourses become the measurement of “reality.”
• ex. The speaker in “A Far Cry from Africa” is unsure
which language best represents his colonial situation.
Postcolonial Criticism
• Scholars used to use the term Commonwealth criticism,
which referred to the study of texts produced by members
of former British colonies.
• However, the term has its difficulties. For example, , there
is nothing “common” or “shared” about the “wealth” in the
colonies. Colonization meant to increase the wealth of the
ruling country.
• Since the 1980s, the terms "Commonwealth" and
"Third World" that were used to describe the literature
of Europe's former colonies have become rare.
Postcolonial Criticism
• Scholars used to use the term Commonwealth criticism,
which referred to the study of texts produced by members
of former British colonies.
• However, the term has its difficulties. For example, there
is nothing “common” or “shared” about the “wealth” in the
colonies. Colonization meant to increase the wealth of the
ruling country.
• Since the 1980s, the terms "Commonwealth" and
"Third World" that were used to describe the literature
of Europe's former colonies have become rare.
Postcolonial Criticism
• In a very general sense, postcolonial criticism is
the study of the interactions between European
nations and colonies following the establishment of
independence in a colony. The European empire is
said to have held sway over more than 85% of the
rest of the globe by the time of the First World War,
having consolidated its control over several centuries.
• The sheer extent and duration of the European
empire and its disintegration after the Second World
War have led to widespread interest in postcolonial
literature and criticism in our own times.
Reverse Colonization
• The act of colony or former colony member making
the reverse voyage to the home of the colonizer.
• Sometimes the term is related to issues of
immigration
The British Empire in 1905
The Jewel in the Crown
The British Arrive in India, 1612
The East India Tea Company is established in 1640
British meets first organized resistance in 1757
The Reasons Behind the Rise of the British Empire
• Trade—British citizens were becoming accustomed to the silk, fur,
spices, tea, and other item imported from the colonies. India in
particular was a major source.
• Political influence and power as other European nations also vied for
colonies. For example, the Dutch in Indonesia
• Slavery
• Religious conversion of the “heathens” and the spread of Christianity
The British Empire and the Spread of the English Language
and Culture
The British Empire and the Spread of the English Language
and Culture
The British Empire and the Spread of the English Language
and Culture
The British Empire and the Spread of the English Language
and Culture
The British Empire and the Spread of the English Language
and Culture
The British Empire and the Spread of the English Language
and Culture
The British Empire and the Spread of the English Language
and Culture
The British Empire and the Spread of the English Language
and Culture
The Great British Empire Exhibition, 1851
Hyde Park, London
A Postcard from The Great British Empire Exhibition, 1851
The Indian Display from The Great British Empire
Exhibition, 1851
The British Empire Exhibitions 1851-1924
The British Empire Exhibitions 1851-1924
Mingling with the Natives at The British Empire Exhibition
East Meets West for Tea
The Durbar: A Parade and Celebration of the Grandeur and Political Might
of the British in India
First War of Independence - The Great Indian Mutiny 1857
Gandhi helps negotiates independence through his “Quit India” campaign,
asking the entire country to engage in civil disobedience by refusing to
enter WWII, and to not retaliate if invaded.
Jawaharlal Nehru and his Five Year Plans that Nataraj and his
friends are always discussing
• British educated lawyer from wealthy family
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Formed the first independent Indian government in 1947
Prime Minister for 18 years
Fascinated by Soviet Union’s Five Year Plans
Wanted Indian economy to be a mixture of capitalism and state-owned
operations.
• Neutralism in Foreign Affairs—you shouldn’t be a superpower to have a
seat at the table
• The “Plans” focused on industrial self-reliance and agricultural efficiency
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