Critic's Point of View
What qualifies as postcolonial literature is debatable. The term postcolonial literature has taken on many meanings. The four subjects include:
- Social and cultural change or erosion: It seems that after independence is achieved, one main question arises; what is the new cultural identity?
- Misuse of power and exploitation: Even though the large power ceases to control them as a colony, the settlers still seem to continue imposing power over the native. The main question here; who really is in power here, why, and how does an independence day really mean independence?
- Colonial abandonment and alienation: This topic is generally brought up to examine individuals and not the ex-colony as a whole. The individuals tend to ask themselves; in this new country, where do I fit in and how do I make a living?
- Use of English language literature: It may be asked if the target of post-colonial studies, i.e. the analysis of post-colonial literature and culture, can be reached neglecting literary works in the original languages of post-colonial nations.
Read more about this topic: Postcolonial Literature
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