Post-Colonial Criticism By: Kalpa Wickramathunga

Table of Content Purpose Key Terms Visual Representation Questions

purpose Studies the literature produced by both the colonizers and by those who were colonized in order to look at the economical, political, religion and cultural impact of colonization. Examines how the colonizers view themselves as more civilized than the colonized. Critiques how the colonizers and the colonized are represented in literature. Questions the role of the western literary canon and western history as they are viewed more dominant forms of knowledge making. Critiques the terms “first-world”, “second-world”, “third-world”, and “fourth-world” nations since they support the dominant positions of western cultures populating first world status.

key terms Colonialism: the expansion, establishment and maintenance of colony in one territory by a political power from another territory. Mimicry: the means by which the colonized adapt the culture (language, education, clothing, etc.) of the colonized but always in the process of changing it in important ways. Hegemony: the power of the ruling class to convince other classes that their interests are the interests of all, often not only through means of economy and political control but also through the control of education and media. Identity: the way in which an individual and/or group defines itself. Identity is important to self-concept, social mores, and national understanding.

visual representation Before After

questions How does the text portray the colonizers and the colonized? Does the main character a colonizer or a colonized and what are their beliefs? How are the characters who believe in the colonizers treated? Who is considered to be more powerful, the colonizers or the colonized?