What is Postcolonial Theory?

PHILO-notes

12 Jun 202003:59

Summary

TLDRPost-colonial theory is a critical approach in literary studies that examines the lasting impact of European colonialism on a global scale. Originating from Commonwealth literature and third world studies, it challenges the notion of enriching English literature and is heavily influenced by Edward Said's 'Orientalism.' The theory addresses the cultural and literary expressions of former colonies and considers the United States' literature as part of this discourse due to its efforts to establish a non-English dominated canon. It employs postmodern theoretical discourses such as deconstruction and psychoanalysis to understand the world in relation to imperialism and colonialism.

Takeaways

🌟 Post-colonial theory is a critical approach in literary studies that examines the global impact of European colonialism.
📚 It evolved from earlier theories like Commonwealth literature and third world studies.
🏛️ Edward Said's 'Orientalism' is considered a foundational text of post-colonial theory.
🌍 The theory explores how colonialism led to attempts to understand and control colonial subjects, creating stereotypes.
🔄 Post-colonial theory takes various forms but maintains that the world is shaped by the history of imperialism and colonialism.
🗺️ The term 'post-colonial' can refer to the period after colonial independence or the broader effects of colonization.
🌐 It encompasses cultures affected by imperialism from colonization to the present.
📚 Post-colonial theory studies literature from colonies and regions influenced by colonialism, including the United States.
💭 The methodology often involves postmodern discourse, deconstruction, psychoanalysis, and Foucauldian discourse analysis.
👥 Key figures in post-colonial theory include Edward Said, Gayatri Spivak, and Homi Bhabha.

Q & A

What is post-colonial theory?
-Post-colonial theory is a theoretical approach in literary studies that critically analyzes the global effects of European colonialism.
How did post-colonial theory evolve?
-Post-colonial theory developed from earlier theories of Commonwealth literature and third world studies.
What is the significance of Edward Said's work 'Orientalism' in post-colonial theory?
-Edward Said's 'Orientalism' is considered one of the founding texts of post-colonial theory, focusing on how colonial conquests resulted in an attempt to know and administer colonial subjects.
What are the pervasive images generated by colonial literature according to the transcript?
-The literature of Empire often portrays effeminate Indians, savage Africans, and inscrutably sinister Orientals.
What does the term 'post-colonial' mean in different contexts?
-In terms of period, it refers to the time following the independence of former colonies. In terms of origin, it relates to colonization itself. Geographically, it refers to a vast spatial unity affected by the imperial process.
According to Ashcroft, Griffiths, and Tiffin, why should the literature of the United States be considered post-colonial?
-19th century American literature was marked by an attempt to construct a canon that was not dominated by the English classics, which is why it is considered post-colonial.
What cultures and literatures does post-colonial theory aim to study?
-Post-colonial theory aims to study the cultures and literatures of colonies such as India, Africa, Asia, Canada, Australia, and South America.
What is the methodological approach of post-colonial theory?
-Post-colonial theory tends to be dominated by theoretical discourse associated with post-modernity, including deconstruction, Lacanian psychoanalysis, and discourse analysis derived from Foucault.
Who are some of the key figures in post-colonial theory mentioned in the transcript?
-Key figures in post-colonial theory mentioned include Edward Said, Homi Bhabha, and Gayatri Spivak.
What is the fundamental claim of all post-colonial theories?
-The fundamental claim is that the world we inhabit is impossible to understand except in relationship to the history of imperialism and colonialism.
Why can the term 'post-colonial' be misleading?
-The term 'post-colonial' can be misleading because it suggests a period following colonialism, but it also encompasses the entire history of colonization and its ongoing effects.

Outlines

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🌏 Overview of Post-Colonial Theory

Post-colonial theory is a critical approach in literary studies that seeks to analyze the global impact of European colonialism. It evolved from earlier theories on Commonwealth literature and third-world studies. This theory is often associated with Edward Said's 'Orientalism,' which is considered foundational. Post-colonial theory examines how colonial conquests led to attempts to understand and control colonial subjects, resulting in stereotypical images of the 'other' in imperial literature. It encompasses various forms and interventions but fundamentally argues that our world cannot be understood without considering the history of imperialism and colonialism. The term 'post-colonial' can be misleading, as it refers to the period after the independence of former colonies and to cultures affected by colonialism from the moment of colonization to the present day. Post-colonial theory aims to study the cultures and literatures of colonies such as India, Africa, Asia, Canada, Australia, and South America. It also includes American literature from the 19th century, which sought to establish a literary canon independent of English classics. Methodologically, post-colonial theory is linked with post-modern discourse, deconstruction, Lacanian psychoanalysis, and Foucauldian discourse analysis. Key figures in this field include Edward Said, Gayatri Spivak, and Homi Bhabha.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Post-colonial theory

Post-colonial theory is a critical approach within literary studies that seeks to analyze and understand the lasting impacts of European colonialism on a global scale. It emerged from earlier theories such as Commonwealth literature and third world studies, aiming to challenge the notion that the role of Anglophone writers was to enrich English literature. The theory is intrinsically linked to the video's theme as it forms the basis for understanding the critique of colonial narratives and their effects on culture and literature.

💡Edward Said

Edward Said is a foundational figure in post-colonial theory, known for his seminal work 'Orientalism.' His work is central to the video's narrative as it discusses how colonial powers attempted to understand and control their subjects, leading to stereotypical and dehumanizing representations of the 'other.'

💡Orientalism

Orientalism refers to the way Western powers perceived and represented Eastern cultures during the colonial era. It is a key concept in the video, illustrating how these representations were used to justify colonial rule and how they continue to influence perceptions of the 'other' in literature and culture.

💡Imperialism

Imperialism is the policy of extending a country's rule over foreign nations, often for economic or political gain. In the context of the video, imperialism is the historical backdrop against which post-colonial theory examines the cultural and literary consequences of colonial expansion.

💡Colonialism

Colonialism is the establishment of settlements in one territory by people from another territory, often resulting in the subjugation of the native population. The video discusses how colonialism has shaped the world we inhabit and is a central concept in understanding the cultural and literary critiques presented.

💡Commonwealth literature

Commonwealth literature refers to the body of work produced by writers from the former British colonies. The video mentions this as a precursor to post-colonial theory, highlighting a shift from viewing these works as enriching English literature to critically analyzing their colonial contexts.

💡Third world studies

Third world studies is an academic field that examines the social, economic, and political conditions of countries that were not aligned with either the capitalist West or the communist East during the Cold War. The video suggests that post-colonial theory has evolved from this field, broadening its focus to include cultural analysis.

💡Ashcroft, Griffiths, and Tiffin

Ashcroft, Griffiths, and Tiffin are scholars who have contributed significantly to post-colonial theory. They are mentioned in the video for defining post-colonial as referring to all cultures affected by the imperial process, from colonization to the present day.

💡Cultural role

The cultural role, as discussed in the video, refers to the function or purpose that literature and culture serve within society. Post-colonial theory challenges the traditional view of the cultural role of Anglophone writers, arguing for a more critical engagement with colonial history.

💡Deconstruction

Deconstruction is a method of literary criticism that seeks to expose the contradictions and multiple meanings within a text. The video mentions that post-colonial theory is often associated with deconstruction, indicating a focus on analyzing and questioning the narratives presented in colonial literature.

💡Baba Seel and Spivak

Baba Seel and Spivak are prominent figures in post-colonial theory, known for their work on subaltern studies and the representation of marginalized voices. The video suggests that their work is central to the field, emphasizing the importance of understanding and amplifying perspectives that have been silenced by colonial discourse.

Highlights

Post-colonial theory is a critical analysis of the global effects of European colonialism.

It has roots in Commonwealth literature and third world studies.

Post-colonial theory breaks with the ideology of enriching English literature through Anglophone writers.

Edward Said's 'Orientalism' is considered a founding text of post-colonial theory.

Colonial conquests led to attempts to know and administer colonial subjects.

Post-colonial theory challenges pervasive stereotypes of colonized peoples.

The world is understood in relation to the history of imperialism and colonialism.

The term 'post-colonial' can be misleading regarding the period after colonial independence.

Post-colonial theory encompasses cultures affected by the imperial process from colonization to the present.

Literatures of former colonies and the United States are studied under post-colonial theory.

19th century American literature was an attempt to construct a non-English dominated cannon.

Post-colonial theory is often associated with postmodern theoretical discourse.

Deconstruction, Lacanian psychoanalysis, and Foucauldian discourse analysis are methodologies within post-colonial theory.

Baba Seid and Spivak are prominent figures in post-colonial theory.