What Do I Read Next?
In the twilight of his illustrious career, Shakespeare penned The Tempest, a work many modern literary critics regard as a profound reflection on England’s nascent imperial ambitions. The complex interplay between Caliban, Miranda, and Prospero serves as a prism through which these colonial themes are explored.
Henry James and European Aristocracy
Writing contemporaneously with Conrad, the Modernist author Henry James cast his gaze across the Atlantic, offering a critique from his American vantage point. His novels dissected the crumbling aristocracy of Europe, a narrative thread deeply intertwined with the broader themes of imperial ascension and decline. Despite his critical eye, James held England close to his heart, ultimately embracing British citizenship in 1914 to join the world’s stage during World War I. One of his notable works, The Wings of the Dove, unfolds as a poignant tale of aristocratic woe amidst the backdrop of London and Venice.
Mahatma Gandhi and Nonviolent Revolt
From the tapestry of the Indian colonial period, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, later revered as Mahatma or “Great Soul,” emerged as a figure of monumental importance. His peaceful yet persuasive campaign for British withdrawal from India captivated global attention, earning him the title of Time magazine’s Man of the Year in 1930. Ever before the faintest glimmer of Indian independence appeared, the Christian Century endorsed him for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1934. Gandhi articulated his philosophy of nonviolence through a series of influential publications, including An Autobiography: The Story of My Experiments with Truth and Nonviolent Resistance. The contemplative monk Thomas Merton further explored Gandhi’s ideals in his work Gandhi on Nonviolence.
Chinua Achebe and African Narratives
Emerging from the heart of colonial Nigeria, Chinua Achebe became a towering figure in postcolonial literature. His incisive novels and critical essays have carved a place for African narrative forms within a predominantly European literary framework. Works such as Things Fall Apart and Anthills of the Savannah are testament to his masterful ability to capture the African ethos.
Salman Rushdie and Postcolonial Memory
In the dawn of India’s independence, Salman Rushdie was born in Bombay, weaving intricate tales that delve into the nation’s tumultuous history. His seminal novel, Midnight’s Children, chronicles India’s journey from 1910 to 1976 through the life of Saleem, a boy born at the stroke of independence in 1947, just like Rushdie himself. Through his narrative lens, Rushdie explores the entwining of memory and history, illuminating the enduring shadows of colonization.
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