A Far Cry from Africa

by Derek Walcott

Start Free Trial

Student Question

What is post-colonialism as a literary approach?

Quick answer:

Post-colonialism as a literary approach analyzes literature through the lens of cultural expression differences and power dynamics between colonizers and the colonized. It emphasizes duality and hybridity, understanding how colonization impacts both groups. This approach seeks to comprehend literature from both perspectives, acknowledging the mutual influence and experiences in writing and composition.

Expert Answers

An illustration of the letter 'A' in a speech bubbles

Post- colonialism seeks to analyze literature from a point of view that takes into account the differences in cultural expression.  As a literary approach, post- colonialism is steeped in the idea of duality.  It analyzes literature from the point of view of the relationship between those in the position of power and those not in the position of power.  Postcolonialism understands the concept of hybridity, the combination and convergence of practices and signs from the colonizer and the colonized cultures.  With this in mind, the postcolonial literary approach seeks to understand literature from both points of view, fully aware of the impact that both have one another.  Just as the experience of colonization impacted both those in and outside of the positions of power, its literary approach sought to understand both experiences in the field of writing and composition.

Get Ahead with eNotes

Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.

Get 48 Hours Free Access
Approved by eNotes Editorial