Fiction & the Colonial Experience

This study examines how five writers from the first half of the 20th century responded to British colonialism, including Rudyard Kipling, E.M. Forster, Joseph Conrad, Joyce Cary, and Graham Greene. It explores how their early romantic adventure stories evolved into novels that questioned the stereotyped values of the Empire. The decline of colonialism in the 1880s within a short period makes the novels a compact group, allowing for a close study of the use of colonial material and its impact on the novelists.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 158 pages
Publication date: 24 July 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

British colonialism served as a rich source of inspiration for the novelists of the first half of the 20th century, and this comprehensive study, originally published in 1968, delves into the reactions of five notable writers to the Empire. The focus lies in examining the transformation of Rudyard Kipling's early romantic adventure stories, which largely excluded indigenous populations, into his more profound novels that grappled with spiritual and moral conflicts, challenging the established values of the Empire.

The decline of colonialism, which reached its peak in the 1880s, occurred within a relatively short span, making the novels discussed a cohesive group. This close examination of colonial material not only sheds light on its usage in the novels but also reveals the profound impact it had on the writers themselves. This study stands as a significant exploration of a vital literary theme, effectively bridging modern literature and modern history at a crucial juncture.

The study begins by providing a brief historical background, outlining the rise and fall of British colonialism in the 19th and 20th centuries. It highlights the significant role that colonialism played in shaping the political, economic, and cultural landscapes of various regions, including Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. The authors then delve into the individual reactions of the five writers to the Empire.

Rudyard Kipling, known for his iconic works such as "The Jungle Book" and "Kim," is examined in detail. His early stories, characterized by their romanticized portrayal of colonial life, gave way to his later novels that delved into the complexities of imperialism and the impact it had on the indigenous populations. Kipling's portrayal of the colonized as "noble savages" and his celebration of British imperialism in his works have been subject to critical scrutiny over the years.

E. M. Forster, another prominent writer, is explored in the study. His novel "A Passage to India" is considered a masterpiece of colonial literature, depicting the interactions between British and Indian characters in the context of British rule. Forster's portrayal of the colonized as both victims and oppressors and his exploration of the complexities of cultural and racial relationships have made his work a timeless classic.

Joseph Conrad, known for his intense and atmospheric novels, such as "Heart of Darkness" and "Nostromo," is examined in the study. Conrad's works often depicted the brutalities and exploitations of colonialism, particularly in Africa. His portrayal of the colonized as both victims and oppressors and his critique of the imperialist mindset have left a lasting impact on the literature of the period.

Joyce Cary, a lesser-known writer, is also explored in the study. Her novel "The Horse's Mouth" is a satirical portrayal of British colonial life in Ireland. Cary's sharp wit and her ability to critique the social and political structures of colonialism have made her work a valuable contribution to the literature of the period.

Graham Greene, a renowned novelist known for his political and moral concerns, is examined in the study. His novel "The Quiet American" is a critique of American imperialism in Vietnam. Greene's exploration of the moral dilemmas faced by individuals in the context of imperialism and his exploration of the complexities of power and corruption have made his work a seminal contribution to the literature of the 20th century.

The study concludes by discussing the enduring legacy of British colonialism in the literature of the first half of the 20th century. It highlights the ways in which the novels discussed in the study reflected the changing attitudes and perspectives of the writers towards colonialism and the Empire. It also examines the impact of colonialism on the development of modern literature and the ways in which it shaped the literary landscape of the period.

In conclusion, this study provides a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the reactions of five notable novelists to British colonialism. It sheds light on the transformation of colonial material from romantic adventure stories to more profound novels that grappled with spiritual and moral conflicts. The study also highlights the profound impact of colonialism on the writers themselves and the lasting legacy of colonialism in the literature of the first half of the 20th century. This study is a valuable contribution to the field of literary studies and provides a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between modern literature and modern history.

Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032190907