Postcolonialism: Literary Applications of a Decolonizing Tool

Abstract

Postcolonialism revolves around studying the effects of colonialism on cultures and discloses how European nations controlled "Third World" cultures and how the latter resisted cunning encroachments. It endeavors to decolonize postcolonial states from the political conditions to the cultural ones, as it contests the contemporary legacies of historical colonialism so as to break the present imbalances of power. Postcolonialism also seeks to criticize contemporary colonial ways by seeking powerful substantial change in postcolonial nations while celebrating the lost history of resistance as well. The purpose of this research study is to define postcolonialism and show how postcolonial literary theory is applied to examine texts produced by both the colonized and the colonizing forces. Also, it endeavors to contribute to the body of postcolonial literature and celebrate the lost cultural heritage of the colonized. To meet this end, this research investigation adopts an exploratory research design and uses searching and screening tools to examine, analyze and synthesize relevant first and secondary sources. The findings indicated that postcolonial literary theories, in their multidimensional and multidisciplinary nature, have proven practically useful in scrutinizing western literature, celebrating literary works by the colonized subaltern through giving voice to the tamed, stifled, and disdained intellectuals whose works disclose the truth behind the civilizing mission of colonialism which was nothing but a series of ideas and practices used to legitimize the establishment of overseas colonies to subject people. The results of this research study are significant in the way that they would not only enrich and further advance the existing canon of postcolonial literature but would also raise awareness of everyone investigating the power dynamics of the colonizer and the colonized. In this respect, it is therefore hoped that our dissertation deepens greater understanding and inspires respect, honor, and rehabilitation for the colonized.