How did the Development of English Help British Imperialism
The Rise of English is a notable literary work by Terry Eagleton. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of The Rise of English.
Answer
How did the development of English help British Imperialism flourish in the 19th century and onwards? [NU: 2019]
“The Rise of English (1983) is a famous book by Terry Eagleton (1943–present). In this book, the author explains how English studies and British imperialism worked together in the 19th century. He shows that English was not only a language but also a political tool. It became a way to spread British culture and support colonial rule.
Education for Colonial Administrators: The British made English studies compulsory for civil service jobs. Eagleton shows that this policy trained colonial officers in English culture. They spread this culture among colonized people. This made officials active agents of cultural imperialism. He remarks,
“The era of the academic establishment of English is also the era of high imperialism in England.”
English as Cultural Domination: English literature was used to shape the minds of colonized people. Promoting English helped the empire impose its values. Eagleton points out that literature worked as a soft weapon of control. Colonies absorbed British ideas through stories, poems, and plays. This cultural power helped the empire grow stronger.
Literature as Moral Force: Religion was losing its authority in the 19th century. Literature began to act as a guide to morals. Eagleton explains that it carried the empire’s ideology. He writes,
“English is constructed as a subject to carry this ideological burden from the Victorian period onwards.”
Literature thus served both social control and political needs.
In short, Eagleton clearly shows that English supported British imperialism. It trained administrators, shaped colonial culture, and acted as moral authority. By spreading English, the British spread power. This close tie of language and empire helped colonial rule succeed.