Discuss the role of the English novels in perpetuating imperial rule.
Introduction to Culture and Imperialism is a notable literary work by Edward Said. 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 Introduction to Culture and Imperialism.
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Discuss the role of the English novels in perpetuating imperial rule. [NU: 2018, 22] ★★★
Edward Said (1935–2003) was a literary critic and cultural theorist. He was born in Palestine and later moved to Egypt and then to America. His book “Culture and Imperialism” (1993) exposes how Western culture supported colonial rule. Said used post-colonial ideas in his study. He focused on how literature, especially English novels, helped empires grow. His work shows that fiction often serves political goals. Let us shift to the main discussion.
Cultural Tools of Empire: English novels were not only entertainment. They carried messages of power and control. These stories shaped how people saw the world. Many novels showed the empire as civilizing and good. They made the British rulers look wise and fair. At the same time, they showed colonized people as weak or wild. These ideas entered the minds of readers. Novels helped people accept imperial ideas as truth. Said argued that culture spreads an empire silently.
Silencing Native Voices: A key feature of imperial fiction was silence. Native people rarely spoke for themselves. Novels pushed their voices to the side. The British characters told the main story. This made colonized lives seem unimportant. Said explained this in clear terms:
“The power to block other narratives from forming and emerging is very important…”
This quote shows how empire blocks voices. Novels played a part in this silence. They erased local culture and knowledge. Post-colonial critics work to bring those voices back. They study how fiction helped the imperialists.
Culture as a Stage of Power: Said believed that culture is not innocent. He said it is full of political meaning. Novels became part of that cultural system. They taught ideas that matched imperial beliefs. He wrote:
“Culture is a sort of theater where various political and ideological causes engage one another.”
This means culture is not separate from power. Literature shows and spreads those ideas. Novels supported the empire without using direct force. TheyUnlock this study guide now