The rise of English is Connected with the Growth and Consolidation of 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.
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“The rise of English” is connected with the growth and consolidation of imperialism. Explain. [NU: 2019, 21] ★★★ Or, Discuss, after Eagleton, how the “Rise of English” is connected with the growth and consolidation of Imperialism. [NU: 2017]
Terry Eagleton (1943–present) is a British critic. He wrote “Literary Theory: An Introduction” in 1983. Its second chapter is “The Rise of English.” In this essay, he connects English and power. Like Edward Said (1935-2003), Eagleton shows how English helped the empire grow. Literature was not only art or ‘truth and beauty.‘ It worked silently as a tool of empire. Let us discuss this in the following way.
English Education in the Colonies: The British Empire ruled many countries. To keep control, they used culture and language. Officers were trained in English literature. They read Shakespeare and Milton before duty. This gave them pride and confidence. They saw themselves as noble rulers. Literature made the empire seem moral. Even colonized students learned English texts. It built respect for British tradition. Eagleton writes,
“English Literature rode to power on the back of wartime nationalism.”
This shows that English gave emotional and national strength. It was more than just a subject. It helped grow and keep the empire.
Literature as Cultural Weapon: English was used to spread values. It taught colonized people British thinking. They learned about British heroes and ideas. It shaped minds with foreign culture. This made people admire their rulers. They followed ideas they read in class. Eagleton says,
“Like religion, literature works primarily by emotion and experience.”
Literature touched hearts like religion once did. It helped control without using force. This cultural rule was very powerful. English literature became a soft weapon. It worked quietly but deeply in society.
Training the Imperial Officers: The empire needed strong, loyal officers. They had to feel morally superior. So, they were taught great English texts. These books gave a sense of mission. They believed they were civilizing the world. Poems and plays gaveUnlock this study guide now