The rise of English is Connected with the Growth and Consolidation of Imperialism

Answer

“The rise of English is connected with the growth and consolidation of imperialism,” Explain. 

Terry Eagleton (1943-present) is a well-known British literary theorist and critic. In his essay “The Rise of English” (1983), he explains how English grew as a subject and linked with imperialism. He says English literature spread as a cultural trend. It was also used as a tool for British power. The global rise of English links to British political goals. The spread of English was not just a cultural process. It was carefully planned to expand British influence worldwide and secure the dominance of British ideals.

A Tool for Cultural Domination: Eagleton explains that spreading English literature helped the British control their colonies. By promoting English, they aimed to impose their values and ideas on the colonized people. Eagleton shows how English studies were used in colonies to shape minds that would accept British authority. Literature became a way to make colonial subjects feel that English culture was superior. The quote supporting this is:

With the need to incorporate the increasingly powerful but spiritually rather raw middle classes into unity with the ruling aristocracy, ….., literature gained a new importance.

English in Civil Service Education: The British made sure English literature was part of colonial officer exams. Eagleton says this was to prepare officers to spread British culture and values. Officers had to learn English history and traditions. This was so they could influence other countries with these ideas. Using literature in this way helped strengthen British control. Using literature in this way helped strengthen British control and reinforced British superiority.

Maintaining Social Hierarchies: English literature was used to keep class divisions strong. Eagleton says English was first taught to the upper classes. The British copied these systems in their colonies. They wanted those who learned English to feel superior. This reinforced social hierarchies in both Britain and the colonies. English education supported British control and dominance.

Literature as a Substitute for Religion: As the British Empire grew, religion lost its power. Eagleton explains how literature began to take the place of religion. Literature guided morals and shaped culture. By replacing religion with literature, the British kept control without relying on religious teachings. He supports this with the quote:

English is constructed as a subject to carry this ideological burden from the Victorian period onwards.

This quote means that, from the Victorian era, English was shaped to spread specific beliefs. It was used to support British cultural control and maintain political power.

Rise of English as a Discipline: In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, English became a key academic subject. The need to educate more people caused this change. Eagleton says English literature was first seen as fit for working people and women. He says:

English was literally the poor man’s classics—a way of providing a cheapish ‘liberal’ education for those beyond the charmed circles of public school and Oxbridge.

At that time, top universities like Cambridge and Oxford also resisted teaching it.

In termination, Eagleton shows how the rise of English as a subject links deeply with British imperialism. English literature was more than a cultural achievement; it was a planned way to spread British values. The global dominance of English today is a lasting effect of these imperial goals. The impact of this strategy is still seen in education, politics, and global communication. English continues to have a dominant role in these areas.