Post-Colonialism

1. Post-Colonialism

2. Learning Target • Understanding the historical setting of The Secret with respect to the aftermath of colonialism in India.

3. What is Post-Colonialism? • An academic discipline that looks at the legacies of imperialism and colonialism. • Post-Colonial Lens – to view literature written by European/Americans in terms of how they viewed Empire/Colonialism.

4. Colonialism-Empire-Imperialism • Definition according to Dictionary of Human Geography, is "an unequal human and territorial relationship, usually in the form of an empire, based on ideas of superiority and practices of dominance, and involving the extension of authority and control of one state or people over another. • So, basically, a powerful nation (Britain, France, America, Germany, etc.) venture into other areas and conquer them using military force to exploit people and resources. • Example: British went to countries like India, Africa, and Australia for its goods and exploited the people there treating them as a inferior race.

5. British Empire at its Height (Early 1900s) The French, Spanish, and German had an extensive Empire as well. Italy and the United States were also trying to get in on the Empire thing too….

6. Many texts written during the Imperial period show how the ruling countries viewed its subjugated colonies. • Task – define subjugated. Then, put the dictionary definition in your own words. • We reexamine these texts written during the time period, and analyze it, critiquing how the author treated aspects of Imperialism.

7. Literature is also written in the present day by the people who were previously subjugated. • They tell colonialism from their perspective.

8. The Secret Garden • Predict: • We know Mary is a young girl from India. In what tone do you expect characters to discuss India? • What kinds of things do you expect Mary herself to talk about in regards to India?