The colonized mind: a study of postcolonial realities in selected modern fiction

Abstract

This dissertation discusses the perpetual colonization of a subjugated nation's mind which is depicted in the selected four novels from different continents and and different time frame. Although there has been a wide spectrum of discourse on human rights and equality in the 21st century, the question still remains that how far a state of equilibrium has been achieved by the marginalized nations of the world. People from formerly colonized countries are unable to establish order and govern their countries which have created a chaotic situation within the states. Colonial education and cultural colonization has made the subjugated nations believe that their culture, religion, customs and traditions are inferior to western richness in these fields. Their efforts to identify themselves with the Empire has created fragmentation in their minds because they can not associate themselves with the colonizer either. They suffer from dislocation, placelessness and loss of identity. This is an anxiety which is faced by all post colonial nations. I hope my thesis will provide an in-depth look at the selected texts to show how the colonial encounter has restructured and subjugated the colonized countries in terms of race, gender and ethnicity. It is an effort towards a call for a paradigm shift from the mainstream trend of thought to bring about a release from dominant imperialistic forces.