Navigating Boundaries: A Comprehensive Study of Postcolonial Theory and Literature [Hardback]

Navigating Boundaries: A Comprehensive Study of Postcolonial Theory and Literature

by Shuchi Agrawal

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The present book explores postcolonial landscapes through an intricate web of theory and literature, aiming to untangle the complexity inherent in the aftermath of colonial histories. This intellectual odyssey is a testament to the numerous voices that have emerged from the periphery, questioning dominant narratives and creating a greater knowledge of identity, power, and resistance. Amalgamating critical ideas, important concepts, and discussions of gender, race, nationalism and language, along with a close reading of literary masterpieces from postcolonial regions such as South Asia, the Caribbean, and Africa, this book stands as a comprehensive and indispensable resource in postcolonial studies.

Rekha Pande
Professor Emeritus, Henry Martin Institute, International Centre for Research, Interfaith Relations and Reconciliation, Hyderabad;
Former Head, Department of History;
Former Head, Centre for Women’s Studies, University of Hyderabad, India

A valuable addition to the field of postcolonial studies, this work is a rich exploration of key postcolonial theorists, alongside the analysis of literary works from diverse regions, including Africa, the Caribbean, and India. The author provides a structured framework for an understanding of complex postcolonial concepts in literature. The detailed exploration of African literary forms and traditions showcases the richness of African storytelling and the ways in which it challenges colonial narratives. Its engagement with issues like identity, resistance, hybridity, and the politics of language makes it a relevant and timely contribution to postcolonial studies. Whether you are delving into postcolonial theory for the first time or seeking a deeper understanding of literary responses to colonialism, this book offers a rich and thought-provoking journey through the complexities of postcolonial discourse. This book is highly recommended for readers in the fields of literature, cultural studies and literary theory.

Dr. Vinita Gupta Chaturvedi
Professor, Department of English
Delhi College of Arts & Commerce
University of Delhi, India

'Navigating Boundaries: A Comprehensive Study of Postcolonial Theory and Literature' delves into the intricate area of postcolonial discourse, amplifying the voices emerging from the margins, challenging dominant narratives while exploring the themes of identity, mimicry, hybridity, power and resistance. Drawing from key theorists such as Edward Said, Homi K. Bhabha, Frantz Fanon, Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak, Philip G. Altbach, Deepesh Chakravarthy, Chandra Talpade Mohanty, Gauri Viswanathan etc., this book offers a deep investigation into the multiple aspects of theoretical frameworks that shape postcolonial discourse. The analysis moves seamlessly from theory to literature, investigating how postcolonial literary texts navigate critical issues such as hybridity, mimicry, identity and resistance.

A vital resource for students, research scholars, teachers, and anyone curious about the dynamic field of postcolonial theory and literature, this book calls readers to reflect, question, and join the discourse on the complex narratives that continue to shape our world. Generally, most of the postcolonial critiques explore linguistic imperialism, but this book makes a groundbreaking contribution by foregrounding the use of vernacular languages in literary texts and critical theory, positing that this is not just an aesthetic choice but a form of resistance and identity reclamation. In doing so, it echoes Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o’s call for linguistic decolonization and applies it in a broader, more diverse context, examining how the act of writing in local languages disrupts colonial power dynamics and fosters cultural preservation. While much of postcolonial criticism tends to centre on broad historical and political analysis, 'Navigating Boundaries' emphasizes the multiple voices coming from Africa, Caribbean and South Asia, offering a more intimate look at identity formation in postcolonial settings. Moreover, the book’s interdisciplinary approach strengthens its position in the field. By weaving in cultural studies, sociology, and psychological perspectives on gender, trauma, ethnicity and memory, it opens up fresh pathways, making the work relevant not just for literary scholars, but for those interested in a wider discourse on postcolonial theory.

Acknowledgement
Preface
Introduction

Chapter 1
Key Concepts in Postcolonial Theory
Chapter 2
Postcolonial Theory: An Introduction
Chapter 3
History, Culture and Place: Writing Back
Chapter 4
Body, Ethnicity, Subaltern and Language
Chapter 5
Postcolonial Feminism, Third World Literacy, Nationalism and Education
Chapter 6
Postcolonial Caribbean Literature: Works by Derek Walcott and Jamaica Kincaid
Chapter 7
Postcolonial African Literature: Works by Chinua Achebe, Wole Soyinka, David Diop and Namwali Serpell
Chapter 8
Postcolonial Voices from Indian Descent: Works by M K Gandhi, Jhumpa Lahiri, Mahashweta Devi and Kancha Ilaiah

Conclusion
Works Cited
Index

Dr. Shuchi Agrawal is an eminent Professor of English at Amity University, NOIDA, with a remarkable teaching career spanning over 20 years. Her areas of expertise include American Literature, Literary Theory, New Literatures, Postcolonial Literature and Gender Studies. In addition to her teaching commitments, Dr. Agrawal has successfully guided numerous M. Phil and Ph.D. scholars, playing a pivotal role in shaping their academic journeys. She has authored 8 books and published 62 research papers in renowned peer-reviewed journals, reflecting her strong devotion to scholarly research. Beyond her academic endeavours, Dr. Agrawal actively engages with prominent international professional bodies dedicated to advancing research and knowledge. Some of her significant works include challenging and diverse topics such as ‘Research Methodology,’ ‘Reconstructing Women’s Identity,’ ‘Business Communication,’ ‘Communication in the Context of the Covid-19 Pandemic,’ ‘Fostering Integrity in Research,’ ‘Linguistics and Phonetics: A complete Introduction’ and ‘A Study of Philip Roth.’ Through these contributions, Dr. Agrawal continues to enhance academic discourse and expand the areas of her expertise.

Postcolonial Literature, Postcolonial Theory, Hybridity, Mimicry, Self vs. Other, Decolonization, Diaspora, Subaltern, Ethnicity, Identity, Postcolonial Feminism, Third Space, Decoloniality, Linguistic Decolonization, Writing Back