Difference Between Colonial & Post-Colonial Literature

Key Takeaways

• Colonial Literature deals with the aspects within the period of colonization, while postcolonial literature depicts the aspects or the consequences of colonization and the issues related to the period after the independence of the once colonized countries.
• Colonial literature is composed of letters, journals, biographies, and memoirs, focusing on the experiences of the colonizers, while postcolonial literature emphasizes the consequences of colonization and serves as a response to the impact of the colonial period.
• Colonial literature mainly deals with themes of personal adventures and discoveries, and religious evangelism, whereas postcolonial literature deals with themes of independence, racialism, patriotism, and criticism of the colonizer’s activities.

What is Colonial Literature?

Colonial Literature essentially refers to literature woven around themes related to the Colonial period. The Colonial period is when Western colonizers subjugated many other countries in their quest for natural resources and territories, aiming to spread their hegemony over other parts of the world. As a result, many Eastern and Western countries became colonies of these Western conquerors. The literature composed during this period was mostly by Western colonizers, emphasizing their experiences in the newly discovered territories. Most of the literary works belonging to this period are composed of letters, journals, biographies, and memoirs.

What is Post Colonial Literature?

Postcolonial Literature refers to the literature that highlights the social and cultural aspects after the period of decolonization. These works serve as a response to the impact of the colonial period and the discourse of colonizers in the previously colonized societies. Postcolonial literature draws an empathetic image of the colonized people, their liberation struggle towards independence, and the impact of colonization on their livelihoods, culture, and socio-cultural and political aspects of the respective country.

Similarities Between Colonial and Post Colonial Literature

• Both belong to literature types.
• Both deal with aspects related to colonization.

Difference Between Colonial and Post Colonial Literature

Colonial Literature vs Post Colonial Literature

• Colonial Literature deals with the aspects of the colonial period, while Post Colonial Literature emphasizes the consequences of Colonisation.
• Colonial literary works are within the period of colonization, while postcolonial literary works span from the colonization period to the decolonization period.
• Colonial literature deals with themes of personal adventures and discoveries, religious evangelism, while postcolonial literature deals with themes of independence, racialism, patriotism, and criticism of the colonizer’s activities.
• Writers of colonial literature were mostly the colonizers themselves, while both colonizers and colonized people wrote postcolonial literature as a response to the colonizers.

Summary – Colonial vs Post Colonial Literature 

Colonial and Post Colonial literature are two types of literature that focus on the issues concerning the colonial period in the world. Colonial literature is woven around the colonial period and issues related to colonialism, while postcolonial literature emphasizes the consequences of colonization by those undergoing decolonization. This can be highlighted as the difference between colonial and postcolonial literature.