Post-colonial criticism helps us look at American literature in a new way. It challenges the usual stories that often ignore the voices of people who are left out.
Looking at Power in Stories: This type of criticism asks questions about who has power in a story and how that power affects the plot. For instance, in Sherman Alexie's book, "The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven," readers learn about the tricky issues of Native American identity. This challenges the pretty pictures that are often shown in popular stories.
Bringing Forward Silenced Voices: Post-colonial criticism also tries to give a platform to voices that have been quieted in the past. In Zora Neale Hurston’s "Their Eyes Were Watching God," we follow Janie Crawford as she faces her struggles as an African American woman. This story pushes back against the usual focus on white male characters in many literary discussions.
Examining Cultural Stereotypes: This approach also looks at cultural stereotypes. For example, in "The Joy Luck Club" by Amy Tan, the stories explore the lives of Chinese Americans. This reveals parts of their identity that are often ignored in traditional stories.
When students use post-colonial criticism, they can better understand literature that shows different experiences. This helps them appreciate American stories in a richer way.
Post-colonial criticism helps us look at American literature in a new way. It challenges the usual stories that often ignore the voices of people who are left out.
Looking at Power in Stories: This type of criticism asks questions about who has power in a story and how that power affects the plot. For instance, in Sherman Alexie's book, "The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven," readers learn about the tricky issues of Native American identity. This challenges the pretty pictures that are often shown in popular stories.
Bringing Forward Silenced Voices: Post-colonial criticism also tries to give a platform to voices that have been quieted in the past. In Zora Neale Hurston’s "Their Eyes Were Watching God," we follow Janie Crawford as she faces her struggles as an African American woman. This story pushes back against the usual focus on white male characters in many literary discussions.
Examining Cultural Stereotypes: This approach also looks at cultural stereotypes. For example, in "The Joy Luck Club" by Amy Tan, the stories explore the lives of Chinese Americans. This reveals parts of their identity that are often ignored in traditional stories.
When students use post-colonial criticism, they can better understand literature that shows different experiences. This helps them appreciate American stories in a richer way.