Intersection of postcolonial literature with geography in terms of representation, power dynamics, and landscape in Geography

Postcolonial literature and geography are two distinct fields of study that may seem unrelated at first glance. However, upon closer examination, it becomes apparent that these two areas of inquiry intersect in a multitude of ways. The study of postcolonial literature and geography together provides a rich and nuanced understanding of the complexities and impact of colonialism on both people and places. In this article, we will explore how the intersection of postcolonial literature and geography sheds light on issues of representation, power dynamics, and landscape.

Representation is a crucial aspect of postcolonial literature and geography. Postcolonial literature challenges traditional Western narratives and representations of colonized peoples and their landscapes. These narratives often stand in contrast to the lived experiences of indigenous people and their connection to the land. In geography, the study of representation delves into how maps, landscapes, and spaces are constructed and portrayed. The intersection of these two perspectives provides a powerful lens to examine the colonial legacy of representation and how it continues to shape our understanding of the world.

One example of the intersection between postcolonial literature and geography is found in the works of indigenous writers such as Indigenous Australian poet, Oodgeroo Noonuccal, and Caribbean writer, Jamaica Kincaid. In her collection of poems, My People, Oodgeroo Noonuccal challenges the Eurocentric representation of Australia and the Australian landscape. She invites readers to see the land through the eyes of Indigenous Australians and the sacred connection they have with it. Similarly, in her novel A Small Place, Jamaica Kincaid critiques the colonial perspective of her home country, Antigua. She sheds light on the impact of colonialism on the landscape and the ways in which it has been exploited for the benefit of the colonizers.

These examples demonstrate how postcolonial literature and geography intersect in their critique of representation and the power dynamics that perpetuate certain narratives. Colonial powers often use representation as a tool for control and domination over colonized peoples and their territories. This can be seen in the way maps are used to delineate and establish borders, often disregarding the pre-existing boundaries and divisions of indigenous people. It is also reflected in the naming and categorization of places according to colonial perspectives, further erasing indigenous knowledge and history. The intersection of postcolonial literature and geography brings these issues to the forefront and challenges the dominant representations and power dynamics at play.

Furthermore, geography, as a discipline, is concerned with the relationship between people and the land. In postcolonial literature, this relationship is explored through the lens of colonialism and its impact on the landscape. Many postcolonial writers use the landscape as a metaphor for the relationship between colonizer and colonized. For instance, in the novel Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe, the landscape of Africa is a symbol of resistance and resilience against the colonizing forces of the British. The intersection of postcolonial literature and geography highlights the complex and dynamic relationship between people and the land, and how colonialism disrupts and transforms this relationship.

Moreover, the study of landscape in geography also reveals the power dynamics at play in colonial and postcolonial contexts. Colonial powers often manipulate the landscape to serve their economic and political interests, resulting in the displacement and exploitation of indigenous communities. This can be seen in the colonization of Africa, where natural resources were extracted for the benefit of European colonizers, leading to significant ecological and social impacts. Postcolonial literature, through its focus on the experiences and perspectives of colonized peoples, brings attention to these power imbalances and their impact on the landscape.

In conclusion, the intersection of postcolonial literature and geography provides a multidimensional understanding of the legacy of colonialism and its impact on representation, power dynamics, and landscape. Through the critical perspectives of postcolonial literature and geography, we can challenge dominant narratives and power structures, and gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of colonialism and its ongoing effects. It inspires us to critically examine our own assumptions and perspectives and to consider the stories and voices that have been marginalized and silenced. This intersection is not only relevant to academia but also has real-life implications for how we perceive and engage with the world around us.