what is anti literature | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Arts Entertainment

Anti-Literature Points Out The European Focus Of Modern Literature And Its Ethnocentrism

"Anti-literature" simply advises that we look at these texts with a cautious eye.

797
Anti-Literature Points Out The European Focus Of Modern Literature And Its Ethnocentrism
https://www.pexels.com/photo/beige-analog-gauge-697662/

Anti-literature is the concept within postcolonial literature that criticizes traditional works of Western literature. This criticism is given on the basis that Western texts, with their bombastic and romantic language, subjective depiction of people and places, and their strong link to Western imperialist and economic interests, have contributed to the oppression of large groups of people. Thus, one of the main characteristics that define postcolonial literature as a genre and differentiates it from other forms of literature is this concept of "anti-literature."

To understand the idea of "anti-literature," take a look at two fundamental texts of postcolonial studies: Edward Said's "Orientalism" and Gayatri Spivak's "Can the Subaltern Speak?" Both Said and Spivak focus a large portion of their work on critically engaging Western scholars such as Marx, Deleuze, Foucault, Renan, Lane, and Sacy. Said and Spivak engage these scholars by pointing out how their writing, in relation to the Orient, was often influenced by their own ideological biases and was thus not true to the sincere nature of the subaltern people they were attempting to represent. In that sense, both Said's and Spivak's works are "anti-literary." This "anti-literary" concept, that traditional literature is unable to accurately depict the truth of the Oriental people, is fundamental to the purpose of both works. And both works are fundamental to the field of postcolonialism. As a result, these works set a precedent- any work of literature hereinafter created could be defined as "postcolonial" if it also engaged with the idea of "anti-literariness."

"Anti-literature" is seen not only within academic pieces such as those of Said and Spivak, but also in postcolonial novels. For example, in Jamaica Kincaid's "Lucy," the protagonist Lucy talks about how when she was a child, she was taught a poem about daffodils in school. Lucy says about this memory, "Mariah, do you realize that at ten years of age I had to learn by heart a long poem about some flowers I would not see in real life until I was nineteen?" The irony here is that Lucy's Eurocentric education forced her to learn a poem about daffodils even though daffodils had nothing to do with her life. These are flowers that are not native to her homeland, that she had never seen before, and that she would never see for nineteen years. Clearly, the body of literature considered canonical in Western education is completely unrelated to Lucy's truth. Lucy's tone in this passage is sharp. It is clear that she is being critical of this unrepresentative literature that she is forced to consume. Thus, we see "anti-literature" is a defining quality of Kincaid's postcolonial novel "Lucy."

It is important to understand that the term "anti-literature" is not propaganda that attempts to stigmatize the reading or appreciation of canonical Western texts. "Anti-literature" simply advises that we look at these texts with a cautious eye. It suggests that we respond to questions such as: How do we compose literature? What must we think of the history of literature? How do we account for literature after the history of colonialism? From this critical thought, "anti-literature" is formed.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

10350
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
college

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

4600
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

3378
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

2988
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments