Colonialism in African Literature

Wole Soyinka and Joseph Conrad, though from two very different parts of the world, illustrate the oppression and terror of the people of Africa during the time of European domination. Thus a Post- colonial theory is evident throughout the works of both authors. Post-colonial theory can deal with the reading and writing of literature written in previously or currently colonized countries, or literature written in colonizing countries, which deals with colonization or colonized peoples. Both …

…heart of Darkness Soyinka clearly and plainly criticises colonialism throughout his works; such as Death and the King's Horseman Conrad renders colonialism as a futile movement because it only serves to corrupt people. Soyinka also views colonialism in the same light. Having first hand experience with colonialism, he knows that this venture is dangerous and evil. Soyinka experienced the domination of the Europeans who tried to mould his Yorbua culture into one similar to theirs.