1. Reflecting the Impact of Colonialism:
* Physical Landscapes: Postcolonial settings often feature landscapes marked by the legacy of colonialism – plantations, mines, cities built by colonizers, and the remnants of colonial infrastructure. These settings act as physical reminders of the past and the ongoing impact of colonialism on the present.
* Social and Cultural Landscapes: The social and cultural landscape of postcolonial societies is also a crucial element. The coexistence of traditional cultures with colonial influences, the struggles for identity and belonging, and the tension between modernity and tradition are all reflected in the setting.
2. Creating a Sense of Place and Identity:
* Challenging Colonial Narratives: Postcolonial writers often reclaim their native spaces, challenging the dominant colonial narratives that often depict the colonized world as exotic, underdeveloped, or inferior. They present a more nuanced and complex view of their landscapes and communities.
* Exploring Identity and Belonging: Setting becomes a key factor in exploring themes of identity and belonging, as characters navigate the complexities of living in a world shaped by colonialism. They may grapple with their own cultural heritage, grapple with the legacy of colonialism, and seek to define their own sense of place in a world that is both familiar and unfamiliar.
3. Examining Power Dynamics:
* Colonial Power Structures: The setting often reflects the power dynamics established by colonialism, highlighting the inequalities and injustices that persisted even after independence.
* Resistance and Rebellion: Postcolonial writers use setting to explore the ways in which people resist colonial power, reclaiming their spaces and challenging the dominant narratives.
4. Reclaiming History and Memory:
* Reframing the Past: Postcolonial authors often use setting to reframe the past, challenging the colonial version of history and highlighting the perspectives and experiences of the colonized people.
* Memory and Trauma: Settings can be imbued with memories of colonial violence, displacement, and exploitation, serving as reminders of the ongoing impact of the past.
Examples:
* Chinua Achebe's "Things Fall Apart": The setting of Umuofia in pre-colonial Nigeria contrasts sharply with the encroaching colonial presence, highlighting the cultural clash and the impact of colonialism on traditional ways of life.
* Salman Rushdie's "Midnight's Children": The chaotic and vibrant city of Bombay serves as a backdrop for the struggles of a nation grappling with its identity and its postcolonial reality.
* V.S. Naipaul's "A House for Mr. Biswas": The fictional island of Trinidad, with its colonial past and diverse cultures, becomes a microcosm of postcolonial identity and belonging.
These examples show how setting is not merely a backdrop in postcolonial literature; it is an active participant in shaping the themes, characters, and narratives of the story.