Midnight's Orphans: Anglo-Indians in Post/Colonial Literature
Anglo-Indians are the human legacy of European colonialism. These descendants of European men and Indian women regularly appear as disconsolate and degenerate figures in colonial and postcolonial literature, much to the chagrin of contemporary Anglo-Indians. Many significant writers, such as Rudyard Kipling, Maud Diver, John Masters, Salman Rushdie and Hari Kunzru, have created Anglo-Indian characters to represent the complex racial, social and political currents of India's colonial past and postcolonial present.
This book is the first detailed study of Anglo-Indians in literature. Rather than simply dismissing the representation of Anglo-Indians in literary texts as offensive stereotypes, the book identifies the conditions for the emergence of these stereotypes through close readings of key novels, such as Bhowani Junction, Midnight's Children and The Impressionist. It also examines the work of contemporary Anglo-Indian writers such as Allan Sealy and Christopher Cyrill.
Presenting a persuasive argument against 'image criticism', the book underscores the importance of contextualizing literary texts, and makes a timely contribution to debates about 'mixed race' identities, minoritarian literature and interculturalism.
1114595681
Midnight's Orphans: Anglo-Indians in Post/Colonial Literature
Anglo-Indians are the human legacy of European colonialism. These descendants of European men and Indian women regularly appear as disconsolate and degenerate figures in colonial and postcolonial literature, much to the chagrin of contemporary Anglo-Indians. Many significant writers, such as Rudyard Kipling, Maud Diver, John Masters, Salman Rushdie and Hari Kunzru, have created Anglo-Indian characters to represent the complex racial, social and political currents of India's colonial past and postcolonial present.
This book is the first detailed study of Anglo-Indians in literature. Rather than simply dismissing the representation of Anglo-Indians in literary texts as offensive stereotypes, the book identifies the conditions for the emergence of these stereotypes through close readings of key novels, such as Bhowani Junction, Midnight's Children and The Impressionist. It also examines the work of contemporary Anglo-Indian writers such as Allan Sealy and Christopher Cyrill.
Presenting a persuasive argument against 'image criticism', the book underscores the importance of contextualizing literary texts, and makes a timely contribution to debates about 'mixed race' identities, minoritarian literature and interculturalism.
127.7 In Stock
Midnight's Orphans: Anglo-Indians in Post/Colonial Literature

Midnight's Orphans: Anglo-Indians in Post/Colonial Literature

by Glenn D'Cruz
Midnight's Orphans: Anglo-Indians in Post/Colonial Literature

Midnight's Orphans: Anglo-Indians in Post/Colonial Literature

by Glenn D'Cruz

Paperback

$127.70 
  • SHIP THIS ITEM
    Qualifies for Free Shipping
  • PICK UP IN STORE
    Check Availability at Nearby Stores

Related collections and offers


Overview

Anglo-Indians are the human legacy of European colonialism. These descendants of European men and Indian women regularly appear as disconsolate and degenerate figures in colonial and postcolonial literature, much to the chagrin of contemporary Anglo-Indians. Many significant writers, such as Rudyard Kipling, Maud Diver, John Masters, Salman Rushdie and Hari Kunzru, have created Anglo-Indian characters to represent the complex racial, social and political currents of India's colonial past and postcolonial present.
This book is the first detailed study of Anglo-Indians in literature. Rather than simply dismissing the representation of Anglo-Indians in literary texts as offensive stereotypes, the book identifies the conditions for the emergence of these stereotypes through close readings of key novels, such as Bhowani Junction, Midnight's Children and The Impressionist. It also examines the work of contemporary Anglo-Indian writers such as Allan Sealy and Christopher Cyrill.
Presenting a persuasive argument against 'image criticism', the book underscores the importance of contextualizing literary texts, and makes a timely contribution to debates about 'mixed race' identities, minoritarian literature and interculturalism.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9783039108480
Publisher: Peter Lang AG, Internationaler Verlag der Wissenschaften
Publication date: 05/29/2006
Series: Studies in Asia-Pacific "Mixed Race" , #1
Pages: 268
Product dimensions: 5.91(w) x 8.66(h) x (d)

About the Author

The Author: Glenn D'Cruz is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Communication and Creative Arts at Deakin University, Australia. He has written for a number of publications on issues of 'mixed race' literature and cultural identity, including The Journal of Commonwealth Literature, Meanjin, Studies in Western Australian History. He has also published in the areas of theatre and performance studies.

Table of Contents

Contents: Seven Deadly Stereotypes – Dangerous ‘Others’ and Colonial Governmentality – Beyond the Pale: Imperial Power and Scientific Regimes of Truth – Social Science and the Production of Anglo-Indian Identity – Midnight’s Orphans: Stereotypes in Postcolonial Literature – ‘The Good Australians’: Australian Multiculturalism and Anglo-Indian Literature – Conclusion: Bringing it all Back Home.
From the B&N Reads Blog

Customer Reviews