Literature under

United State
Colonialism
 C o l o n i a l e ra o f
01 t h e U n i te d S tate s
1492–1783
 Colonial era of the United States
1492–1783

The colonial era of the United States spans

from the arrival of Christopher Columbus
in 1492 to the end of the American
Revolutionary War in 1783. During this
period, European powers, primarily the
English, Spanish, French, and Dutch,
established colonies in North America.
These colonies were founded for various
reasons, including economic expansion,
religious freedom, and political motives.
 E x p l o r a ti o n o f c o m m o n t h e m e s i n
literature under US colonialism

Identity Colonial violence and

0 0 its impact
1 4
Resistance Loss and
0 0 displacement
2 5
Cultural assimilation Survival and
0 0 resilience
3 6
 I d e n ti t y

Literature under US colonialism frequently explores questions of identity, including

personal, cultural, and ethnic identities. Characters often navigate between multiple
identities, such as their native cultural heritage and their identity as colonial subjects.
Authors delve into the complexities of identity formation, the struggle for self-definition, and
the tensions between assimilation and cultural preservation.
 Resistance

Many literary works depict acts of resistance against colonial oppression and hegemony.
Characters resist through various means, including political activism, cultural
preservation, and defiance of colonial laws and norms. Resistance narratives highlight
the resilience and agency of marginalized communities in the face of systemic injustices.
 C u l t u r a l A s s i m i l a ti o n

Literature under US colonialism explores the pressures and consequences of cultural

assimilation imposed by colonial powers. Characters often grapple with the tension between
preserving their cultural heritage and assimilating into the dominant colonial culture.
Authors examine the impact of assimilation on individual and collective identities, as well as
the complexities of cultural hybridity and syncretism.
 Colonial Violence and its Impact

Many literary works address the pervasive violence inflicted upon indigenous peoples,
enslaved Africans, and other marginalized groups during the colonial era. Authors
depict the physical, psychological, and social impact of colonial violence on individuals and
communities, exploring themes of trauma, displacement, and intergenerational trauma.
 Loss and Displacement

Literature under US colonialism often portrays the profound loss and displacement
experienced by indigenous peoples, African slaves, and other marginalized
communities. Characters grapple with the loss of land, culture, language, and kinship ties
due to colonial expansion and violence. Authors sensitively depict the psychological and
emotional toll of displacement, as well as the enduring quest for belonging and home.
 Survival and Resilience

Despite the adversities of colonialism, literature also celebrates the resilience and survival
of marginalized communities. Characters demonstrate remarkable strength,
resourcefulness, and solidarity in the face of oppression and adversity. Authors
highlight acts of resilience, resistance, and collective struggle as essential strategies for
survival and empowerment.
 L i te ra r y
M o ve m e nt s
02 during US
Colonialism
 Harlem Renaissance (1920s-1930s)

• The Harlem Renaissance was a cultural and literary movement primarily centered in the
Harlem neighborhood of New York City during the 1920s and 1930s.
• It was characterized by a flourishing of African American literature, art, music, and
intellectual thought.
• Writers such as Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, Claude McKay, and Countee
Cullen played pivotal roles in shaping the movement.
• The Harlem Renaissance celebrated African American culture, heritage, and identity,
challenging prevailing racial stereotypes and advocating for social and political equality.
 Chicano Movement (1960s-1970s)

• The Chicano Movement was a civil rights and cultural movement led by Mexican
Americans in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s.
• Chicano literature emerged as a central component of the movement, expressing the
struggles, aspirations, and cultural pride of Mexican American communities.
• Writers such as Rudolfo Anaya, Sandra Cisneros, and Luis Valdez contributed to the
development of Chicano literature, exploring themes of identity, immigration, and social
justice.
• Chicano literature often incorporates elements of magical realism, folklore, and
bilingualism, reflecting the hybrid cultural identities of Mexican Americans.
 N a ti v e A m e r i c a n R e n a i s s a n c e ( l a t e 2 0 t h
century)

• The Native American Renaissance refers to a resurgence of Indigenous literature, art,

and cultural activism that began in the late 20th century and continues to the present day.
• Indigenous writers reclaimed their voices and narratives, challenging colonial stereotypes
and asserting the vitality of Indigenous cultures and traditions.
• Authors such as N. Scott Momaday, Leslie Marmon Silko, Louise Erdrich, and Sherman
Alexie are prominent figures in Native American literature.
• Native American literature explores themes of identity, land rights, spirituality, and the
ongoing effects of colonization on Indigenous communities.
 Filipino American Literature Movement (20th
century)

• The Filipino American Literature Movement emerged in the 20th century as Filipino
Americans sought to articulate their experiences and identities in the United States.
• Writers such as Carlos Bulosan, Jessica Hagedorn, and Bienvenido Santos contributed
to the development of Filipino American literature, addressing issues of immigration,
labor exploitation, and cultural hybridity.
• Filipino American literature reflects the complex histories of colonization, migration, and
diaspora, exploring themes of displacement, identity, and belonging.
 Puerto Rican Literature

• Puerto Rican literature encompasses a diverse range of literary expressions spanning

poetry, fiction, essays, and drama.
• Writers such as Esmeralda Santiago, Pedro Pietri, and Julia de Burgos have made
significant contributions to Puerto Rican literature, addressing themes of colonialism,
migration, and cultural identity.
• Puerto Rican literature reflects the island's complex history of colonization, resistance,
and cultural resilience, capturing the nuances of Puerto Rican identity both on the island
and in the diaspora.
 H i g h l i g hti n g
03 N o ta b l e A u t h o rs
and their
C o nt r i b u ti o n s
 Langston Hughes

• Langston Hughes was a key figure of the Harlem Renaissance, known for his poetry,
essays, novels, and plays.
• His poetry often celebrated African American culture, vernacular language, and the
experiences of ordinary people.
• Hughes's works, such as "The Negro Speaks of Rivers," "Harlem," and "Montage of a
Dream Deferred," explored themes of racial identity, pride, and the struggles of African
Americans in the United States.
 Zitkala-Ša

• Zitkala-Ša, also known as Gertrude Simmons Bonnin, was a Yankton Dakota Sioux
writer, musician, and activist.
• Her writings, including the autobiographical essay "Impressions of an Indian Childhood"
and the collection "American Indian Stories," shed light on the experiences of Native
Americans during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
• Zitkala-Ša's works addressed issues of cultural identity, assimilation, and the impact of
colonization on Indigenous communities.
 Carlos Bulosan

• Carlos Bulosan was a Filipino American writer known for his novel "America Is in the
Heart."
• His writing depicted the experiences of Filipino migrant workers in the United States,
addressing issues such as labor exploitation, racism, and the pursuit of the American
Dream.
• Bulosan's work is celebrated for its vivid portrayal of the Filipino American immigrant
experience and its contribution to Filipino American literature.
 Sandra Cisneros

• Sandra Cisneros is a Chicana writer best known for her novel "The House on Mango
Street."
• Her work often explores themes of cultural identity, gender, class, and the experiences
of Mexican American women.
• Cisneros's writing style blends poetry and prose, incorporating elements of magical
realism and bilingualism to capture the complexities of Chicano life.
 Leslie Marmon Silko

• Leslie Marmon Silko is a Laguna Pueblo writer known for her novel "Ceremony" and her
storytelling prowess.
• Her works blend traditional Indigenous storytelling with modern narrative techniques,
addressing themes of identity, cultural heritage, and the effects of colonization on
Indigenous communities.
• Silko's writing often incorporates elements of mythology, folklore, and the natural world,
reflecting the interconnectedness of Native American spirituality and the land.
 N .V. M . G o n z a l e z

• N.V.M. Gonzalez was a Filipino author known for his short stories, novels, and essays.
• His works often depicted the lives of ordinary Filipinos and explored themes such as
poverty, social injustice, and the impact of colonialism on Filipino society.
• Gonzalez's writing skillfully captured the nuances of Filipino culture and history,
contributing to the development of Philippine literature in English.
THANK YOU