Classics and Colonialism

This collection of essays explores the influence of classical antiquity on British imperial discourse, revealing its complex role in both supporting and opposing colonialism.

In Classics and Colonialism, a thoughtful collection of essays, the authors delve into the significant influence that classical literature and culture had on the British Empire. This exploration reveals how texts and ideas from ancient Greece and Rome were intertwined with the ideologies that both supported and challenged imperial ambitions. By examining the role of classical antiquity in shaping narratives around empire, the book offers a nuanced perspective on the cultural exchanges that occurred during the colonial period.

The contributors engage with various themes, including the intersections between nineteenth- and twentieth-century theories of the Greek, Roman, and British empires. They investigate how neo-classical poetry and classical education impacted colonial societies, particularly in the Caribbean, and how adaptations of Greek drama emerged from postcolonial writers in Africa and beyond. This multifaceted approach highlights the complex relationship between the classics and colonial discourse, revealing the diverse ways in which these ancient texts were appropriated or resisted.

The introduction sets the stage for this inquiry by discussing why the study of classics within the context of the British Empire remains relevant today. It emphasizes the importance of understanding how classical traditions were utilized by both proponents of imperialism and those who opposed it. Overall, Classics and Colonialism provides a compelling framework for further exploration of these themes in the context of literature and cultural studies.