Comparative Analysis of Postcolonial Identity in Victorian and Contemporary British Literature

Thesis Abstract

This study investigates the evolving construction of postcolonial identity in British literature by conducting a comparative analysis of texts from the Victorian era and contemporary periods to address the gap in understanding how notions of colonialism, hybridity, and self-representation have transformed over time. The central aim is to examine how postcolonial identities are articulated and negotiated within the socio-political and cultural contexts of these distinct eras, with specific objectives to identify thematic continuities and divergences, analyze the influence of imperial ideology and decolonization, and evaluate the role of narrative strategies in shaping postcolonial consciousness. Employing a qualitative research design, the study selects a purposive sample of 20 Victorian texts, including novels, essays, and poetry, alongside 20 contemporary works such as novels and autobiographies authored within the last two decades, sourced from prominent literary archives and digital repositories. The selection is guided by criteria emphasizing relevance to postcolonial themes and authorial engagement with colonial discourse. Data collection involves comprehensive textual analysis supported by digital text analysis software to facilitate thematic coding. The theoretical framework integrates Homi Bhabha’s concepts of hybridity and mimicry and Edward Said’s notions of Orientalism to interpret the texts, complemented by postcolonial feminist theory to examine gendered perspectives of identity. Data analysis proceeds through thematic analysis facilitated by NVivo, alongside discourse analysis to identify ideological constructs and narrative strategies. The study anticipates revealing significant shifts in postcolonial identity articulation, from imperial justification and assimilation in Victorian texts to resistance, hybridity, and transnational affiliations in contemporary works. It is expected to uncover that Victorian literature predominantly constructs colonial subjects through binary oppositions and ideological reinforcement, whereas contemporary texts emphasize multiplicity, fragmentation, and negotiation of identities beyond national borders. These findings will delineate an evolutionary trajectory in postcolonial self-representation, illustrating the impact of historical and socio-political shifts on literary expressions of identity. The study contributes to knowledge by providing a comparative framework that links literary texts across centuries, enhancing understanding of postcolonial identity formation within a broader socio-historical context, and by offering new interpretative insights into the continuity and divergence of postcolonial narratives. The research underscores the importance of narrative strategies in shaping postcolonial consciousness and offers a critical perspective for literary scholars, postcolonial theorists, and cultural historians. The main conclusion reaffirms that the representation of postcolonial identity has undergone a significant transition from colonial authority and assimilation to hybridity and resistance, reflecting broader socio-political transformations. It recommends further research into the influence of digital media and migration on postcolonial identity narratives and advocates for cross-cultural comparative studies that extend beyond British literature to include other postcolonial contexts. The study’s findings are expected to serve as a foundation for developing more nuanced postcolonial literary theory and pedagogy, fostering a deeper understanding of how literature reflects and influences perceptions of identity amidst ongoing decolonization processes worldwide.