An Exploration of Postcolonial Feminism in Andrea Levy’s ''The Long Song'' and Zadie Smith’s ''Swing Time'' (original) (raw)

This thesis examines how Andrea Levy’s The Long Song and Zadie Smith’s Swing Time engage with Postcolonial Feminist Theory to portray the lasting impact of colonialism on women of Color. Levy’s The Long Song explores the intersectionality of race, gender, and colonialism through characters like July and Kitty. By highlighting the voices and experiences of Black women within the colonial narrative, Levy challenges Eurocentric and patriarchal perspectives. Through July’s narrative, readers gain insight into the complexities of colonial power dynamics and Black women’s strategies for navigating and resisting oppression. Similarly, Smith’s Swing Time discusses the intersections of race, gender, and identity in the postcolonial context, exemplified by the unnamed protagonist and her unnamed mother. Smith questions the colonial legacy in shaping individual and collective identities. Characters like Hawa and Tracey highlight the lasting impact of colonial ideologies on contemporary society and women of Color’s ongoing resistance. Both novels challenge conventional postcolonial narratives by presenting characters who oppose stereotypes. Despite the melancholy often associated with colonial history, Levy and Smith create engaging characters who navigate identity and oppression with resilience. Through their narratives, the authors shed light on the lasting impact of colonialism on women of Color and contribute to a nuanced understanding of Postcolonial Feminist discourse.

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