Can the Middle Ages Be Postcolonial?
Simon Gaunt
During the course of last decade here has been sustained reflection on intersections between medieval studies and postcolonial theory, books reviewed being just a sample scholarship now available. But approaches to Middle Ages have proved controversial. Indeed, in view some medievalists cannot be “postcolonial,” because term by definition refers historical circumstances cultures that emerged only after disintegration global empires were formed modern period European powers such as England, France, Spain. The intellectual challenges for “postcolonial medievalists” are therefore not negligible, particularly when considering model periodization is widely (but usually tacitly uncritically) accepted casts an undifferentiated, homogenous “Other.” However, something learn from so theorists might about history specificity their own field inquiry better-informed past.This essay offers appreciative account of, response to, recent studies. It suggested requires 1) working outside framework single literary tradition, since few texts produced solely within limited context; 2) across different languages understanding dissemination use Ages; 3) returning manuscripts and/or revising canon, rather than relying critical editions tradition national histories bound occlude important evidence cultural contact hybridities; 4) recognizing insights afforded theory give us better how “Europe” came into being, it related rest world, Europe Asia or Africa fact element longer which colonialism postcolonialism part.
Comparative Literature