Colonization in Annie John Essay

Martha Lee ENG 92W 4/13/10 In Annie John, the lasting effects of Antiguas colonization are reflected through Kincaid fiting her knowledge experiences with those of the West Indian colonies where she has lived. In, Columbus in Chains, the issues of Antiguan colonialism and postcolonial culture are apparent in the text, start-off with Annies discussion of the history of slavery in Antigua through Ruth. l could see how Ruth mat from looking at her face. Her ancestors had been the masters, while ours had been the salves. She had such a lot to be ashamed of, and by cosmos with us e very day she was always eing reminded (Kincaid 76).Annie believes that Ruth possesses an innate sense of guilt because foul people were once enslaved by white and everyone knew. She pities Ruth knowing that she knows less about the West Indies than them. by dint of the interaction of these two girls, Kincaid provides an individualized perspective upon the dynamics of life in a colonial state. Annie to a fault briefly comments on the irony of colonization, considering that, all of us celebrated Queen Victorias birthday, moreover we, the descendants of slaves, knew quite well what had really happened (Kincaid 76).The Antiguan children still celebrate even when they are witting that the British once enslaved them. Annie continues on the topic of colonization as she contemplates Columbus who returned to Spain imprisoned in chains. great power Ferdinand and Queen Isabella had sent Columbus back to Spain fettered in chains attached to the bottom of the ship. How I love this pictureto see the usually triumphant Columbus, brought so low, seated at the bottom of a ride Just watching things go by (Kincaid 78). Annie enjoys seeing Columbus brought so low because he returned to Spain in the way that slaves were sent to the Americas.The phrase, the great man can go nowhere (Kincaid 78) resonates so strongly in her mind that she writes it out with her fountain pen (Kincaid 78). This act prov es to be a heinous crime, that after the husking by her teacher, girl Edwards, her whole face was on fire. Her eyes were bulging out of her head (Kincaid 81). Miss Edwards is a representation of the English social order and has defined herself according to the rules of this order. Annies action against the discoverer of Antiguas honor is against Miss Edwardss system of belief so she refers to Annies action as blasphemous. (Kincaid 82). Because Columbuss importance is essential to the colonial system, Annies act not only criticizes him, nevertheless also subverts the whole dominant colonial order. For this reason, Miss Edwards sees to it that Annie must be punished. Kincaids experiences clearly parallel the experiences of Antigua and its colonization by its British protectorate. They are reflective of her own memories and feelings towards Antiguas colonization, and through Annie Johns Journey, gives insight into how a once controlled culture seeks its independence.