British Colonialism: Literary Analysis of Four Texts

These four texts all share the same theme, British colonialism, however, “The White Man’s Burden” is written with the intent to legitimize why colonialism happened, and what “good” came from it. Whereas “Kidnapped”, “The Gentlemen of the Jungle” and “Pink” is bringing forth the issues that came/still comes from not only colonizing, but racism, and also shows how easy it is to pass on a discriminating mindset.

The first text mentioned, illustrate very well, the points the last three texts are trying to paint to the readers. Especially looking into the idea that, the author; Rudyard Kipling, grew up with colonization as the norm and has been brought up with the ideology; they are doing the colonies a favour. The fourth stanza, of the extract, of “The White Man’s Burden”

“Take up the White Man’s burden

The savage wars of peace

Fill full the mouth of Famine

And bid the sickness cease;

And when your goal is nearest

The end for others sought,

Watch Sloth and heathen Folly

Bring all your hopes to nought.”

Clearly indicates how they need to endure the wrath and ungratefulness of the natives, but that it’s necessary for both whites but also non-whites and is contributing to the greater good.