postcolonial literature

European imperialism/colonialism is ever-present in the text, lurking heavily in the background of all the events. The English presence in Nigeria is by now well established, but is still rife with instability and conflict. The central events of the text are meant to symbolize the larger conflict: Nigerians do not welcome this foreign regime and prefer to conduct their own affairs, no matter how odd and "uncivilized" they seem to the English, but the English believe their role their is positive and necessary, for while they are not only growing rich from their colonial empire, they are supposedly bringing light and progress to the benighted people of Nigeria.