Postcolonialist Critical Theory
The first portion of this book that a critic could view as postcolonial is the fact that all of the characters reside in Great Britain, which is well known as one of the world’s leaders in imperialistic practices. England has been colonizing other regions and nations for centuries which often led citizens to hold a very high degree of patriotism and nationalism, two characteristics that are shared by almost every character introduced. Also, the fact that World War Two was a winning war for the British who had to overcome the ruin of their capital and the lacking of proper supplies.
Feminist critics can cite the lacking of female roles in the book as portraying a sexist attitude, but in all reality I believe Mr. Swift felt more comfortable writing from the view point of a man especially since he is male.
Every main character in Last Orders enlisted in the English military as volunteers. This means that as a whole the characters were most likely subjected to very patriotic images that show British military superiority. From flags to videos to military shows, the now older group has been through the most nationalistic events. Also, the allies were victorious in the second world war leading to widespread boosts in moral and pride in the country as well as the self. A post colonial critic could definitely view the effects of this time on multiple, if not all, characters.
The characters grew up in a time that was very colonialist and because of this they may have a tendency to view imperialist actions as normal. Not a single character in Last Orders attended a college which is very typical of the time, but could also attribute to the fact that postcolonialism appears subliminal. Jobs and responsibilities often were passed through bloodlines. This custom prohibited Jack to become the doctor he had always aspired to be and instead cause his career choice to be made for him. This forced role as a butcher may be a subtle metaphor for the bigger England who for all purposes forced roles on other nations.
Feminist critics can cite the lacking of female roles in the book as portraying a sexist attitude, but in all reality I believe Mr. Swift felt more comfortable writing from the view point of a man especially since he is male.
Every main character in Last Orders enlisted in the English military as volunteers. This means that as a whole the characters were most likely subjected to very patriotic images that show British military superiority. From flags to videos to military shows, the now older group has been through the most nationalistic events. Also, the allies were victorious in the second world war leading to widespread boosts in moral and pride in the country as well as the self. A post colonial critic could definitely view the effects of this time on multiple, if not all, characters.
The characters grew up in a time that was very colonialist and because of this they may have a tendency to view imperialist actions as normal. Not a single character in Last Orders attended a college which is very typical of the time, but could also attribute to the fact that postcolonialism appears subliminal. Jobs and responsibilities often were passed through bloodlines. This custom prohibited Jack to become the doctor he had always aspired to be and instead cause his career choice to be made for him. This forced role as a butcher may be a subtle metaphor for the bigger England who for all purposes forced roles on other nations.