Frantz Fanon's 'The Wretched of the Earth': A Critical Postcolonial Perspective

Author(s): Dr. Jeetendra Bairwa

Abstract:

Postcolonial Theory as metaphysics, ethics and politics-addresses matter of identity, gender, race, racism and ethnicity with the challenges of developing a post-colonial national identity. The field of post colonial studies has been gaining prominence since the 1970s. The Wretched of the Earth was first published in 1961 by Francois Maspero and has a preface by Jean-Paul Sartre. In it Fanon analyses the role of class, race, national culture and violence in the struggle for national liberation. The discussion here explores the short biography and the field of postcolonial studies and formulation of theories. Along with tracing a history of colonization, it covers a long stretch of prominent writers and their texts that form basis for such studies; it also discusses a representation of Fanon's views on religion and hegemony, violence insurrection and upheaval. This also evaluates Fanon's text in the context of Marxist philosophy and its impact on postcolonial studies. This article analyses the exploitative relationship that existed between the settlers and the Africans. The settlers used every means possible to secure their economic interests; Fanon blames the diametrical relationship existing between Africa and Europe entirely on colonialism. Says Fanon, the well-being and progress of Europe have been built on the sweat and dead bodies of Negroes, and he did not mince words when he made a strong claims that Europe is Africa's creation. To Fanon therefore, the colonized man only finds freedom in and through violence. In the course of this struggle, Fanon warns that the native should be prepared to … sacrifice everything and water their native soil with their blood.

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