"The Stranglehold of English lit" Response

            In "The Stranglehold of English lit" Felix Mnthali argues that English literature in Africa can be seen as an impediment to Africans questioning European influence and physical presence in Africa. Mnthali also questions the ability of the European schools in Africa to answer any real critique of European colonialism.

  I strongly agree with the viewpoint articulated by Mnthali in his poem against English literature.  Africa has long been a place of turmoil fueled by rapacious European colonialism and the slave trading and civil wars that came along with it. Primarily at fault were the Western and European powers. I also find it intriguing that Mnthali states "For if we had asked why Jane Austen's people carouse all day and do no work, would Europe In Africa have stood the test of time?" After thinking about this closely I asked myself: whether or not they had the luxury to ask that question? During the slave trade millions of Africans were killed or taken away from their country, and turned against each other for the sake  of European textiles and manufactured goods. How could they have been able to argue against the influence of European literature on African culture, when their population was crippled for so long. One could even argue that the only success of European influence in Africa was because of the devastating effects of the slave trade. Any influence after this could be considered positive or even embraced in Africa.  However I believe Jane Austin  in this context is in reference to the general wealthy population of Europe and are targeted because they benefited from the crimes that were perpetrated against  the people of Africa.

  I also feel Mnthalis frustration and anger  in which he states "Eng. Lit., my sister, was more than a cruel joke, it was the heart of alien conquest. How could questions be asked at Makerere and Ibadan' Dakar and Ford Hare with Jane Austen at the centre? How could they be answered?"  How could colonization be  a positive thing for the people of Africa? Especially by the very same powers who had oppressed them in the first place? Furthermore they are taught literature that inspired dreams the likes of which were, at the time maintained in large part by the suffering of Africans. Yet these are the very same writings they are taught today due to colonization.

  Lastly, as stated above, Mnthalis refers to Eng. Lit., as more than a cruel joke and I couldn't agree more. If  English literature is taught at all, it should be with an understanding of the price that was mostly paid for by the people of Africa. Is this part of the deceit  Mnthali mentions that literature such as Jane Austen brings? Does English literature prevent the questioning of their own suffering and growth stunted development, disguised as a gift or is it simply a ploy to encourage the African people to adopt European culture over their own? With this insight I find no surprise why Mnthali would read this poem in a loud, booming voice.