Writing short stories set during colonialism is an exercise in historical empathy, narrative complexity, and a deep understanding of the social, political, and cultural dynamics that shaped the colonial era. For young writers, engaging with this period requires not only historical knowledge but also sensitivity to the themes of power, identity, resistance, and trauma. Colonialism, particularly in the context of the Indian subcontinent, involved a vast array of experiences and perspectives that can be explored through fiction. The colonial period, marked by the British Empire’s dominance over India, offers rich material for storytelling, where characters grapple with the forces of colonization, the negotiation of cultural identities, and the struggle for independence. In this article, we will explore how to approach writing stories set in this complex historical period, focusing on creating realistic characters, constructing authentic settings, and handling the moral and ethical challenges inherent in the subject.
The first step in writing a short story set during colonialism is to understand the historical context in which the story unfolds. Colonialism in India spanned nearly two centuries, beginning with the establishment of the British East India Company’s trading posts in the 1600s and culminating in India’s independence in 1947. This long period saw a range of significant events, from the 1857 Indian Rebellion to the rise of the nationalist movement led by figures like Mahatma Gandhi. When setting a story during this time, it is essential to be aware of the specific historical moment in which the narrative is situated. Writers should research the key political and social dynamics of the period, such as the policies of the British government, the resistance efforts of Indian leaders, and the daily lives of ordinary people under colonial rule.
Once the historical backdrop is established, the next consideration is the development of characters. Stories set during colonialism often focus on individuals caught between the opposing forces of empire and resistance, tradition and modernity, or collaboration and rebellion. Characters in such stories should be fully realized individuals, with their own desires, fears, and conflicts. Writers must avoid the temptation to reduce characters to mere symbols of colonial power or resistance. Instead, they should focus on creating multidimensional individuals who reflect the complexities of life under colonial rule. For example, in A Passage to India, E.M. Forster portrays characters from both the British and Indian communities, each grappling with their own perspectives on colonialism and its impact on their lives ([Forster, 1924](https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/62328/a-passage-to-india-by-em-forster/)).
One of the key challenges in writing about colonialism is to depict the power dynamics between colonizers and the colonized without falling into the trap of oversimplification. The colonial relationship was inherently unequal, but the experiences of individuals within this system varied widely. Some Indians collaborated with the British, while others actively resisted their rule. Similarly, not all British colonizers were monolithic in their views of empire; some were critical of colonialism and sympathetic to the cause of Indian independence. To capture this diversity of experience, writers should focus on the internal conflicts of their characters, exploring how they navigate the moral and ethical dilemmas posed by colonialism. In his short stories, R.K. Narayan often depicted Indian characters grappling with the influences of colonialism on their personal lives, subtly exploring the intersection of Indian tradition and Western influence ([Narayan, 1981](https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/56526/malgudi-days-by-r-k-narayan/)).
Setting plays a crucial role in stories set during colonialism. The physical landscape of colonial India was marked by the presence of British institutions—schools, government buildings, railways—juxtaposed against the traditional structures of Indian society. Writers should pay close attention to how the environment reflects the tensions of the colonial period. The division between colonizer and colonized was often reflected in the spaces they occupied: British officials lived in grand colonial bungalows, while Indian communities were confined to villages or urban neighborhoods with vastly different conditions. By carefully describing the setting, writers can underscore the social and political divisions of the time. In addition to physical spaces, writers should consider how social customs, language, and cultural practices reflect the blending and clashing of British and Indian influences.
Language is another vital component in constructing a story set during colonialism. During this period, English became the language of administration, education, and commerce, while local languages such as Hindi, Bengali, and Tamil continued to dominate everyday life. Characters may switch between languages depending on their social class, occupation, and relationships with others. Writers should think carefully about how language is used in their stories, as it can reveal much about a character’s identity and position within colonial society. For example, a character who speaks English fluently may be seen as aligned with the colonial authorities, while another character who speaks only their native language might represent resistance to British cultural dominance.
When writing dialogue for characters in a colonial setting, it is important to avoid clichés and stereotypes. British characters should not be reduced to caricatures of imperial arrogance, nor should Indian characters be portrayed as passive victims. Dialogue should reflect the individuality of each character and their unique perspective on the colonial experience. For example, in The Shadow Lines by Amitav Ghosh, the characters’ dialogues reflect the diverse viewpoints of those living in colonial and post-colonial India, showing how colonial history continues to shape their identities and relationships ([Ghosh, 1988](https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/174275/the-shadow-lines-by-amitav-ghosh/)). Authentic dialogue can help bring the complexities of colonialism to life, making the characters and their experiences feel real to the reader.
Another important aspect of writing about colonialism is addressing the themes of oppression, resistance, and cultural identity. Colonialism was not only a political and economic system but also a cultural one, where the colonizer’s values, beliefs, and customs were imposed upon the colonized. This often resulted in a sense of cultural dislocation, as individuals struggled to maintain their own traditions while being pressured to adopt the ways of the colonizer. Stories set during colonialism can explore how characters navigate these competing cultural forces. For example, in Midnight’s Children, Salman Rushdie examines the intersection of personal identity and national history, portraying characters whose lives are shaped by the legacy of colonialism and the birth of independent India ([Rushdie, 1981](https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/161258/midnights-children-by-salman-rushdie/)).
One way to explore these themes is through the use of symbolism and metaphor. Writers can use objects, landscapes, or historical events as symbols for the larger forces at play during the colonial period. For example, a crumbling colonial mansion might symbolize the decline of British power, while a railway line could represent the imposition of modernity and industrialization on traditional Indian life. By using symbolism, writers can create layers of meaning in their stories, inviting readers to reflect on the broader implications of colonialism.
In addition to exploring the political and cultural dimensions of colonialism, writers should also consider the emotional and psychological impact of colonization on their characters. Colonialism often resulted in feelings of alienation, disempowerment, and loss of identity for the colonized, while the colonizers themselves could experience guilt, moral confusion, or a sense of superiority. Writers should delve into the internal conflicts of their characters, showing how they grapple with the emotional consequences of living in a colonial society. In The Glass Palace by Amitav Ghosh, the characters’ emotional struggles are intertwined with the larger historical forces of British colonialism, creating a rich and nuanced portrayal of how individuals are affected by empire ([Ghosh, 2000](https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/176795/the-glass-palace-by-amitav-ghosh/)).
Ethical considerations are also important when writing about colonialism. Writers must be mindful of how they depict the colonizer and the colonized, ensuring that their portrayals are fair and nuanced. It is essential to avoid romanticizing or justifying colonialism, while also recognizing that the individuals who lived during this period had complex and sometimes contradictory motivations. Writers should strive to tell stories that acknowledge the harm and injustice of colonialism while also highlighting the resilience, agency, and humanity of those who lived through it.
One potential pitfall for writers is the danger of "othering" their characters. This occurs when the colonized are depicted as fundamentally different or exotic compared to the colonizers. Writers should avoid portraying Indian characters as mere backdrops to the stories of British characters or reducing them to stereotypes of exoticism or victimhood. Instead, writers should give equal narrative weight to characters from both sides of the colonial divide, ensuring that all characters are portrayed as fully realized individuals with their own thoughts, desires, and agency.
In conclusion, writing short stories set during colonialism is a challenging but rewarding task. It requires careful attention to historical accuracy, character development, and the ethical complexities of depicting a colonial society. By focusing on the nuances of power, culture, and identity, writers can create stories that reflect the complexities of the colonial period while offering readers a deeper understanding of the human experiences that shaped this era. For young writers, engaging with this historical period offers an opportunity to explore themes of resistance, identity, and moral conflict, while honing their skills in creating vivid, multifaceted narratives.
References:
- Forster, E.M. (1924). A Passage to India. Retrieved from https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/62328/a-passage-to-india-by-em-forster/
- Ghosh, A. (1988). The Shadow Lines. Retrieved from https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/174275/the-shadow-lines-by-amitav-ghosh/
