With the help of an example, show how the early novels in Europe contributed to colonialism.
Ans. Novels in Europe originated at a time whenEuropean countries were colonising different parts of the world. This colonial attitude also reflected in the works of the authors, e.g. the hero of Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe is an adventurer and slave trader.
He treats colonial people not as human beings equal to him, but as inferior creatures. He rescues a native and makes him his slave. He even does not ask his name but arrogantly gives him the name Friday, as if he is a lifeless creature.
Like all other colonial rulers, Crusoe sees colonialism as a natural phenomena. He regards all colonial people as primitive barbaric and less than humans. He is of the opinion that ’ colonialism is necessary to civilise the natives and make them fully human.