A Postcolonial Review on Jamaica Kincaid's Novella Lucy

Abstract

This paper examines Jamaica Kincaid’s novel Lucy within the context of postcolonial literature, exploring the profound impact of colonial legacies on the main character, Lucy, and her experiences in a postcolonial world. Written by Jamaica Kincaid, a native of Antigua, the novel delves into the complexities of postcolonial identity, juxtaposing the concepts of independence and freedom. Antigua, as one of the last countries to gain independence in 1981, serves as a backdrop, illustrating the stark contrast between the author's newly adopted home in the United States and her memories of Antigua, marked by a history of suppression and oppression. Lucy, the novel's central character, carries the weight of her colonial past, a burden manifested through her constant reflection on her homeland. As a character who has never resided in a white-dominated society, she grapples with navigating a world replete with stereotypes about individuals of black and brown ethnicity. This essay aims to critically analyse Lucy from a postcolonial perspective, providing specific examples from the novel to illuminate the enduring impact of colonialism on the protagonist's identity and her journey towards self-discovery in a complex postcolonial landscape.