Echoes Of Empire: Imperialist Pursuit And Monetization Of Nature In Abdulrazak Gurnah’s Afterlives

Abstract

The present research endeavours to map out the complex interplay between colonial history, nature, and economic exploitation in Gurnah's novel Afterlives. Set against the backdrop of German colonialism in East Africa, the novel delves into the lives of individuals impacted by imperialist pursuits, particularly focusing on the commodification of natural resources and indigenous labour. Through the characters' experiences, the narrative reveals how the colonial project sought to reshape both land and people for economic gain, embedding the violence of empire into the very fabric of[1] nature. The novel critically examines the lasting effects of imperialism, as Gurnah portrays the ways in which colonial powers imposed economic systems that not only extracted natural wealth but also sought to control human lives. By highlighting the cyclical relationship between imperial exploitation and environmental degradation, Afterlives presents a nuanced understanding of how colonial legacies continue to reverberate in post-colonial settings. This study underscores the importance of acknowledging the environmental and economic dimensions of colonial history, contributing to the broader discourse on the enduring consequences of empire.