do u think the story can be read as a political satire colonialism?
Answers
Yes, the story, "The Gentleman of the Jungle" can be read as a political satire on colonialism. The man in the story represented the native people who were the real owner of the land. On the other hand, the animals symbolized the colonizers who invaded the native people's place. The suppression which the colonizers laid on the native people and their sufferings can be depicted clearly with the example of the man and the animals. The story reflects upon the process of colonization as how they enter in the land and make the land their own and suppress the people there.
Answer:
It is clear that the story is an allegory with a moral. The world of animals is pitted against the man to suggest that among human beings, some are like animals in their cruelty. It is definitely a political satire which shows the devious (cunning) and selfish ways of the colonisers in their relationship with the natives. The story mocks at the supercilious (arrogant) attitudes of the colonisers who think that it is their duty to reform the backward natives. They justify all their selfish acts by covering up their selfish deeds with the argument that they have been sent by God himself for the good deed. The author uses terms like ‘better economic use’ to suggest the trade and commerce the colonisers established in the colonised country.