The Moonstone: A British Imperial Project

Abstract

"This paper makes a reading of Collins' novel The Moonstone through the lens of imperialism. It has been found out that many aspects of imperialist works can be traced in this novel. First, the representation of the West as the domain of rationality and the East as the place of irrationality and superstition give clear proof of the impact of imperialism. Second, the 'othering' of various characters makes it clear that imperialism depicts the colonised or those who are outside its sphere as exotic or strangers. Other signs of imperialism include technological superiority, economic supremacy and British domesticity. Even its end proposes a continuation of imperialism; perhaps it is the new form of economic imperialism, which is the inevitable outcome of the application of capitalism."