Discourse on Colonialism

Discourse on Colonialism is a long essay written in a poetic prose style that is unconventional for postcolonial writing at the time. Discuss three elements of Césaire’s poetic prose style and how they contribute to his thesis against the moral hypocrisy of colonialism. What do these elements of his style achieve that more conventional prose cannot?

Césaire arduously defends the proletariat in his critique of colonialism. Who does he define as members of the proletariat? How does he connect his defense of the proletariat with his critique of colonialism?

For Césaire, the 20th century bourgeois thinker is complicit in colonial violence through his production and dissemination of knowledge that supports European colonial aims. Discuss one of these ideas that the modern bourgeois thinker propagates. How does this idea support European colonialism? How does Césaire respond to its rhetoric?

Césaire draws a close parallel between Nazism and modern colonialism. Discuss the ways in which the two sets of ideas resemble one another according to Césaire.

According to Césaire, distinguishing the good or bad intentions of the modern petty bourgeoisie who produce and disseminate knowledge about colonialism is inconsequential as they are still its “watchdogs” (55). What does Césaire mean by this sentiment? Why does he mention intention at all when anticipating counterarguments to his thesis?

Césaire laments the future of humanism based on his exploration of modern bourgeois thinking. How does his analysis of modern bourgeois thought draw out his cynicism regarding the state of humanism? Does he offer any hope for the revival of true humanism in the future?

Throughout Discourse on Colonialism, Césaire subverts colonial tropes of the savage and barbaric colonized people. Discuss the ways in which Césaire overturns these colonial tropes and what he substitutes them with instead.

Césaire foreshadows the inevitable demise of European colonialism. Based on his previous arguments, how well-supported is this prediction? What will take place after European colonialism and why?