Caribbean Literature Has Been Considered to Reflect

Caribbean literature has been considered to reflect its political, cultural and linguistic fragmented region; this is due to its uniquely diverse and varied background (Jonnasaint, 2007). The Caribbean nations have undergone periods of long colonization, there is still a debate over which countries comprise of the Caribbean. The Caribbean culture has been influenced by its colonizers; these include the Dutch, Spain, England, and France. All of these bring the struggle for the need of a solid cultural identity; this can be seen in Caribbean literature. These influences have also been brought about by a culture of slavery and political tyranny which continued even after the countries have gained their independence; this gave a rise to their literature which is concerned with nation-building, ethnic-cultural identity and politics (Jonnasaint, 2007). Caribbean authors write in English, yet the islands are also home to Spanish- and Dutch-speaking authors, many of whose writings also speak about their concerns towards national and cultural identity by means of both prose and poetry. A main focus in the writing of these authors, particularly those who write in Spanish, is the need to articulate their awareness of the continued existence of inequality in society, and they often use colonial stereotypes in their writing to highlight this awareness (Jonnasaint, 2007). Due to the political unrest in the Caribbean and conflict which still is an issue of the islands, many authors were forced to leave their countries. The works of Aime Cesaire, George Lamming and Derek Walcott are representative of the voice of the Caribbean people, and this can be seen in their writings through their different styles.

Aime Cesaire is a Caribbean poet whom writes in French; he known as a man of resentment, he gives his expression of his tragic views on the black condition (Irele, 2008). This style of writing has determined his use of words which can be described as a "pathetic strain that runs through much of his verse." He uses poignant accents which reflect his slight disarticulation, which many of his generation felt during the time he wrote the poems; they needed to feel a sense of self. Deep pathos has formed much of the structure of feelings in Cesaire's poetry, it calls attention to the fact that in poetry, we lose a sense of present time; in this case it was the sentiment which Cesaire has for the alienation of the black subjects during the time of colonial rule and their human experiences (Irele, 2008). Cesaire's poetry is an example of the intensity of his experiences, his sense of integrity in his poems was guided by the black situation in the world. One of his works, Cahier, has been regarded as an epic of consciousness; this can be seen in most of Cesaire's poetry. Cesaire's use of language can come off as bewildering to some younger readers who may be unfamiliar with the situation. It reflects that of French surrealism (Irele, 2008). His poetry brings to mind very angry images. This is because there is peculiar tension from which it generates from the issues it is concerned with. Cesaire has been said to be preoccupied with the effects of decolonization and cultural alienation. Some critics believe that his literature is marked with violence and very forceful rhythms which can appear as jarring for the reader if they are unaware of his situation (Irele, 2008). He has a historic as well as an existential ground for his work, and this showed in his poetry which assumed polemical force; this conveyed his attitude towards the world. Cesaire's work is regarded as filled with humanism, and is done so in the spirit of simplicity.

George Lamming is highly regarded for his literary works concerned with the decolonization as well as the reconstruction of the Caribbean (Odhiambo, 1994). His writings are commended for their nationalistic spirit through his poetic prose and style. Lamming's works are seen as more positive as compared to Cesaire, they focus on finding a new political and social identity, instead of dwelling on their lost ones. He also writes about the long-effects of colonialism in the minds of the Caribbean people. Lamming is said to dramatize the situation of the people during colonial rule (Odhiambo, 1994). He makes use of allegory and metaphor to give his poems deeper political meaning in his stories of his people being freed from oppression. Lamming's style can be regarded as experimental, his plot structures are circular and abrupt shifts in narrative can be seen. This has gotten mixed critical receptions; some state that it is because of Lamming's lack of coherence why his writings are not organized. However, some have noted that these shifts are forms of allegory for the confusion in the lives of the people under oppression during colonial rule (Odhiambo, 1994). He has an inventive style of writing and has been known to be a groundbreaking writer who has a positive influence on younger Caribbean authors. Lamming has confronted the negative definitions of his region through imaginative possibilities, and encourages new visions as well as meanings of experience.