Storytelling appeal as a literary form for postcolonial writers

¶ … pervasiveness of storytelling in indigenous cultures around the world, the methods and media of narrative storytelling became the most appropriate literary device for post-colonial and anti-colonial writers. Storytelling allows for nuanced expression of ideas using rich imagery and symbolism, shifting the point of view and perspective away from the dominant narrative imposed by a colonizing force. Storytelling empowers the storyteller and the people or culture that storytelling device represents, enabling the creation of new post-colonial identities. Although it is impossible to undo colonialism entirely, it is nevertheless possible to reassess its effects through the arts. Storytelling also enables indigenous narratives to resurface in new ways meaningful to a post-colonial generation. Old myths and symbols take on new meaning and relevance, and old heroes can assume new identities or politically potent roles to become models for successive generations.

The ingredients of storytelling tend to revolve around the hero's journey as a story will invite the audience to vicariously live through the protagonist to learn important lessons. A story has specific elements including setting, which can include both geographic/spatial and temporal/historical elements. The setting allows the storytelling to have a specific context, which can also be adapted to suit changes in the environment or society. In addition to setting, storytelling involves strong characterization, for heroes and their allies as well as anti-heroes or antagonists. Elements of characterization might also be able to evolve while still preserving the same essential elements of normative communication styles and behaviors. In other words, a hero behaves and acts according to the prevailing norms in that culture. Storytelling allows the post-colonial writer to comment on the efficacy of indigenous norms and to highlight the ways colonialist structures and systems impinge upon traditional norms and values.

Storytelling can also be driven by plot and framing. The plot will reflect the hero's journey as the protagonist encounters challenges and setbacks including personifications of colonialist political institutions. Environmental disasters and wars can be directly or symbolically represented, and it is how the hero works through the difficulties that central to the storytelling mechanism. Framing enables the presentation of narrative elements within a political worldview. Moreover, the elements of storytelling allow post-colonial writers to engage in political discourse in a subversive and subtle way. Storytelling is not directly disruptive, but can in some cases cause disruption by drawing attention to the impact of colonial subjugation and oppression. Audiences receiving the storytelling can change their perspectives and their assumptions, helping to undo the brainwashing that is necessary for total social control in an oppressive situation. When stories are told in indigenous languages instead of the language of the colonizer, their power can reach increasing crescendos as tools of linguistic and cultural preservation. Storytelling can also permit post-colonial writers and their milieu to synthesize elements of their own culture with that of the colonizer to engender pride.