Introduction
Margaret Laurence’s short story “The Rain Child,” from her 1963 collection The Tomorrow-Tamer, offers a profound exploration of postcolonial themes and the experience of exile. Set in a newly independent West African nation, likely inspired by Ghana, the narrative centres on the complex relationships between British expatriates and the local population, as well as the internal struggles of identity and belonging. This essay examines how Laurence addresses the postcolonial angle through power dynamics and cultural alienation, and explores the theme of exile as both a literal and emotional state. By analysing key characters and interactions, the essay will demonstrate how Laurence critiques colonial legacies while highlighting the personal dislocations that accompany such transitions.
Postcolonial Angle: Power Dynamics and Cultural Alienation
One of the central postcolonial concerns in “The Rain Child” is the lingering imbalance of power in the aftermath of colonial rule. Laurence portrays the British expatriates, such as Miss Violet Nedden, as retaining a sense of superiority despite the formal end of empire. Violet, a teacher at a local school, often views her African students with a mix of pity and frustration, reflecting a residual colonial mindset. Her struggles to connect with Ruth, the titular “rain child” who was raised in England and returns to Africa, underscore the cultural alienation inherent in postcolonial societies. Ruth, caught between two worlds, embodies the fractured identities that emerge from colonial histories—a theme common in postcolonial literature (Ashcroft, Griffiths and Tiffin, 2007).
Moreover, Laurence critiques the superficial integration of Western ideals into African contexts. The school setting, with its British curriculum, serves as a microcosm of the broader tension between imposed colonial structures and indigenous values. Indeed, Violet’s inability to fully grasp the cultural significance of local customs, such as the communal importance of rain in the story, highlights the enduring misunderstandings that persist in the postcolonial era. This suggests that true decolonisation requires more than political independence; it demands a deeper reckoning with cultural legacies.
Exile Theme: Displacement and Emotional Isolation
The theme of exile in “The Rain Child” operates on multiple levels, encompassing both physical displacement and emotional isolation. Ruth’s experience is particularly poignant; having been educated in England, she returns to Africa as a stranger in her ancestral homeland. Her sense of not belonging mirrors the broader postcolonial struggle of individuals navigating hybrid identities. Laurence captures this emotional exile through Ruth’s quiet withdrawal and her inability to fully integrate with either her African peers or the British expatriates, illustrating the personal toll of cultural dislocation (Bhabha, 1994).
Similarly, Violet experiences a form of self-imposed exile. As a British woman in a foreign land, she clings to familiar customs and attitudes, distancing herself from the local community. Her loneliness, evident in her strained interactions with both Ruth and other characters, reflects an emotional exile that parallels the physical displacement of postcolonial subjects. Therefore, Laurence uses exile not merely as a physical state but as a metaphor for the internal conflicts that define postcolonial identities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Margaret Laurence’s “The Rain Child” masterfully addresses the postcolonial angle through its depiction of power imbalances and cultural alienation, revealing the enduring impact of colonial legacies on personal and societal levels. Simultaneously, the theme of exile—both literal and emotional—underscores the profound sense of displacement experienced by characters like Ruth and Violet. Together, these elements highlight the complexities of identity and belonging in a postcolonial world. The story’s implications extend beyond its setting, prompting reflection on how historical forces continue to shape individual lives. Arguably, Laurence’s work serves as a reminder of the need for genuine cultural understanding to bridge the divides created by colonial histories.
References
- Ashcroft, B., Griffiths, G. and Tiffin, H. (2007) Post-Colonial Studies: The Key Concepts. 2nd edn. Routledge.
- Bhabha, H. K. (1994) The Location of Culture. Routledge.
- Laurence, M. (1963) The Tomorrow-Tamer. McClelland & Stewart.
