One-Way Streets: English Literature and the Asymmetry of Civilisational Influence - Paperback

This book examines the intricate relationship between English literature and British civilisation, arguing that while literature is an effective vehicle for transmitting cultural values, the reverse is not possible. This insightful book, by Associate Professor Hergie Alexis Séguédémè, explores how English literary works, from Shakespeare to Dickens, have been instrumental in shaping ideologies and exporting British cultural dominance worldwide, a process amplified during the colonial era through educational policies. The book explores the historical context of English literature, highlighting how authors like Chaucer, Milton, and the Brontë sisters reflected and critiqued the societal norms of their times. It also investigates the role of literary awards, translations, and modern adaptations in cementing the global status of British literature. Séguédémè's work posits that literature acts as both a mirror and a tool for civilisation, breathing life into historical frameworks and serving as its most eloquent expression, while civilisation itself is a context rather than a medium for literary transmission. This thought-provoking book challenges readers to reconsider the dynamics of cultural exchange and the enduring power of the written word.