Liminality and Decolonization: Discourse Evolution in Robert A. Heinlein’s Trilogy of Liberty and Self-responsibility
AWEJ for Translation & Literary Studies, Volume 2, Number 4. October 2018 Pp. 202-213
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.24093/awejtls/vol2no4.15
Liminality and Decolonization: Discourse Evolution in Robert A. Heinlein’s Trilogy of
Liberty and Self-responsibility
Hichem Souhali
Department of English – URNOP
University of Algiers 2, Algeri
Dalila Zeghar
Department of English- URNOP
University of Algiers 2, Algeria
Abstract:
This paper analyzes the mutation of Robert A. Heinlein’s (1907-1988) discourse on the question of colonialism and decolonization. The aim is to analyze his discourse evolution. In his ‘trilogy of liberty and self-responsibility’ (Starship Troopers, 1959; A Stranger in a Strange Land, 1961, and The Moon is a Harsh Mistress, 1966). The American science fiction writer has delivered perturbing statements on the notion of freedom. Often labeled as a decadent or fascistic storyteller, Heinlein is equally acknowledged for the audacity of craftsmanship. When intersected with postcolonial studies, his narratives offer an oblique optics to the understanding of the evolution of imperialistic discourse: from unashamed colonialism to apologetic decolonization. Located between science fiction studies (SF) and postcolonial theory, the issue was addressed through the theories of Homi Bhabha, Ngugi wa Thiong’o, and Arnold Van Gennep. These tools were used to substantiate the claim that Robert A. Heinlein’s fiction has incorporated liminalities to sustain the decolonization process of its protagonists. The study revealed a logical continuum along the three novels: the narratives correspond to the three levels of liminality. In other words, the writer’s discourse has evolved from a conservative into a progressive view of decolonization.
Keywords: Decolonization, discourse evolution, imperialism, liminality, postcolonial theory, Robert A. Heinlein, science fiction
Cites as: Souhali, H., & Zeghar, D. (2018). Liminality and Decolonization: Discourse Evolution in Robert A. Heinlein’s Trilogy of Liberty and Self-responsibility. Arab World English Journal for Translation & Literary Studies, 2 (4), 202-213.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.24093/awejtls/vol2no4.15