An interdisciplinary approach to six examples of West Indian fiction, combining symbolic anthropology with traditional literary criticism. The author focuses on colonization as a key metaphor for exploitation of gender, class, race and environment.

The second explores the phenomenon of exile through the artist-in-the-text, a feature common to all six novels, that places the artist at the crossroads of a colonized world. Finally, the third essay blends the anthropological concept of liminality with a feminist perspective, widening the discussion to embrace all types of oppressive exploitation. With its literary readings and its philosophical commentary, this volume may be of use as a resource for courses in West Indian and Third World literature, literature and culture, and race and gender in literature. It should also be an important addition to academic and public libraries.

Beyond the great house
clowns and carnival
the controlling I-eye.