Irony of Colonialism in Herbert George Wells' The War of the World

Abstract

This research analyses the forces of conflict, violence, destruction, technology as domination, vulnerability, moral contradiction of empire, and psychology of colonized people in H.G. Well’ The War of the Worlds. Wells echoes Martians as all dark and savage replications of brutal European colonizers and chaotic narratives related to cultural hegemony and domination over and subjugation of indigenous populations. So the study engages with the issues around irony of colonialism such as alien(Martians) invasion on Earth, reverse colonization, dominant imperial power and politics, use of advance technology, and dehumanization of that contemporary time and Wells stands as a witness of these all issues in his novel. This research also examines power dynamics, ecological aspects, apocalyptic scenario, hypocrisy of colonialism and existence of alien. The study employs theoretical insights related to post-colonialism particularly discussed by Frantz Fanon and Edward Said. The main aim of this research is to seek the issues of irony in the novel, applying the post- colonial lens. This research finally concludes that Wells’ novel uncovers the moral and symbolic ironies within the text, challenging the justification of colonial violence, depicting the psychological state of colonized population, showing the rise and fall of power, moral failures of empire and exposing the fragility of imperial power when roles are reversed. Keywords: Martians, irony, conflict, violence, destruction, technology, imperialism, power, alien