Colonialism and Exploitation

Colonialism and Exploitation appears as a literary theme in 4 works in the BetterReads curated set. Each book develops the idea in its own plot, voice, and historical moment — the links below open the book-scoped theme guide beside the text.

The book critiques colonial hierarchies and economic exploitation, showing how Black and colonized people are subjected to violence, discrimination, and dehumanization even in the supposedly free spaces of Europe.

The narrator's final scheme to convert Erewhonians into Christian laborers for Queensland sugar plantations satirizes colonial greed and the hypocrisy of using religion to justify economic exploitation.

Bedford's initial motivations for the moon voyage are purely commercial—prospecting for gold and resources—reflecting colonial attitudes of exploitation, which are later critiqued when the Selenites' advanced society is revealed.

Set in the Dutch East Indies, the story critiques colonial exploitation through characters like Morrison, who is ruined by Portuguese officials, and the coal company's failed venture. The exotic setting serves as a backdrop for the ruthless pursuit of profit and power.