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Problems With Mission Literature And Imagination: German Mission Literature, 1885-1918, Eric Smith, Cindy Brewer

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Late-nineteenth and early-twentieth century mission literature differs from most colonial texts, due to the missionaries’ treatment and focus upon the “native” population. Yet, most literary critics believe that Catholic and Protestant mission literature—particularly texts in African and Polynesian island missions—share the same roots and literary forbearers as colonial literature during the time period of 1860-1939. Colonial literature holds the ideas of nationalism, imperialism, white superiority, social Darwinism, and justification for taking land. Thus, most literary critics view mission literature as products of Colonialist writers. Despite the negative reception, all missionaries were not solely focused on conquering and destroying the native …