Islands

Abstract

This chapter explores multiple literary representations of islands through various textual forms. It illustrates how many of these have mythologised islands as sites of adventure and fantasy but also of power and control. These literary imaginaries have wielded immense influence on readers in believing that what is fantastical is real. These partial representations of islands that masquerade as objective are shown to be largely founded upon Eurocentric perspectives, imaginaries, and fantasies that justify the exercise of colonial power. This chapter goes on to show how these colonialist narratives are being subverted and challenged by Indigenous, postcolonial, and decolonial literatures, inc..