Abstract

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Colonialism as a political, historical, economic and literary concept is generally negatively perceived and portrayed in all ramifications. This perception and depiction is not unconnected with its historical and cultural denigration, oppression suppression, economic exploitation and deprivation, literary prejudice and linguistic interference in the former colonies. However, a critical and dispassionate study of some Anglophone African novels reveal that colonialism, in spite of its derogatory perceptions and criticisms by many African intellectuals from all walks of life, possesses some redeeming features and incontrovertible landmark achievements that made it a necessary evil. This study, therefore, highlights the implied and obvious opinions of some notable African novelists, who through their novels, acknowledged that Colonialism was a negative instrument that advertently or inadvertently brought enlightenment, progress and divergent developments to the colonized Africa and her people. In fact, the study shows that Colonialism was a positive evil and a blessing in disguise to Africa and Africans.