NEW HISTORICISM IN EARL LOVELACE’S SALT

Abstract

The paper undertakes a New Historicist evaluation of Earl Lovelace’s Salt using the theory of New Historicism to chronicle and assemble historical events that have happened in the Caribbean territory, though not usually in the place and sequence presented in the novel. Using content analytical method, the paper examines the writer’s appropriate use of historical materials in reconstructing and reflecting social reality with the following objectives; (i) to explore critical opinions, varied responses and reactions which Salt has sparked off over the years from among critics and scholars, (ii) to investigate  what constitutes the problem of the Caribbean person both within and outside his territory, and  (iii) to explore  the usefulness of New Historicism and the extent to which it has helped to create a deeper understanding of the message conveyed in Earl Lovelace’s salt. Findings are that Salt reflects an epoch in the Caribbean society and has thus succeeded in presenting a historical social event in the Caribbean. The paper concludes that since Salt, offers a sense of life observed and mediated upon in depth, it fits properly into the tenets of New Historicism.