Colonialism
In the play, Hans Christian Andersen is a perfect example of a colonial master. He has complete control over his subject, Marjory. He has kidnapped Marjory from his homeland and enslaved her in his attic. Hans forces her to write stories then pass them as his literary works. He becomes successful and notable all around Europe for “his” gripping stories. The pygmy, of Congolese descent, is an adequate fine specimen of how colonial masters in the real world invaded vulnerable nations and drained them of their most valuable resources and individuals. The colonialists would then proceed to export the valuables back to their nations for-profit and enslave them to a life of torture and servitude.
In the play, we also get informed of a future genocide that will take place in the pygmy’s homeland, and she must return to warn her people of the impending event. The play shows the ugly side of colonialism and how the most influential and powerful use brutal force against the less superior to get them to conform and assimilate to their way of life. The colonialists believed that their way of life was superior and better compared to the rest. You were either with them or against them.
Artistic Identity
Hans and Charles Dickens are famous authors known for their impressive literary works. They pass off as great authors who have achieved immense milestones. However, they are frauds, hiding behind stories they stole from their slaves. As respected members of the literature society, they disrespect the very foundation that was built by other hardworking and honest authors who give their all to make great works of literature. In this modern day, access to information has become a lot easier. Information is also in abundance which has created a problem of individuals passing off stolen works as their own without efficient ways of detection. Hans and Dickens are perfect examples of individuals who have no respect for originality and hard work.
