One-Way Streets

written by Hergie Alexis Séguédémè

English Literature and the Asymmetry of Civilisational Influence

This book examines the intricate relationship between English literature and British civilisation, arguing that while literature is an effective vehicle for transmitting cultural values, the reverse is not possible. This insightful book, by Associate Professor Hergie Alexis Séguédémè, explores how English literary works, from Shakespeare to Dickens, have been instrumental in shaping ideologies and exporting British cultural dominance worldwide, a process amplified during the colonial era through educational policies. The book explores the historical context of English literature, highlighting how authors like Chaucer, Milton, and the Brontë sisters reflected and critiqued the societal norms of their times. It also investigates the role of literary awards, translations, and modern adaptations in cementing the global status of British literature. Séguédémè’s work posits that literature acts as both a mirror and a tool for civilisation, breathing life into historical frameworks and serving as its most eloquent expression, while civilisation itself is a context rather than a medium for literary transmission. This thought-provoking book challenges readers to reconsider the dynamics of cultural exchange and the enduring power of the written word.

£22.00
Format: Paperback

Publisher: Langaa RPCIG
Pages: 164
Year: 2025
Category: African Studies
Dimensions: 229×152 mmISBN: 9789956004010Shipping class: POD

Hergie Alexis Séguédémè

Hergie Alexis Séguédémè is an academic administrator and scholar from Benin with over two decades of experience in English literature. He is an associate professor (Maître de Conférences) of English Literature at the University of Abomey-Calavi (UAC). Séguédémè holds a PhD in English Literature from the National University of Benin. He also holds a Certificate of Aptitude for Teaching in Secondary Education (CAPES) from the École Normale Supérieure. Before joining higher education in 2015, he was a dedicated English teacher in Benin’s secondary schools for 15 years. At UAC, he quickly advanced, becoming a Maître-Assistant in 2018 and a Maître de Conférences in 2022 following a peer-reviewed assessment by CAMES. His specialisations include English literature, literary criticism, postcolonial studies, and Commonwealth studies. Beyond his research, Séguédémè is a committed mentor, having supervised over 100 student theses at various levels and four doctoral theses. He also serves as the Deputy Coordinator of the English Section for the École Doctorale Pluridisciplinaire Espaces-Cultures et Développement at UAC.