The psycho-political Mobilization of the Mask in Dream on Monkey Mountain by Derek Walcott

Abstract

Drawing upon the concept of metaphor as a linguistic
expression for the emotional and intellectual response to a situation, this
paper looks at the mask as the visual symbol of the psychic state of
Makak and Lestrade. The focus of the dissertation is to show how the
mask provides a symbolic and metaphorical sub-text that in combination
with epigraphs prefaced in the play help to shape and intensify the
fundamental conflicts that define the colonial and post colonial
experiences of the protagonists of the play.
With close reference to the text this paper looks at the mask as the most
vital and viable element in the play that brings into relief the thematic
strands embedded within the complex structure of the play. The paper
also explores the manner in which the mask is transposed from one
episode to another at eleven points in the play to lend cohesion and
shape to the fluid structure of the play. Emphasising the centrality of the
mask the link between the mask and the setting and progression of the
plot of the play is studied.