‘Exploring Identity in Derek Walcott's Plays: A Postcolonial Analysis’

Abstract

This research paper examines the theme of identity in the plays of Derek Walcott through a postcolonial lens. Walcott, a prominent Caribbean playwright, grapples with the complexities of identity shaped by colonial history, cultural hybridity, and the interplay of memory and language. The paper employs postcolonial theory, drawing on the works of theorists like Homi K. Bhabha and Frantz Fanon, to analyze key plays such as "Dream on Monkey Mountain" and "The Odyssey: A Stage Version."

The analysis reveals that Walcott's characters often navigate a fragmented identity, reflecting the tensions between personal and collective histories in a postcolonial context. The use of language, particularly the blending of Creole and English, underscores the struggle for cultural expression and belonging. Furthermore, the significance of the Caribbean landscape emerges as a vital component in shaping identity, while gender dynamics highlight the complexities faced by female characters in a patriarchal society.Walcott's exploration of identity offers profound insights into the postcolonial experience, emphasizing the ongoing negotiation of self in the aftermath of colonialism. The paper advocates for further research into Walcott's work to deepen the understanding of identity formation in postcolonial literature.