"Pantomime"

Paper Summary:

Literature has provided opportunities for readers to have a glimpse of different social realities experienced by people of different cultures and societies all over the world. This opportunity has been extended once again through Derek Walcott's play, "Pantomime." The paper explains that in this satirical play, readers are introduced to the characters of Harry Trewe and Jackson Phillip, master-and-slave tandem of the Castaways Guest House in Tobago, West Indies. It shows how the play is set in a different place and how Walcott confronts the continuous discussion and depiction of the oppression of the black man (Jackson) and the seemingly superior position of the white man (Harry).

From the Paper:

"Unlike other depictions of the black man-white man antagonistic relationship, "Pantomime" brought into fore two scenarios within the play: the first act delved into the oppression of Jackson, while the second act focused on the reversal of roles between Jackson and Harry, where Jackson was able to empower and assert himself over Harry. This change became apparent through Walcott's use of language: the change in tone, manner, and message of Jackson's lines marked the transition or change within his personality. Where once he had been a faithful and patient servant to Harry, he had eventually 'metamorphosed' into a powerful individual, and his commanding use of his own vernacular speech signified the control that he has throughout the play. Thus, this paper discusses two phases in which vernacular language was used through Jackson's character as a medium of oppression and power and control."

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