Strategies of Signification and Subversion in Post-Colonial Writing

A Reading of Derek Walcott’s "Pantomime"

Abstract

This article delves into the complex criticality of signifying strategies utilized by Derek Walcott in his play Pantomime, analysing how these techniques enrich the text’s narrative and thematic resonance. Through an in-depth scrutiny of the play, the article investigates Walcott's masterful use of intertextuality and the ways it creates a multi-layered narrative that transcends the immediate context of the play and engages with larger themes of identity, colonialism, and cultural hybridity. Drawing on key concepts from postcolonial theory and Semiotics, the article explores how Walcott infuses the play with nuanced meaning that challenges traditional power structures and reflects the complexities of postcolonial identity. Central to this analysis is the titular parrot, a potent symbol of Caribbean identity and voice, which serves as a poignant reminder of the colonial legacy of cultural mimicry and erasure. Through this critical lens, the article illuminates Walcott’s strategic use of signification and challenges readers to reconsider colonial narratives that reflect on the dynamic interplay between cultural heritage and the pursuit of self-determination.