Question

Identify and analyze two allusions in Midsummer. Write a short paragraph explaining what these allusions reveal about the speaker’s perspective.

Answer 1

I identified two allusions.

I analyzed two allusions.

I discussed how allusions connect to the speaker’s perspective.

I included details from the text to support my answer.

Answer 2

Sample Response: The speaker in Derek Walcott’s Midsummer makes allusions to the Brixton riots. These allusions show that the speaker is thinking about racial tension in England and sees England as a place of unrest and discord. The speaker also makes allusions to many different Shakespearean texts. Although someone tells the speaker that black actors have “no experience” with Shakespeare, these allusions display the speaker’s deep knowledge of Shakespeare. These allusions help reveal his perspective that British culture belongs to people of all races.