Question

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

Answer 1

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.

Answer 2

Derek Walcott's Midsummer Speaker hints at the Brixton riots. These allusions show that the speaker is thinking of racial tension in England and sees England as a place of unease and discord. The speaker also hints at many different Shakespearean texts. Although someone tells the speaker that black actors "have no experience" with Shakespeare, these allusions show the speaker's deep understanding of Shakespeare. These allusions help reveal his perspective that British culture belongs to people of all races.