Editors’ Pick
Designed to Feel by Peter Burchardt
Designed to Feelby Peter Burchardt — on emotions, evolution & the science of feeling
View on Amazon →
Cover of Dream on Monkey Mountain
drama· Saint Lucia

Dream on Monkey Mountain

by Derek Walcott
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
Published 1967English
Buy on Amazon →

About This Book

Derek Walcott's Dream on Monkey Mountain (1967) stands as one of the most significant works of drama of its era. Dream on Monkey Mountain is a play by Derek Walcott that explores themes of identity and liberation through the story of Makak, a poor charcoal burner who dreams of returning to Africa. The play is a complex blend of realism and fantasy, examining the psychological effects of colonialism and the quest for self-discovery. Its innovative structure and profound themes have made it a landmark in Caribbean theater. Themes of identity, liberation, colonialism run through the work.

Book Details

AuthorDerek Walcott
Published1967
Country of Origin🇱🇨 Saint Lucia
LanguageEnglish
Categorydrama
Editorial Score30/100
Country of Origin

🇱🇨 Saint Lucia

This book is part of Saint Lucia's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from Saint Lucia →

Editorial Assessment

Derek Walcott's "Dream on Monkey Mountain" is a poignant exploration of identity and colonial legacy set against the lush backdrop of the Caribbean. Through rich, lyrical language and a tapestry of characters, Walcott delves into the complexities of post-colonial existence, examining the interplay of dreams and reality. The play's profound themes of cultural dislocation and the quest for self-understanding resonate powerfully, marking it as a seminal work in Caribbean literature.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from multiple independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.
✍️
About the Author
Derek Walcott
Saint Lucia
View Author →

Derek Walcott is a Saint Lucia author whose work in drama has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

Designed to Feel
Bestseller by Peter Burchardt
Designed to Feel
Why Evolution Built Your Emotions, and How to Make Them Work for You
“The most eye-opening book on emotions I’ve ever read.”
Get It on Amazon →Paperback & Kindle

What to Read Next

Cover of A Horse Walks into a Bar
literary-fiction

A Horse Walks into a Bar

David Grossman· 2014
★Booker Prize
Editorial Score91/100
Cover of The Lizard Cage
literary-fiction

The Lizard Cage

Karen Connelly· 2005
★Women's Prize for Fiction
Editorial Score81/100
Cover of The Piano Teacher
literary-fiction

The Piano Teacher

Elfriede Jelinek· 1983
★Nobel Prize in Literature
Editorial Score78/100
Cover of My Brilliant Friend
literary-fiction

My Brilliant Friend

Elena Ferrante· 2011
Editorial Score58/100
Cover of The Spinning Heart
literary-fiction

The Spinning Heart

Donal Ryan· 2012
★Booker Prize
Editorial Score50/100
Cover of Smile As They Bow
literary-fiction

Smile As They Bow

Nu Nu Yi· 2008
★Booker Prize
Editorial Score49/100

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dream on Monkey Mountain about?

Dream on Monkey Mountain is a play by Derek Walcott that explores themes of identity and liberation through the story of Makak, a poor charcoal burner who dreams of returning to Africa. The play is a complex blend of realism and fantasy, examining the psychological effects of colonialism and the quest for self-discovery. Its innovative structure and profound themes have made it a landmark in Caribbean theater.

Who wrote Dream on Monkey Mountain?

Dream on Monkey Mountain was written by Derek Walcott, from Saint Lucia. First published in 1967.

What awards has Dream on Monkey Mountain won?

Dream on Monkey Mountain has received the following recognition: notable critical recognition.

Is Dream on Monkey Mountain worth reading?

Dream on Monkey Mountain is a well-regarded book with an aggregate editorial score of 30/100 on 50 Best Books. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in identity, liberation, colonialism.

Where can I buy Dream on Monkey Mountain?

You can buy Dream on Monkey Mountain on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is Dream on Monkey Mountain?

Dream on Monkey Mountain is classified as drama.

What country is Dream on Monkey Mountain from?

Dream on Monkey Mountain originates from Saint Lucia's literary tradition. Explore more books from Saint Lucia on our country page.

Popular on 50 Best Books

Best Science Fiction Books of All TimeScience FictionBooker Prize Winners — Complete List & GuideLiterary PrizesNobel Prize in Literature — Every Winner Since 1901Literary PrizesClassic Literature Reading List — 50 Essential BooksReading GuidesBest Books for Beginners — 20 Easy Reads for New BookloversReading Guides

Explore More

📚More dramaBrowse all drama books🇱🇨Books from Saint Lucia🇱🇨 Saint Lucia literature📅1960s BooksPublished in the 1960s🏆Top 50 RankingsThe greatest books of all time