Describe symbolism in Dream on Monkey Mountain by Derek Walcott

Dream on Monkey Mountain is replete with complex symbolism, from characters' names to entire subplots. Emphasizing how much of the text is Makak's dream, many words and actions have multiple symbolic meanings. For example, each of the four main characters of African descent—Makak, Moustique, Souris, and Tigre—are the names of animals. They are monkey, mosquito, rat, and tiger, respectively. These names reveal something of each character's personality and perception of themselves, but also play off the corporal's racist remarks about running a zoo. Lestrade's name reflects his dual background, black and white. He literally straddles these cultures. Characters are also symbolic in and of themselves.