8th Annual WML Academic Symposium

Time: 3:00
Room: 225
Presenter(s): Carolyn Newsome
Title: Political Themes in the Capek Brothers' The Insect Play
Developed under the guidance of Prof. Bert Wallace , Theatre Studies

Karel Capek, a man with manifest political ideals, frequently displays his beliefs in his writings. One example of this imagery is found in The Insect Play, by the Brothers Capek. In the play, Karel indirectly assigns various characters multiple “isms.” Influenced by Czech nationalism and the conclusion of WWI, Karel anthropomorphizes his characters to discuss the downfalls of the society of his time. By displaying and critiquing different political affiliations in the attributes and actions of the characters, Karel Capek creatively circumvents censorship while promoting his favored ideal of socialism.