마크 트웨인 초기 작품들에 나타난 서부와 식민성/탈식민성의 문제

Abstract

Kyungjun SungThis essay aims to examine the representation of the West and coloniality/ postcoloniality in Mark Twain's early works, especially Roughing It(1872) and The Gilded Age(1873). My article ultimately shows that Twain's attitude toward the West is ambivalent and complicated. He is contained in his contemporary hegemonic discourses on the West, but, on the other hand, he deconstructs them and exhibits the postcoloniality of the West.In Roughing It. the coloniality of the West is revealed in his descriptions of the backwardness of this region and the fact that the social, economical and political system of the West is dominated by that of the East. Twain's containment in the dominant discourse is evident in his portrayals of violence and lawlessness of this region. In The Gilded Age the coloniality of the West is demonstrated by the destinies and defeats of westerners like Colonel Sellers and Laura. The politics and economics of the West is completely controlled by those of the East.In spite of the coloniality of the West, Twain also represents the postcoloniality of the West. In Roughing It. Twain especially demonstrates the postcolonialty of the West in the language and humor of this region, as evidenced by the conversation between Scotty and the eastern pastor. In The Gilded Age Colonel Sellers's language and humor also show western potential which overcomes eastern rule.