MYSTERIOUS WAY OF KING LEAR IN RONALD HARWOOD’S NEOFABULISTIC REPRESENTATION: OUTLINING ENGLISH (POST)POSTOMODERNISM

Abstract

In the paper, the author has provided the hermeneutical analysis of the play “The Dresser” (1980) by English playwright Ronald Harwood. It has been investigated that in this literary work, the writing of which was finalized in postmodernism, there are philosophical features of postpostmodernism. The role of Shakespearean intertext in the play has been outlined. A number of provisions on the features of post-postmodernism in English literature of 1980s has been clarified, as well as features of connection between postmodernism and neo-fabulism as one of the directions of post-postmodern literature. In the aspect of the development of B. Shalahinov’s literary approaches regarding the specificity of the interaction of two metaforms of world culture – carnival and mystery – in the play “The Dresser” has been spotlighted. The representation of existentialistic features in the outlook of the main actor (Sir) in the play, as well as King Lear, played by Sir, has been revealed. It is emphasized the explication of Shakespearean masks system as intertextual manifestations in order to counter the absurd reality and lift above it. The features of the humanistic worldview in the outlook of the main actors of the play have been described.

Keywords

• «костюмер»
• роналд гарвуд
• постмодернізм
• постпостмодернізм
• англійська література
• карнавал
• містерія