Malta : Il-Bierah u llum f'l-Imnarja żmien il-qtil ta' Francis Ebejer

Abstract

This dissertation discusses social problems in relation to the Independence of Malta, the socio-political and psychological aspects of the play L-Imnarja Żmien il- Qtil by Francis Ebejer, the problem of guilt in, and the catharsis of the characters and finally the conflicts and the contrasts existing in the dialogue and the dramatic situations. L-Imnarja Żmien il-Qtil is a projection of post-Independence Malta. As a background leading to this situation, the historical contribution of the political parties and the Church are deal with in the first chapter. The social, political and psychological reaction of the Maltese to the new Independent Malta and their ties to the colonial era is elaborated upon in chapter two with direct reference to the play. The guilt complex occurring in the ma.in characters and the eventual catharsis are then analysed in chapter three. Conflicting elements are then commented upon involving the opposites, man and woman, youth and maturity, the living and the dead, the spiritual and the material; then contrasting elements between black and white characters, and contrasts within ea.eh ch2racter are all presented in chapter four. By way of conclusion, Ebejer is presented as an optimistic playwright, still hopeful in the good will and the under lying power of the Maltese to free themselves from the colonial past and to gain true psychological, social and political independence.