Analysis Of The Poem Eaters Of The Dead
ANALYSIS OF THE POEM “THE EATERS OF THE DEAD”
Thematic Meaning of the poem:
The eaters of the living is an admirable attempt and a typical of Dr. Opkanachi’s style, it attempts to portray a nation, wretched by the evils of corruption, violence and power.
The title of the poem is a stand-alone symbol of horror and nightmares of an uncivilized setting. One would have to look beyond his words to find meaning. It aims to achieve its goal by torturing the mind with horrific description in the body of the poem and therefore create an attention that it will bring that in the end ‘the problem bothering his mind becomes the problems bothering our mind”. The gruesome characteristic of the poem can be likened to Shakespeare’s description of the butcher though it has different techniques, language structure and use of poetic devices it some worth share the same use of imagery and symbolism as it describes the hidden animal nature of man disguised in the ugly practices of politics and power. The eaters of the living is an admirable attempt and a typical of Dr. Opkanachi’s style, it attempts to portray a nation, wretched by the evils of corruption, violence and power.
The theme alone has the ability to pre-occupy your thoughts and direct it into the tunnels which the lessons of the poem flows through, by taking advantage of fear to pass the message. In a politically dramatic country like Nigeria anonymity and denial ability might be one of the reason for the symbolic representations of corruption, violence and power. The title is an effective irony in its descriptive and cannibal actions of the characters in the poem and its environment.
Language Used In The Poems
The language used in the poem according to the pages of the study text, that is page 66-75, it is pure parallelism and use of rich proverbs that imply indirect and ironical deductions. From the poems provided one can find rich proverbs. In pg 67 line 1-2 “The wolves trade with our blood” and line 8-9 and many others in the poem. He also applies enjambment how one line runs into another. The language has a simple structure of the regular simple sentences and does not bother about grammar that might distort the meaning of the lines in order to coincide the.
The language used in the poem according to the pages of the study text, that is page 66-75, it is pure parallelism and use of rich proverbs that imply indirect and ironical deductions. From the poems provided one can find rich proverbs. In pg 67 line 1-2 “The wolves trade with our blood” and line 8-9 and many others in the poem. He also applies enjambment how one line runs into another. The language has a simple structure of the regular simple sentences and does not bother about grammar that might distort the meaning of the lines in order to coincide the.
Patriots at dawn:
Thematic meaning of the poem.
The patriots at dawn is the physical invasion that translates into the abuse of fundamental human rights such as freedom of speech which is very common a characteristic of a military rule. Perhaps the poet, Dr. Opkanachi was influenced by the military regime.
Thematic meaning of the poem.
The patriots at dawn is the physical invasion that translates into the abuse of fundamental human rights such as freedom of speech which is very common a characteristic of a military rule. Perhaps the poet, Dr. Opkanachi was influenced by the military regime.
Commentary.
The first poem is a complete reflection of the poet’s broken silence and the pressure of autocratic rules, void of democracy where the government has the right to break down your doors and evade your privacy. He painted their followers as patriots in their unjust practice doing what they are ordered to do without asking questions.
The first poem is a complete reflection of the poet’s broken silence and the pressure of autocratic rules, void of democracy where the government has the right to break down your doors and evade your privacy. He painted their followers as patriots in their unjust practice doing what they are ordered to do without asking questions.
Symbolism:
Here the symbols of the poem lies in the title of the poem and it is the reason for the refrain in line 6 “They are the patriots at dawn” which signifies the birth of the evil role models and self-proclaimed patriots.
Here the symbols of the poem lies in the title of the poem and it is the reason for the refrain in line 6 “They are the patriots at dawn” which signifies the birth of the evil role models and self-proclaimed patriots.
Imageries:
The skill of adopting a doctor and describing the incident of the invasion in a hospital setting gives it a perfect image and best descriptive scenario.
The skill of adopting a doctor and describing the incident of the invasion in a hospital setting gives it a perfect image and best descriptive scenario.
Poetic Devices:
Line 4 “The doctors knock down the doors” Also is a typical metaphor which directly refer to the butchers as doctors. It might imply the evil doctor in the ordinary tell tales of children’s story told by the grey headed before sleep.
Line 4 “The doctors knock down the doors” Also is a typical metaphor which directly refer to the butchers as doctors. It might imply the evil doctor in the ordinary tell tales of children’s story told by the grey headed before sleep.
This line 10-11 “with master keys and poison
To kill and loot the patient” is an irony of the nature of a doctor who is trained to heal rather than inflict pain. From the poem you can see that there is clear repetition of words which is a typical of Dr. Opkanachi’s writing. In this part there is the pure application of ‘allusion’ referring to the country’s national anthem as a song of patriot in line 6-7.
To kill and loot the patient” is an irony of the nature of a doctor who is trained to heal rather than inflict pain. From the poem you can see that there is clear repetition of words which is a typical of Dr. Opkanachi’s writing. In this part there is the pure application of ‘allusion’ referring to the country’s national anthem as a song of patriot in line 6-7.
“They are patriots at dawn
Reciting the ills of the previous doctors”
This also implies an indirect ‘analogy’ between the twisted versions of the two anthems. How they are both sang differently in actions of right and wrong.
There is also the use of ‘irony’ in line 12 “They come hero-hailed” and it was followed by the supporting line 14-15 “And parades singing
The anthem of despair”
There is a consistent ‘rhythm’ in the poem which allows the free flow of language and a sing song lines that depicts the present of the anthem.
Reciting the ills of the previous doctors”
This also implies an indirect ‘analogy’ between the twisted versions of the two anthems. How they are both sang differently in actions of right and wrong.
There is also the use of ‘irony’ in line 12 “They come hero-hailed” and it was followed by the supporting line 14-15 “And parades singing
The anthem of despair”
There is a consistent ‘rhythm’ in the poem which allows the free flow of language and a sing song lines that depicts the present of the anthem.
The Delicacies Of The gods.
Thematic meaning of the poem:
The delicacies of the god as the title of the poem is rich in symbolism. The poet describes the innocent citizens as a meal prepared for the gods to feast on, this title creates a direct connection to the theme of the book that is ‘Eaters of the dead’. Here the writer mean those who orchestrate corruption and hunger for power as the gods and they at their mercy, thus regarding them as gods and the delicacies the devoured innocence citizens.
Thematic meaning of the poem:
The delicacies of the god as the title of the poem is rich in symbolism. The poet describes the innocent citizens as a meal prepared for the gods to feast on, this title creates a direct connection to the theme of the book that is ‘Eaters of the dead’. Here the writer mean those who orchestrate corruption and hunger for power as the gods and they at their mercy, thus regarding them as gods and the delicacies the devoured innocence citizens.
Symbolism:
The gods is the implied symbol in this poem and denotes the worship reigned on the gods by the fear and supplications of the innocent for dear mercy. The writer describes a completely surrender which attach power to the gods as a dominant symbolic object. The influence of the use of god as a symbol to refer to the doer of evil might come from the religious background of Dr. Opkanachi.
The gods is the implied symbol in this poem and denotes the worship reigned on the gods by the fear and supplications of the innocent for dear mercy. The writer describes a completely surrender which attach power to the gods as a dominant symbolic object. The influence of the use of god as a symbol to refer to the doer of evil might come from the religious background of Dr. Opkanachi.
Imagery:
There’s is a relative use of imagery in the poem running from the first to the last line giving the poem a conscious liveliness as it draws meaning towards reality. The dominant image is the use of wolf which is a wild dog that depict a wild pet and further justifies the popular African quote “a sheep in wolf clothing” which shows the dangers of trusting a saint you don’t know with your life.
There’s is a relative use of imagery in the poem running from the first to the last line giving the poem a conscious liveliness as it draws meaning towards reality. The dominant image is the use of wolf which is a wild dog that depict a wild pet and further justifies the popular African quote “a sheep in wolf clothing” which shows the dangers of trusting a saint you don’t know with your life.
Poetic Devices In The Poem:
Line 1 “The wolves trade” this line indicates personification as the poet attributes human characteristics to an inanimate object, that is a wolf that is trading which is impossible.
Also there is the presence of onomatopoeia in line 6 “only to the clicking glasses” the sound gives the reader a conscious description and vivid picture of the message in the line.
There is a regular repetition of a rhetorical question thus “what place is this” that divides the first and second stanza and then the third from the fourth showing their importance. That is a very common skill with Dr. Opkanachi’s writing.
There is also a consistent rhythm in the poem that allows for parallelism, how one lines runs its meaning into the next line, maintaining a consistent rhythm.
One will also admire the scattered rhyme in the poem thus,
Line 4-5 “in a corner with nothing
To celebrate, listening” nothing rhyming with listening.
And also in line 8 and 11
“These are a pack of wolves
When the flag rose”
Line 12 “Drenched in our own tears” is a typical exaggeration, for one to bathe in his own tears then the person must have cried a river full. This device is used by the poet to draw attention to the alarming situation.
In the fourth stanza, there is the use of Euphony thus, “and the old silas cried secretly over his coins”
In line 21-22 “confused by the tongues
of our deities…we pray:” there is the fair use of allegory in the fourth stanza.
Line 24 “armed saints as guards over us” depicts oxymoron which is a vital poetic device.
In line 1 “The intercessors came swiftly” is a poetic tool named cacophony that adds sounds to his description of the intercessors’ coming. It gives it a fine tune and manner of action.
There is little allegory in line 3 and 4 “so, what holy chip god
Listens to our invocation”
Further still,
In line 9 “what messiah have you sent” this a direct metaphor. As it describes the intercessors as messiahs who have come to save them.
Line 10 and 11 “That can only work miracles
With triggers pricking our innards” is a paradoxical statement that the seeming contradiction may reveal an unexpected truth about the intercessors.
Line 1 “The wolves trade” this line indicates personification as the poet attributes human characteristics to an inanimate object, that is a wolf that is trading which is impossible.
Also there is the presence of onomatopoeia in line 6 “only to the clicking glasses” the sound gives the reader a conscious description and vivid picture of the message in the line.
There is a regular repetition of a rhetorical question thus “what place is this” that divides the first and second stanza and then the third from the fourth showing their importance. That is a very common skill with Dr. Opkanachi’s writing.
There is also a consistent rhythm in the poem that allows for parallelism, how one lines runs its meaning into the next line, maintaining a consistent rhythm.
One will also admire the scattered rhyme in the poem thus,
Line 4-5 “in a corner with nothing
To celebrate, listening” nothing rhyming with listening.
And also in line 8 and 11
“These are a pack of wolves
When the flag rose”
Line 12 “Drenched in our own tears” is a typical exaggeration, for one to bathe in his own tears then the person must have cried a river full. This device is used by the poet to draw attention to the alarming situation.
In the fourth stanza, there is the use of Euphony thus, “and the old silas cried secretly over his coins”
In line 21-22 “confused by the tongues
of our deities…we pray:” there is the fair use of allegory in the fourth stanza.
Line 24 “armed saints as guards over us” depicts oxymoron which is a vital poetic device.
In line 1 “The intercessors came swiftly” is a poetic tool named cacophony that adds sounds to his description of the intercessors’ coming. It gives it a fine tune and manner of action.
There is little allegory in line 3 and 4 “so, what holy chip god
Listens to our invocation”
Further still,
In line 9 “what messiah have you sent” this a direct metaphor. As it describes the intercessors as messiahs who have come to save them.
Line 10 and 11 “That can only work miracles
With triggers pricking our innards” is a paradoxical statement that the seeming contradiction may reveal an unexpected truth about the intercessors.
Line 26-27 “The intercessors came swiftly
In the voice of Human Rights” There is clearly assonating words in the first and second line, thus ‘intercessors’ has a vowel sound that rhymes with ‘voice’. Then followed by ‘invocation’ and ‘work’, also ‘cassock’ and ‘cross’
In line 39-40 “Deaf to the weeping of the children
Indifferent to the sun” there is the presence of consonance, as children has a consonant sound that rhymes with indifferent.
In line 38 “have you created in the dry rock” this is complete ambiguity and can mean two or more different things at the same time.
In the voice of Human Rights” There is clearly assonating words in the first and second line, thus ‘intercessors’ has a vowel sound that rhymes with ‘voice’. Then followed by ‘invocation’ and ‘work’, also ‘cassock’ and ‘cross’
In line 39-40 “Deaf to the weeping of the children
Indifferent to the sun” there is the presence of consonance, as children has a consonant sound that rhymes with indifferent.
In line 38 “have you created in the dry rock” this is complete ambiguity and can mean two or more different things at the same time.
Section 6. wishes and desires-
Meaning Of The section:
In this section the poet prayed for a solution to come and then came the intercessors who claimed to be fighting for human rights but employed a barbaric way of handling problems. Here solution actually brewed into poison, thus the titles wishes and desires. The title imply a dream of a paradise on earth this might be related to the desires in the poem title “The lost paradise”
In this section the poet prayed for a solution to come and then came the intercessors who claimed to be fighting for human rights but employed a barbaric way of handling problems. Here solution actually brewed into poison, thus the titles wishes and desires. The title imply a dream of a paradise on earth this might be related to the desires in the poem title “The lost paradise”
Symbolism:
The symbol of this poem is the intercessors which is the focus of Dr. Opkanachi as his style of writing, he builds his ideas around a symbol which in this poem is the intercessor which he later called and admonished as the messiah and then praise turns into truthful mockery.
The symbol of this poem is the intercessors which is the focus of Dr. Opkanachi as his style of writing, he builds his ideas around a symbol which in this poem is the intercessor which he later called and admonished as the messiah and then praise turns into truthful mockery.
Imagery:
The use of imagery is not too common as the message is direct and clear. Although there was a slight introduction in line 13 “have you created in the dry rock” and then line 15 and 16 “indifferent to the sun
And the rain that beats us”
The use of imagery is not too common as the message is direct and clear. Although there was a slight introduction in line 13 “have you created in the dry rock” and then line 15 and 16 “indifferent to the sun
And the rain that beats us”
A prisoner in my room-
Meaning Of the poem:
A prisoner in my house is another outcry of Dr. Opkananchi’s for liberation from the bondage of oppression and suppression of opinions by those who will the rod of power in the country.
Meaning Of the poem:
A prisoner in my house is another outcry of Dr. Opkananchi’s for liberation from the bondage of oppression and suppression of opinions by those who will the rod of power in the country.
Symbolism:
The poet uses a prisoner as a symbol to center his description in the poem. He aims to describe the bondage that is stronger than the torture of chains binding the feet and hands which is the pretense that you are free and yet your actions are guarded and controlled by an external force. The prisoner he describes is both imprisoned in his mind from speaking the truth and physically from raising any actions of freedom.
The poet uses a prisoner as a symbol to center his description in the poem. He aims to describe the bondage that is stronger than the torture of chains binding the feet and hands which is the pretense that you are free and yet your actions are guarded and controlled by an external force. The prisoner he describes is both imprisoned in his mind from speaking the truth and physically from raising any actions of freedom.
Imagery:
The poet used the jail and the house to mean his mind, he selected the perfect imagery for his description that share certain characteristics with the sublime meaning of the poem. The imagery in the poem is line 1 “a prisoner in my room” here the room imply the meantal mind of the poet and he sees poetry as the only way of being free. Also in line 5 “My room grave and trench” here he uses has resolved that he might die with his secrets and truth unspoken.
The poet used the jail and the house to mean his mind, he selected the perfect imagery for his description that share certain characteristics with the sublime meaning of the poem. The imagery in the poem is line 1 “a prisoner in my room” here the room imply the meantal mind of the poet and he sees poetry as the only way of being free. Also in line 5 “My room grave and trench” here he uses has resolved that he might die with his secrets and truth unspoken.
Poetic Devices:
There is a lot of repetition in the poem for example the repetition of “my room” in line 1 ‘a prisoner in my room”, line 5 “My room grave and trench” already explained in imagery and line 22 “I warn! My room”
Line 1 “A prisoner in my room” is both paradoxical and ironic.
Line 9 “watch me through a thousand peephole” the poetic device used here is a hyperbole. It is selected when a poet do not know the exact amount of a happening.
Line 16-17 “fingers plugged in my ears
Gagged, my fingers leper-clipped” the poetic device used here is Cacophony.
In line 10-11 “ I am muffled like
A wet drum” this is a direct comparison here which denotes the use of simile and also 12-13 “chained to my bed like a lunatic.
Crush Me-
Meaning of the poem:
The poem describes the paradoxical feelings of being crushed by the one you saved. Due to the strong ambiguity use in the poem, the poet might be talking about politicians that turn their back against the voters who handed them the keys but they locked the doors against them.
There is a lot of repetition in the poem for example the repetition of “my room” in line 1 ‘a prisoner in my room”, line 5 “My room grave and trench” already explained in imagery and line 22 “I warn! My room”
Line 1 “A prisoner in my room” is both paradoxical and ironic.
Line 9 “watch me through a thousand peephole” the poetic device used here is a hyperbole. It is selected when a poet do not know the exact amount of a happening.
Line 16-17 “fingers plugged in my ears
Gagged, my fingers leper-clipped” the poetic device used here is Cacophony.
In line 10-11 “ I am muffled like
A wet drum” this is a direct comparison here which denotes the use of simile and also 12-13 “chained to my bed like a lunatic.
Crush Me-
Meaning of the poem:
The poem describes the paradoxical feelings of being crushed by the one you saved. Due to the strong ambiguity use in the poem, the poet might be talking about politicians that turn their back against the voters who handed them the keys but they locked the doors against them.
Symbolism:
The poet used a second person pronoun throughout the poem and did not seem to see the use of symbolism in this poem. It is perhaps a change of style employed by the poet.
The poet used a second person pronoun throughout the poem and did not seem to see the use of symbolism in this poem. It is perhaps a change of style employed by the poet.
Imagery:
The only imagery in the poem is in line 30-31 “I fashioned the keys
But you locked the doors”
The only imagery in the poem is in line 30-31 “I fashioned the keys
But you locked the doors”
Poetic Devices:
There is a copious repetition in the poem “crush me” at the beginning of the first second and third stanza but it changed to “silence me “ in the fourth stanza. This gave the poem a chorus or song like rhythm.
Line 4 “Going for the strident state noise” this is an indirect metonymy
In the same line 4, there is the strong use of the alliteration poetic device, thus ‘s’ is alliterated.
In line 18-19 “when you toddled to school
Flashing your flowery smile” that is a typical of euphony conveying a sense of harmony and beauty to the language.
There are assonance and consonance scattered around the poem.
In line 29 “after I tickled your smile” that is cacophony at its best use.
In line 33-34 “brand me a liar
I, who taught you
The wisdom of the truth” this is a paradoxical statement said by the poet to bring out the clarity of the truth.
In line 49 “plucked from the pages of history” this is an onomatopoeia as it sounds like its meaning and the poet must have chosen this device because it add seriousness to the poem.
There is a copious repetition in the poem “crush me” at the beginning of the first second and third stanza but it changed to “silence me “ in the fourth stanza. This gave the poem a chorus or song like rhythm.
Line 4 “Going for the strident state noise” this is an indirect metonymy
In the same line 4, there is the strong use of the alliteration poetic device, thus ‘s’ is alliterated.
In line 18-19 “when you toddled to school
Flashing your flowery smile” that is a typical of euphony conveying a sense of harmony and beauty to the language.
There are assonance and consonance scattered around the poem.
In line 29 “after I tickled your smile” that is cacophony at its best use.
In line 33-34 “brand me a liar
I, who taught you
The wisdom of the truth” this is a paradoxical statement said by the poet to bring out the clarity of the truth.
In line 49 “plucked from the pages of history” this is an onomatopoeia as it sounds like its meaning and the poet must have chosen this device because it add seriousness to the poem.
In line 55-61 “crush me,
Stamp me out of life, for I gave you the lesson
Of longitivity, imparting
Facts and figures
You rear against me” this is a comparison and denotes the use of contrast as a poetic device in the poem.
In line 63-65 “The traces of the first sunray
Lighting your path
I, who rocked the cradle” here the poetic device is cacophony. It uses unpleasant sounds to convey disorder.
In line 92-94 “brutal heels of steel and chains
Crushing the pages of my book,
Littering the path with thorns” The poetic device here is cacophony.
Stamp me out of life, for I gave you the lesson
Of longitivity, imparting
Facts and figures
You rear against me” this is a comparison and denotes the use of contrast as a poetic device in the poem.
In line 63-65 “The traces of the first sunray
Lighting your path
I, who rocked the cradle” here the poetic device is cacophony. It uses unpleasant sounds to convey disorder.
In line 92-94 “brutal heels of steel and chains
Crushing the pages of my book,
Littering the path with thorns” The poetic device here is cacophony.
The secret-
The meaning of the poem:
The secret is filled with ambiguity as a major use. The poem tends to tell of a secret journey to finding the truth which is buried in the past. Here the poet wishes that time could be reversed back to the times when there were worthy leaders. The secret is not uncovered though the location of the truth is known but beyond reach.
The meaning of the poem:
The secret is filled with ambiguity as a major use. The poem tends to tell of a secret journey to finding the truth which is buried in the past. Here the poet wishes that time could be reversed back to the times when there were worthy leaders. The secret is not uncovered though the location of the truth is known but beyond reach.
Symbolism:
The dead kings are the symbol the poet idolize in the poem and reminisce about establishing a contact between them. The call to the dead symbolize the lack of confidence in the living.
The dead kings are the symbol the poet idolize in the poem and reminisce about establishing a contact between them. The call to the dead symbolize the lack of confidence in the living.
Imagery: The imagery in the poem includes the use of the pyramid of Egypt in line 15 “of the pyramids” of the poem and also in line “The concrete walls”
Poetic devices used:
There is the use of assonance, rhyming the vowel sounds in words. Thus, line 2-3 “of gold
To go with time”
Line 10-15 “I shall lead you by the secret paths
of power and glory
From the deep belly
Of the pyramids
I will bring you
The hidden rules
Of the pheroah” this is a typical of Dr. Opkananchi’s ambiguity.
Poetic devices used:
There is the use of assonance, rhyming the vowel sounds in words. Thus, line 2-3 “of gold
To go with time”
Line 10-15 “I shall lead you by the secret paths
of power and glory
From the deep belly
Of the pyramids
I will bring you
The hidden rules
Of the pheroah” this is a typical of Dr. Opkananchi’s ambiguity.
Also the ambiguity continues in line 16-18 “I shall tell you the
Seven sacred names
Of the heavenly Brides”
Seven sacred names
Of the heavenly Brides”
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