World Literature

Fritz Justine S. Gagan 3DPS LIT02

1. What does the poem "Africa" by David Diop mean?

The poem Africa suggests an undoubting sense of pride in African descent, the sorrowful acknowledgement of the suffering of a nation and the anticipation of imperceptible freedom. It focuses on the new beginning of Africa. This poem celebrates the beauty of Africa before slavery colonialism and the eventual neo-colonialism which Africa has continued to suffer from in a most contemptuous manner. We are reminded as an African that our great grand fathers were proud warriors even though the Whiteman in his capitalist tendencies of massive acquisition of wealth has dealt a blow on our pride, economy and mentality. Though the Author has never ever gotten the fill of African trauma, but he has his grandmother to thank for educating him on the African experiences. It is a poem of strength and hope for the people. His patriotism urges the African people to be more brave and overcome adversity in their own country. The author also sorts of talks about his pride in how the Africans got out of slavery and about how Africa remains the bravest continent and stuff like that.

2. What is his reflection in the poem?

This poem is a childhood dream, that of the author who felt deeply African in his soul yet very distant as he “never knew Africa”. He never set foot on African soil, but he did know all about the humiliation” slavery, colonisation” suffered by Africa thanks to his grandmother. Despite this suffering he urges the people of Africa to be strong and remain unbent and not let this break them despite the weight of their suffering in their own land. He urges the Africans to be patient and not hasty like children as there is change on the horizon he means the colonialists who will fade in time while the youthful Africans grow in strength and wait for their moment of freedom.

3. What is the device used by the poet in the poem?

The poet uses as much as possible simple...