Lit

LIT Drey
The poem To the Memory of Aunty Toriomo creates a poetic distinction between
marriage in traditional African society and contemporary Africa through the use of
contrast.
Three major events in the poem that highlight this contrast are Jennifer's desire
to leave her marriage.
The societal pressure that keeps her from doing so and The death of Aunty Toriomo.
*Jennifer's desire to leave her marriage contrasts with the traditional African
value of keeping mothers with their men.
*The societal pressure that keeps her from doing so contrasts with Aunty Toriomo's
wisdom in keeping mothers with their men.
*The death of Aunty Toriomo is a metaphor for the death of traditional African
values and practices, and the rise of contemporary values that are less supportive
of women.
2—Omotara James clearly depicts trends in modernity, technology and changing norms
in societal values in the poem A Wall. Discuss with relevant illustrations from 21
st century world events.
The poem "A Wall" by Omotara James depicts trends in modernity, technology, and
changing norms in societal values, which are all relevant to 21st century world
events.
One example of this is the speaker's logging into her ex-partner's Instagram
account and scrolling through their photos, which highlights the pervasiveness of
technology in our lives and the ease with which we can access information about
others.
Another example is the speaker's memory of her mother's fear of being perceived as
a lesbian, which reflects changing norms in societal values around gender and
sexuality.
Finally, the idea of a room for the unknown in every house can be seen as a
metaphor for the uncertainty and unpredictability of the future, as well as the
potential for growth and change.
3, There are several types of poetry that are peculiar to the African poetic genre.
Here are five examples:
1.Epic Poetry
An epic poem is a long, narrative poem that is usually about heroic deeds and
events that are significant to the culture of the poet. Many ancient writers used
epic poetry to tell tales of intense adventures and heroic feats. Some of the most
famous literary masterpieces in the world were written in the form of epic poetry.
Epic poems were particularly common in the ancient world because they were ideal
for expressing stories orally.
2. Panegyric poetry.
A panegyric poem is typical to all African Countries especially Nigeria. It is
usually an over exaggeration, re-emphasis of the prowess, skills, achievement,
exploit or other seemingly unique qualities of someone or a lineage of the person.
3. Ewi.
Ewi is a modern poetic practice which we can only properly appreciate in light of
the dynamism and integrative capacity of Yoruba culture. It straddles the written
and the oral and demonstrates what a creative fusion of indigenous and borrowed
values can produce.
4. Narrative poem.
A narrative poem is a type of poem which tells a story. It uses the poetic
techniques you might normally find in a poem (such as rhyme, rhythm, similes and
metaphors) to create a narrative. Narrative poems are typically longer than other
forms of poetry, and they tell an overarching story just like a novel.Narrative
poetry can be broken into further subtypes of narrative poems. These types are the
lay, the ballad, epic poetry, and the idyll.
5.Lyric poem.
A lyric poem is short, highly musical verse that conveys powerful feelings. The
poet may use rhyme, meter, or other literary devices to create a song-like quality.
4—With ample poetic verses, vividly discuss three areas of racial discrimination
foregrounded by Oswald Mitshali in Always a Suspect.
In "Always a Suspect," Oswald Mitshali foregrounds three areas of racial

discrimination: employment, access to public spaces, and social interactions.
The first area of racial discrimination is employment. The speaker describes

dressing up in a suit and tie to present himself as a respectable member of
society, only to be met with suspicion and scrutiny by a man who demands that he
"produce" his documents. This suggests that the speaker is being viewed as a
potential criminal rather than a job seeker, and that his Blackness is seen as a
liability rather than an asset.
The second area of racial discrimination is access to public spaces. The speaker
describes being barred from entering a building by a commissionaire who demands to
know what he wants. This suggests that the speaker is being viewed as a potential
threat rather than a member of the public who has a right to access public spaces.
The third area of racial discrimination is social interactions. The speaker

describes walking on the city pavements with a woman who shifts her handbag from
one side to the other and looks at him with suspicion. This suggests that the
speaker is being viewed as a potential thief rather than a fellow human being who
deserves respect and dignity.
7—Discuss Kofi Anyindoho's use of poetic elements of theme, poetic persona and mood
in the poem Awoyo
This poems is a personal encounter with an individual named Awoyo. The speaker
describes a series of interactions with Awoyo, highlighting negative encounters and
the speaker's reaction to them.
The poem begins with Awoyo crossing the speaker's path and spitting on their toes.
Despite this disrespectful act, the speaker remains composed and does not cough or
react outwardly. Awoyo then encounters some misfortune by stepping on a thorn, but
instead of reflecting on her actions, she returns and spits in the speaker's face.
Again, the speaker remains unaffected and does not sneeze.
Awoyo, with an evil scowl on her face, shuffles away, perhaps hoping for a reaction
from the speaker. The speaker, however, calmly sits and contemplates the
possibility of Awoyo returning. They express a desire to confront her verbally
("slash her with my tongue") but promise not to worsen her wounds with harsh words
("spread not pepper in her wounds").
The poem mentions Awoyo as a "witch daughter with the face of an owl," implying a
negative and perhaps supernatural quality to her character. The speaker calls out
to Awoyo, inviting her to return and continue the interaction, suggesting a
lingering desire for resolution or confrontation.
The themes of the poems are: Patience, Confrontation, Resilience Ego and priđe,
irrational behavioir etc. The mood seems to be one of defiance and a revengance one
as the audience surely wants Awoyo to see the consequences of her actions.
The theme of gender-based discrimination is evident in the poem through the

speaker's experience with Awoyo. The persona describes how Awoyo spits on her toes
and face, which is a clear sign of disrespect and contempt. The speaker also
suggests that Awoyo is spreading rumors about her inability to have children, which
is a common form of discrimination against women.
The mood of the poem is one of anger and frustration. The speaker is angry at Awoyo
for spitting on her toes and face, and she is frustrated by the discrimination that
she faces as a woman.
8. Identify and discuss 3 thematoc preoccupations of the poem 'A Government drives
on His Retirement'
1. Reflection on Service and Retirement: One thematic preoccupation of the poem

could be the reflection on a government driver's years of service and his impending
retirement. The poem may explore the driver's feelings and thoughts as he looks
back on his career, considering the experiences, challenges, and accomplishments he
has had while serving as a driver for the government. Retirement often prompts
individuals to reflect on their life's work and the impact they have made, and this
poem might delve into those reflections.
2. Transition and Uncertainty: Another thematic preoccupation could be the theme of

transition and uncertainty that accompanies retirement. The poem may delve into the
driver's feelings of uncertainty and apprehension as he faces the prospect of
leaving behind a familiar routine and entering a new phase of life. Retirement can
bring a mix of emotions, including excitement, nostalgia, and anxiety about the
future, and the poem might explore these emotional states and the challenges
associated with navigating this significant life change.
3. Identity and Purpose: The poem might also explore themes of identity and
purpose. After years of being a government driver, the protagonist is likely to
have developed a sense of identity tied to his occupation. With retirement, he may
grapple with questions of who he is and what gives his life meaning and purpose.
The poem could delve into his search for a new sense of identity and purpose beyond
his role as a driver, exploring his desires, aspirations, and hopes for the future.
9—Identify and discuss three areas of disparity between Christianity and

traditional
African religion as depicted in Kofi Awoonor's Easter Dawn.
1. Rituals and Practices: The poem highlights the clash between the Christian
celebration of Easter and the traditional African religions that have their own
rituals and practices. The Christian religion has its own set of rituals and
practices that are different from the traditional African religions. The poem
suggests that the traditional African religions are being ignored in favor of the
Christian celebration of Easter, which is seen as a form of cultural imperialism.
2. Beliefs and Values: The poem also highlights the differences in beliefs and
values between Christianity and traditional African religions. Christianity is
based on the belief in one God, while traditional African religions have multiple
gods and spirits. The poem suggests that the traditional African religions are
being marginalized in favor of Christianity, which is seen as a form of cultural
domination.
3. Worldview: The poem also highlights the differences in worldview between

Christianity and traditional African religions. Christianity is based on the belief
in the afterlife and the resurrection of Jesus, while traditional African religions
have their own beliefs about death and the afterlife. The poem suggests that the
Christian celebration of Easter is being imposed on traditional African religions,
which is seen as a form of cultural hegemony.

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LIT Drey

In "Always a Suspect," Oswald Mitshali foregrounds three areas of racial

The first area of racial discrimination is employment. The speaker describes

The third area of racial discrimination is social interactions. The speaker

The theme of gender-based discrimination is evident in the poem through the

1. Reflection on Service and Retirement: One thematic preoccupation of the poem

2. Transition and Uncertainty: Another thematic preoccupation could be the theme of

9—Identify and discuss three areas of disparity between Christianity and

3. Worldview: The poem also highlights the differences in worldview between

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