Effective use of Imagery/symbolism - SS2 Literature Lesson Note

Effective use of Imagery/symbolism

As mentioned above, Adeoti uses imagery and symbolism very effectively in "Ambush." Some of the most notable examples include:

"The land is a giant whale/that swallow the sinker/with hook, line and bait": This metaphor compares the Nigerian government to a giant whale that swallows the hopes and dreams of the people. It highlights the power imbalance between the government and the people.

"The streets are filled with hungry faces/the air is thick with the smell of despair": This imagery creates a vivid picture of the poverty and hopelessness that many Nigerians face on a daily basis.

"Where nothing happens/toward the shore of possibilities": This line symbolizes the frustration and disappointment that many Nigerians feel about the lack of progress in their country. It also suggests that there is still hope for a better future, even if it seems far away.

Overall, Gbemisola Adeoti's "Ambush" is a powerful and moving poem that uses poetic devices such as metaphor, imagery, and symbolism to explore the themes of failed governance, unfulfilled dreams, and the yearning for a better future.