Introduction to African Poetry - "The Leader and the Led" by Niyi Osundare - SS2 Literature Lesson Note

Introduction to African Poetry - "The Leader and the Led" by Niyi Osundare

Niyi Osundare's poem "The Leader and the Led" is a powerful and satirical commentary on the relationship between leaders and their followers in Africa. The poem is set in a forest, where different animals are vying for the position of leader. Each animal has its own strengths and weaknesses, but none of them are ultimately qualified to be the leader. This leads to a stalemate, and the poem ends with the animals still searching for a leader.

Background and Setting of the Poet/Poem

Niyi Osundare is a Nigerian poet, playwright, and essayist. He is one of the most celebrated poets in Africa, and his work has been translated into many languages. Osundare is known for his use of satire and symbolism to comment on social and political issues.

The poem "The Leader and the Led" is set in a forest. This setting is symbolic of Africa, which is often seen as a wild and untamed continent. The forest also represents the complexity and diversity of African society.

Background of the Poem - Subject-Matter/Summary

The subject-matter of the poem is the relationship between leaders and their followers in Africa. The poem summarizes the challenges that Africa faces in finding good leaders. The animals in the poem represent different types of leaders, but none of them are ultimately qualified for the position.

The poem begins with the lion staking his claim to the leadership position. The lion is a symbol of strength and power, but he is also feared for his ferocity. The antelopes remember the lion's "ferocious pounce" on them, and they are reluctant to follow him.

The hyena also claims to be the rightful leader of the forest. The hyena is a symbol of cunning and opportunism, but he is also known for his cowardice and brutality. The impalas shudder at the thought of being led by the hyena, and they refuse to follow him.

Other animals also stake their claim to the leadership position, but none of them are ultimately qualified. The giraffe is too tall and clumsy, the zebra is too timid, the elephant is too slow, the warthog is too stubborn, and the rhino is too aggressive.

In the end, the animals are still searching for a leader. The poem suggests that Africa faces a similar challenge. The continent has many different types of leaders, but none of them have been able to lead Africa to prosperity and peace.

Effective Use of Poetic Devices/Techniques

Osundare uses a variety of poetic devices and techniques in the poem. One of the most effective devices is satire. Osundare uses satire to expose the flaws of the different animals who are vying for the leadership position. For example, he describes the lion as "the king of the jungle with the crown of thorns" and the hyena as "the prince of darkness with the laughter of death."

Osundare also uses symbolism effectively in the poem. The forest represents Africa, and the different animals represent different types of leaders. For example, the lion represents a strong and powerful leader, while the hyena represents a cunning and opportunistic leader.

Other poetic devices that Osundare uses in the poem include personification, metaphor, and simile. For example, he personifies the animals by giving them human characteristics. He also uses metaphors and similes to compare the animals to different things. For example, he compares the lion to a "king with a crown of thorns" and the hyena to a "prince of darkness with the laughter of death."

Effective Use of Imagery/Symbolism

Osundare uses imagery and symbolism effectively throughout the poem. The forest setting is symbolic of Africa, and the different animals represent different types of leaders. For example, the lion represents a strong and powerful leader, while the hyena represents a cunning and opportunistic leader.

Osundare also uses vivid imagery to describe the animals and the forest setting. For example, he describes the lion's "ferocious pounce" on the antelopes and the hyena's "lethal appetite" for impalas. He also describes the forest as a place of "dappled light and shadow."

The imagery and symbolism in the poem help to create a vivid and evocative picture of the relationship between leaders and their followers in Africa.

Overall, "The Leader and the Led" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the complex relationship between leaders and their followers in Africa. Osundare's use of satire, symbolism, and imagery makes the poem both entertaining and thought-provoking.