Introduction to African poetry: "The song of the Women of my Land" by Omar Farouk Sesay - SS2 Literature Lesson Note

Introduction to African poetry: "The song of the Women of my Land" by Omar Farouk Sesay

African poetry is a diverse and vibrant genre, reflecting the rich cultural heritage and complex history of the continent. It is often characterized by its use of oral traditions, its focus on community and identity, and its celebration of the African experience.

Oumar Farouk Sesay is a Sierra Leonean poet, novelist, and playwright. His poem "The song of the Women of my Land" is a powerful and moving tribute to the African women who have endured centuries of oppression and hardship.

Background and setting of the poet/poem

Sesay was born in Sierra Leone in 1964. He grew up during the country's civil war, which lasted from 1991 to 2002. The war had a devastating impact on the country, and Sesay's poetry often reflects on the violence and trauma of this period.

"The song of the Women of my Land" is set in Sierra Leone during the colonial era. The poem depicts the hardships faced by African women under colonial rule, including forced labor, sexual abuse, and the loss of their culture and traditions.

Background of the poem-subject-matter/summary

The poem is a lament for the lost voices of African women. The poet speaks of how the songs of these women have been silenced by the violence and oppression of colonialism and war. However, he also expresses hope that these songs will one day be recovered and celebrated.

The poem is divided into eight stanzas, each of which focuses on a different aspect of the African woman's experience. For example, the first stanza describes the women's forced labor in the fields, while the second stanza speaks of their sexual abuse by colonial masters.

Effective use of poetic devices/Techniques

Sesay uses a variety of poetic devices and techniques in "The song of the Women of my Land." These include:

Repetition: Sesay repeats certain words and phrases throughout the poem to create a sense of rhythm and emphasis. For example, he repeats the phrase "the song of the women of my land" in the first and last stanzas, framing the poem as a tribute to these women.
Imagery: Sesay uses vivid imagery to depict the hardships faced by African women. For example, he compares the women to "rivers of blood" and "fields of fire."
Personification: Sesay gives human qualities to inanimate objects, such as the land and the songs of the women. For example, he describes the land as "crying" and the songs as "whispering."
Symbolism: Sesay uses symbolism to convey the poem's themes of oppression, resilience, and hope. For example, the women's songs symbolize their voices and their culture.

Effective use of Imagery/symbolism

Sesay's use of imagery and symbolism is particularly effective in conveying the poem's themes. For example, the image of the women as "rivers of blood" highlights the violence and oppression they have endured. The image of the songs as "whispering" suggests that the women's voices have been silenced, but that they are not completely gone.

Overall, "The song of the Women of my Land" is a powerful and moving poem that gives voice to the voiceless. Sesay's effective use of poetic devices and techniques creates a vivid and unforgettable portrait of the African woman's experience.