Stanza Explanation on the African Poetry "The Leader and the Led" by Niyi Osundare - SS2 Literature Lesson Note
Stanza Explanation on the African Poetry "The Leader and the Led" by Niyi Osundare
Stanza 1
The first stanza of the poem introduces the setting and the main characters: a forest and a variety of animals. The animals are gathered together to choose a new leader, but they are unable to agree on who the best candidate is.
Stanza 2
The second stanza focuses on the lion, who is the most powerful animal in the forest. The lion stakes his claim to the leadership position, but the other animals are hesitant to follow him because they remember his "ferocious pounce".
Stanza 3
The third stanza focuses on the hyena, who is the most cunning animal in the forest. The hyena also stakes his claim to the leadership position, but the other animals are hesitant to follow him because they know that he is a coward and a bully.
Stanza 4
The fourth stanza introduces a variety of other animals who vie for the leadership position, including the giraffe, the zebra, the elephant, the warthog, and the rhino. However, none of these animals are ultimately qualified for the position. 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.
Stanza 5
The fifth stanza is a satirical commentary on the state of leadership in Africa. Osundare compares the animals in the forest to the leaders of Africa, suggesting that both groups are flawed and incapable of leading effectively.
Stanza 6
The sixth stanza is a plea for better leadership in Africa. Osundare calls for leaders who are wise, compassionate, and courageous. He also calls for followers who are critical thinkers and who are willing to hold their leaders accountable.
Conclusion
The poem "The Leader and the Led" is a complex and multi-layered poem that explores the challenges of finding good leaders in Africa. Osundare's use of satire and symbolism makes the poem both entertaining and thought-provoking.