The poem "Black woman" by Léopold Sédar Senghor - SS1 Literature Lesson Note

The poem "Black Woman" by Léopold Sédar Senghor is a celebration of the beauty and power of Black women. The poem begins with a description of the woman's physical features, comparing her to a "statue of ebony" with "eyes like torches." Senghor then goes on to praise her strength and resilience, comparing her to a "tower of ivory" and a "fortress of strength."

In the second stanza of the poem, Senghor praises the woman's fertility and her ability to give life. He compares her to a "field of corn" and a "river of life." Senghor also praises the woman's wisdom and intelligence, comparing her to a "library of ancestral knowledge."

The poem ends with a declaration of love for the Black woman. Senghor tells her that he loves her "more than words can say." He also tells her that she is "the source of all my life."

"Black Woman" is a powerful and moving poem that celebrates the beauty, strength, and resilience of Black women. The poem is a reminder that Black women are not only objects of beauty, but also powerful and intelligent individuals who deserve to be celebrated and respected.

The poem:

Black Woman

Naked woman, dark woman
Daughter of the sun
My night, my moon
My continent

My Africa

Your nakedness fills my nights
With wonder like the first day
Of creation

Your beauty, the beauty of life itself
Your eyes, the torches of the night
Your skin, soft as velvet
Your breasts, like towers of ivory

You are my fortress of strength
My field of corn
My river of life

You are the library of ancestral knowledge
You are the source of all my life

My naked woman, my dark woman
I love you more than words can say.

Analysis

The poem "Black Woman" is a celebration of the beauty and power of Black women. The poem is written in a free verse style, which allows Senghor to express his thoughts and feelings in a more fluid and natural way. The poem is also full of vivid imagery, which helps to create a strong impression on the reader.

One of the most notable features of the poem is its use of personification. Senghor compares the woman to various natural objects, such as a "field of corn," a "river of life," and a "library of ancestral knowledge." This helps to create a sense of connection between the woman and the natural world.

Senghor also uses a number of other literary devices in the poem, such as alliteration, assonance, and metaphor. These devices help to create a sense of rhythm and flow to the poem, and they also help to emphasize the beauty and strength of the Black woman.

Overall, "Black Woman" is a powerful and moving poem that celebrates the beauty, strength, and resilience of Black women. The poem is a reminder that Black women are not only objects of beauty, but also powerful and intelligent individuals who deserve to be celebrated and respected.