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Question: Discuss the aspects of poetry in the following poem by David Rubadiri. (Imagery, personification, symbolism, similes and metaphors, hyperbole, metonymy, synecdoche, paradox and irony, allegory, onomatopoeia) (20 Marks) An Africa Thunderstorm From the west Clouds come hurrying with the wind Turning sharply Here and there Like a plague of locusts Whirling, Tossing up things on its tail Like a madman chasing nothing. Pregnant clouds Ride stately on its back, Gathering to perch on hills Like sinister dark wings; The wind whistles by And trees bend to let it pass. In the village Screams of delighted children, Toss and turn In the din of the whirling wind, Women, Babies clinging on their backs Dart about In and out Madly; The wind whistles by Whilst trees bend to let it pass. Clothes wave like tattered flags Flying off To expose dangling breasts As jagged blinding flashes Rumble, tremble and crack Amidst the smell of fired smoke And the pelting march of the storm.
Imagery: The poem is rich in vivid imagery that allows the reader to visualize the approaching storm. Phrases such as "plague of locusts," "sinister dark wings," and "jagged blinding flashes" create a sense of foreboding and chaos as the storm approaches and engulfs the village. Personification: The wind and storm are given human characteristics throughout the poem. This includes phrases like "a madman chasing nothing," "the wind whistles by," and "trees bend to let it pass," which suggests purpose and intention behind the storm's actions. Symbolism: The storm can be seen as a symbol for change or disruption, as it violently shakes up the natural order of the village, causing chaos and upheaval. The clouds gathering on the hills can symbolize the growing tension and impending threat, while the delighted screams of the children represent the excitement and uncertainty that comes with change. Similes and Metaphors: The poem contains several similes and metaphors that enhance the imagery, such as "clouds come hurrying like a plague of locusts," a metaphor comparing the relentless movement of the clouds to a swarm of destructive insects. Additionally, "clothes wave like tattered flags" is another simile that represents the storm's disruptive nature. Hyperbole: The poem does not contain clear examples of hyperbole. However, the intense descriptions and strong imagery may evoke exaggerated emotions in the reader. Metonymy and Synecdoche: There are no explicit examples of metonymy and synecdoche in this poem. Paradox and Irony: The paradox in this poem is the simultaneous fear and excitement the villagers experience as a result of the storm. While the storm is terrifying and destructive, it also brings a sense of anticipation and exhilaration. This is evident in the description of the children's "screams of delight" amidst the chaos. Allegory: The poem can be read as an allegory for the struggles of post-colonial African societies, with the storm representing the turmoil, chaos, and transformation that accompanied independence from colonial rule. Onomatopoeia: The poem contains onomatopoeia in the phrase "the wind whistles by," which reflects the sound of the wind moving through the trees and village. In conclusion, "An African Thunderstorm" by David Rubadiri utilizes various literary devices such as imagery, personification, symbolism, similes and metaphors, paradox and irony, and onomatopoeia to create a vivid portrayal of a thunderstorm in an African village. This poem masterfully paints a picture of both the beauty and chaos of nature, while also evoking deeper themes of change and societal upheaval.
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