An Analysis of Derek Walcott's Poem "A Far Cry from Africa"
An analysis of Derek Walcott's poem "A Far Cry from Africa" on the influence of colonialism in his language
Introduction
The so called post colonial literature is actually a body of writings that aim to express response to colonization. Most topics and themes of post colonial literary pieces revolve around the issues demanding freedom of the people from political and cultural colonial rule. Post-colonial literature also attacks literary works insinuating racism or colonial hints. Recently, post-colonial literature proponents began to criticize modern post colonial discussions. Some post colonial critics are trying to re-examine traditional literature. These critics focus their reaction on social discourses of traditional writers and explore the influence of social fantasy of European racial domination particularly on their literary pieces. According to Baugh (1978, p. 19 – 28), the process of post colonial writers is “writing back”, “re-writing”, and “re-reading” in composing literary pieces. Colonialism exploits another community and gain wealth, power, and pleasure through vicious force. Native are the most common victims of colonialism. Because of much suffering from colonial powers of European countries, post colonial overviews emerged to challenge the tradition and legacy of traditional literary works. Hence, post colonial writers do not legitimize using power to conquer other race of people. One proponent of post colonial literature is Derek Alton Walcott who is a Caribbean poet, playwright, writer, and visual artist. He was born on January 23, 1930 in Castries, Saint Lucia (Hamner, 1993, p. 12 – 34). His distinction came from the Nobel Prize awarding body when Walcott was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature. The influence of post colonial mentality is clearly noticeable in more than 25 plays Walcott wrote and staged in different universities and colleges in Europe and the USA. Most of his literary works if not all deal directly
Introduction
The so called post colonial literature is actually a body of writings that aim to express response to colonization. Most topics and themes of post colonial literary pieces revolve around the issues demanding freedom of the people from political and cultural colonial rule. Post-colonial literature also attacks literary works insinuating racism or colonial hints. Recently, post-colonial literature proponents began to criticize modern post colonial discussions. Some post colonial critics are trying to re-examine traditional literature. These critics focus their reaction on social discourses of traditional writers and explore the influence of social fantasy of European racial domination particularly on their literary pieces. According to Baugh (1978, p. 19 – 28), the process of post colonial writers is “writing back”, “re-writing”, and “re-reading” in composing literary pieces. Colonialism exploits another community and gain wealth, power, and pleasure through vicious force. Native are the most common victims of colonialism. Because of much suffering from colonial powers of European countries, post colonial overviews emerged to challenge the tradition and legacy of traditional literary works. Hence, post colonial writers do not legitimize using power to conquer other race of people. One proponent of post colonial literature is Derek Alton Walcott who is a Caribbean poet, playwright, writer, and visual artist. He was born on January 23, 1930 in Castries, Saint Lucia (Hamner, 1993, p. 12 – 34). His distinction came from the Nobel Prize awarding body when Walcott was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature. The influence of post colonial mentality is clearly noticeable in more than 25 plays Walcott wrote and staged in different universities and colleges in Europe and the USA. Most of his literary works if not all deal directly
References: Baugh, E. (1978, p. 19 – 28) Edward, Derek Walcott: Memory as Vision: Another Life. London: Longman Publishing House. Brown, S, (1991, p, 110 – 126) The Art of Derek Walcott, Mid Glamorgan, Wales: Seren Books, Ltd. Hamner, R. (1993, p. 12 – 34). Critical Perspectives on Derek Walcott. Washington, D.C.: Three Continents King, B. (1980, p 118-139). “West Indies II: Walcott, Brathwaite, and Authenticity,” The New English Literatures: Cultural Nationalism in a Changing World, New York: St. Martins Terada, R. (1992, p. 210 -218) Derek Walcott’s Poetry, Boston: Northeastern University Press,