A Far Cry from Africa by Derek Walcott (1962)

 

 

1. Poem Overview

• A Far Cry from Africa is a poem by Derek Walcott, written in 1962, in the wake of the Mau Mau Uprising in Kenya (1952-1960) and the brutal impact of colonialism in Africa.

• Walcott was born in the Caribbean, but his heritage connects him to Africa through his parents, one of whom was of African descent. This connection is significant as it shapes the internal conflict Walcott explores in the poem.

2. Themes

• Colonialism and its Legacy: The poem reflects on the historical and ongoing effects of colonialism in Africa, particularly in Kenya. The brutal realities of the Mau Mau Uprising and the colonial response are central to the speaker's reflections.

• Conflict and Division: The poem examines the divisions within Africa due to colonial rule, particularly the conflict between African peoples and the forces of colonial oppression. Walcott explores his personal conflict about his African roots and the violence of the colonial legacy.

• Identity and Belonging: Walcott questions his identity, torn between his Caribbean roots and his African heritage. This search for identity is a recurring theme in much of Walcott's work.

3. Structure and Form

• The poem is written in free verse, which allows Walcott to freely express his personal turmoil and the emotional weight of the subject matter.

• It uses vivid imagery and stark contrasts to convey the horrors of war, the impact of colonialism, and the poet's struggle with his identity. The poem is divided into stanzas that explore different facets of the speaker’s thoughts on the conflict.

4. Tone

• The tone is somber, reflective, and often anguished. The speaker is emotionally torn, grappling with the atrocities he perceives in Africa while also feeling a deep personal connection to the continent. This duality creates a tone of inner conflict throughout the poem.

5. Literary Devices

• Imagery: Walcott uses rich imagery to evoke the horrors of war and the beauty of Africa. For example, the "blood" and "tears" represent the suffering caused by colonial oppression and the violence of the Mau Mau Uprising.

• Symbolism: The poem’s title itself is symbolic, reflecting Walcott’s sense of displacement and his struggle to reconcile his Caribbean and African identities. "Africa" in the poem can symbolize both the continent's cultural richness and the pain inflicted by colonialism.

• Metaphor: The poet frequently uses metaphors, like “the cry of Africa,” to represent the suffering and the voice of the people oppressed by colonial forces.

• Allusion: Walcott alludes to the history of colonialism and its effects on the African continent, specifically referencing the Mau Mau Uprising, as well as broader struggles for independence in post-colonial Africa.

6. Analysis

• The speaker is torn between his empathy for the suffering of the Kenyan people and his sense of detachment as an outsider. This struggle is embodied in the phrase “a far cry from Africa,” suggesting that despite the speaker’s ancestral connection to the continent, he feels distant from the violence and brutality occurring there.

• Walcott critiques both the colonizers and the colonized, recognizing the complex and painful realities of both sides. He does not offer easy answers but instead presents the violence and conflict as part of a larger, unresolved struggle.

7. Key Quotes

• “I who am poisoned with the blood of both, / where shall I turn, divided to the vein?”

• This line expresses the poet’s internal conflict, as he is "poisoned" by both African and colonial blood. His sense of identity is fractured, and he feels incapable of reconciling the two sides of his heritage.

• “The poisoned stream of history / that carries blood into the future”

• This metaphor illustrates the ongoing violence and suffering of colonialism that continues to affect future generations. It speaks to the lasting effects of historical events on contemporary society.

8. Discussion Questions

• How does Walcott’s use of imagery shape the reader’s understanding of the violence in Africa during the colonial era?

• What is the significance of the title A Far Cry from Africa in relation to the themes of identity and belonging?

• How does Walcott express his emotional and intellectual conflict in the poem? How does this impact the tone?

• In what ways can Walcott’s reflections on colonialism and violence be connected to other postcolonial works?

9. Conclusion

A Far Cry from Africa is a deeply personal and political poem that explores the complex legacies of colonialism. Walcott’s internal struggle with his African heritage and his awareness of the violence that colonization brought to the continent offer a poignant and thought-provoking perspective on identity, conflict, and history.