CORRECTION

1.Yes, I Am Black

Big mouths say

That I’m black

And my home

Is unstable.

Yes,

I am black,

But like you

My blood is red.

My blood is shed

That my children

May live well

In peace and plenty

Read your history,

For it was so

With your fathers

In France,

In Britain

In the United States

And in Germany

Ade Atobatele

Title

The title of the poem is "Yes, I Am Black." It's a bold and affirming statement that sets the tone for the
rest of the poem.

Theme

The theme of the poem is identity, pride, and the shared human experience. The speaker is asserting
their blackness and challenging the negative stereotypes and prejudices that come with it.
Tone

The tone of the poem is confident, defiant, and matter-of-fact. The speaker is unapologetic about their
identity and is challenging the reader to confront their own biases and assumptions.

Imagery and Symbolism

The poem uses imagery and symbolism to convey its message. For example, the line "My blood is red" is
a powerful symbol of the shared human experience. It emphasizes that despite racial differences, we all
share a common humanity.

Historical Context

The poem references historical events and places, such as France, Britain, the United States, and
Germany. These references serve as a reminder that the struggle for freedom and equality is not unique
to any one group or place.

Poetic Devices

The poem uses several poetic devices, including:

Repetition: The repetition of the phrase "Yes, I am black" serves to emphasize the speaker's identity and
pride.

Metaphor: The comparison of blood to a shared human experience is a powerful metaphor.

Allusion: The references to historical events and places serve as allusions to the broader human
experience.

Message

The message of the poem is one of pride, resilience, and shared humanity. The speaker is asserting their
identity and challenging the reader to confront their own biases and assumptions. The poem is also a
reminder that the struggle for freedom and equality is not unique to any one group or place.

Analysis of Stanzas

Stanza 1

The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker is asserting their identity and
challenging the negative stereotypes and prejudices that come with it.

Stanza 2

The second stanza emphasizes the shared human experience. The line "My blood is red" is a powerful
symbol of our common humanity.

Stanza 3

The third stanza references historical events and places. These references serve as a reminder that the
struggle for freedom and equality is not unique to any one group or place.
I hope this analysis helps you understand the poem better! Do you have any specific questions or would
you like me to clarify any of the points I've made?

Questions

1. What do you think the speaker means by "Yes, I am black"? Is it a statement of pride, defiance,
or something else?
2. How does the poem make you think about your own identity and place in the world?
3. What do you think is the speaker's intended audience for the poem?
4. How does the poem relate to other social justice movements and issues?
5. What message do you think the speaker wants readers to take away from the poem?
6. How does the poem use rhetorical devices to persuade the reader?
7. What are some potential criticisms or limitations of the poem's message?
8. How does the poem's message relate to broader historical and cultural contexts?
9. What are some possible implications of the poem's message for contemporary society?
10. How does the poem challenge or reinforce your own beliefs and assumptions?

Poem 2. Swan Song

We are not sure of sorrow,

And joy was never sure;

To-day will die tomorrow

Time stoops to no man’s lure;

And love grown faint and fretful

With lips but half regretful

Sighs, and with eyes regretful

Weeps that no lovers endure.

From too much love of living,

From hope and fear set free,

We thank with brief thanksgiving

Whatever gods may be

That no life is lives for ever

That dead men rise up never;

That even the weariest river

Winds somewhere safe to sea.

Algermon Charles Swinburne, 1837-1909

Analysis of "Swan Song"

"Swan Song" is a poem that explores the themes of mortality, the fleeting nature of human emotions,
and the inevitability of change. The poem is characterized by a somber and reflective tone, with the
speaker seeming to accept and even welcome the impermanence of life.

Imagery and Symbolism

The poem employs vivid imagery and symbolism to convey its themes:

The "sorrow" and "joy" that are "never sure" represent the unpredictable nature of human emotions.

The image of "Time" as a force that "stoops to no man's lure" emphasizes the inevitability of change and
mortality.

The "love grown faint and fretful" symbolizes the decline of passion and the impermanence of
relationships.

The "weary river" that "winds somewhere safe to sea" represents the journey of life, which ultimately
comes to an end.

Themes

The poem explores several themes:

Mortality: The poem accepts and even welcomes the inevitability of death, seeing it as a natural part of
life.

Impermanence: The poem highlights the fleeting nature of human emotions, relationships, and life
itself.

Acceptance: The speaker seems to accept and even find comfort in the impermanence of life,
recognizing that it is a natural part of the human experience.

Tone

The tone of the poem is somber and reflective, with a sense of acceptance and resignation. The speaker
seems to be looking back on life with a sense of detachment, recognizing the impermanence of all
things.

Poetic Devices

The poem employs several poetic devices, including:

Metaphor: The comparison of time to a force that "stoops to no man's lure" is a metaphor that
emphasizes the inevitability of change and mortality.
Personification: The attribution of human-like qualities to abstract concepts like time and love is a
personification that adds depth and complexity to the poem.

Imagery: The poem's vivid imagery helps to create a sense of atmosphere and mood, drawing the reader
into the speaker's reflective world.

Questions

Comprehension Questions

1. What is the central theme of the poem "Swan Song"?

2. How does the speaker describe the nature of sorrow and joy in the poem?
3. What does the image of "Time" represent in the poem?
4. What is the significance of the "weary river" in the poem?

Interpretation Questions

1. What does the poem suggest about the human experience of love and relationships?
2. How does the speaker seem to feel about the impermanence of life?
3. What message do you think the poem is trying to convey about the nature of mortality?
4. How does the poem's tone contribute to its overall meaning?

Analytical Questions

1. How does the poem use imagery and symbolism to convey its themes?
2. What role does personification play in the poem?
3. How does the poem's structure and form contribute to its overall effect?
4. What literary devices does the poem use to explore the human experience?

Critical Thinking Questions

1. Do you agree with the poem's perspective on the impermanence of life? Why or why not?
2. How does the poem relate to your own experiences or observations about life and mortality?
3. What criticisms or limitations do you see in the poem's message or themes?
4. How does the poem's message resonate with or challenge societal norms or expectations?

New Corn Season

The season’s mouth-organ

Is here at last
La la la ri la ri la!

A task for the teeth

Whether old or young

La la la ri la ri la!

Sweet. Sweet music

In the ears of the streets

La la la ri la ri la!

The cornstalk is swaying

To the rhythem of the wind

La la la ri la ri la!

Goodbye, hunger

And wolves of the belly

La la la ri la ri la!

The farmer’s job is done

The hoe deserve a rest

La la la ri la ri la!

By Niyi Osundare
 ANSWERS TO ALL THREE POEMS

Poem 1

1. Meaning of "Yes, I am black"

The speaker means "Yes, I am black" as a statement of pride and affirmation. It's a declaration of their
racial identity, acknowledging the struggles and stereotypes associated with being black, while also
asserting their self-worth and dignity.

2. Personal identity and place in the world

The poem encourages readers to reflect on their own identity and how it intersects with societal
expectations and power dynamics. It invites readers to consider how their own experiences and
identities relate to the broader social and historical context.

3. Intended audience

The speaker's intended audience appears to be those who may not understand or appreciate the
experiences of black people. The poem seems to address both those who perpetuate racism and those
who are unaware of its impact.

4. Relation to social justice movements

The poem relates to various social justice movements, including the Civil Rights Movement, Black
Lives Matter, and anti-colonialism. It highlights the ongoing struggle for racial equality and justice.

5. Message to readers

The speaker wants readers to recognize the shared humanity of all people, regardless of race. The
poem emphasizes the importance of understanding and respecting the experiences of black people
and working towards a more equitable society.

6. Rhetorical devices

The poem employs rhetorical devices such as repetition ("Yes, I am black"), metaphor ("My blood is
red"), and allusion (referencing historical struggles). These devices reinforce the speaker's message
and create a sense of urgency and shared experience.

7. Potential criticisms

Some potential criticisms of the poem's message include the risk of oversimplifying complex issues or
perpetuating a sense of victimhood. However, the poem's focus on shared humanity and resilience
mitigates these concerns.

8. Historical and cultural contexts

The poem's message relates to broader historical and cultural contexts, including the legacy of
colonialism, slavery, and systemic racism. It highlights the ongoing impact of these historical forces on
contemporary society.

9. Implications for contemporary society

The poem's message has implications for contemporary society, encouraging readers to engage in
self-reflection, empathy, and activism. It emphasizes the need for ongoing dialogue and collective
action to address systemic racism and promote social justice.

10. Challenging assumptions

The poem challenges readers' assumptions by highlighting the complexities of racial identity and
experience. It invites readers to question their own biases and consider the perspectives of others,
promoting a more nuanced understanding of social justice issues.

Poem 2

Comprehension Questions

1.What is the central theme of the poem "Swan Song"?

The central theme of the poem is the impermanence of life and the inevitability of mortality.

2.How does the speaker describe the nature of sorrow and joy in the poem?

The speaker describes sorrow and joy as uncertain and fleeting, stating that "We are not sure of
sorrow, / And joy was never sure."

3.What does the image of "Time" represent in the poem?

The image of "Time" represents the inevitability of change and mortality, as well as the passing of
time.

4.What is the significance of the "weary river" in the poem?

The "weary river" symbolizes the journey of life, which ultimately comes to an end, winding
"somewhere safe to sea."

Interpretation Questions

1.What does the poem suggest about the human experience of love and relationships?

The poem suggests that love and relationships are fleeting and impermanent, subject to the ravages
of time.

2.How does the speaker seem to feel about the impermanence of life?

The speaker seems to accept and even welcome the impermanence of life, recognizing it as a natural
part of the human experience.

3.What message do you think the poem is trying to convey about the nature of mortality?
The poem conveys the message that mortality is an inevitable and natural part of life, and that it
should be accepted and even celebrated.

4.How does the poem's tone contribute to its overall meaning?

The poem's somber and reflective tone contributes to its overall meaning by creating a sense of
acceptance and resignation, emphasizing the impermanence of life.

Analytical Questions

1.How does the poem use imagery and symbolism to convey its themes?

The poem uses imagery and symbolism, such as the "weary river" and "Time", to convey its themes of
impermanence and mortality.

2.What role does personification play in the poem?

Personification plays a significant role in the poem, as it is used to attribute human-like qualities to
abstract concepts like Time and love.

3.How does the poem's structure and form contribute to its overall effect?

The poem's structure and form, including its use of rhyme and meter, contribute to its overall effect
by creating a sense of musicality and emphasizing the poem's themes.

4.What literary devices does the poem use to explore the human experience?

The poem uses literary devices such as metaphor, personification, and imagery to explore the human
experience.

Critical Thinking Questions

1.Do you agree with the poem's perspective on the impermanence of life? Why or why not?

This question requires a personal response, but one possible answer is that the poem's perspective on
the impermanence of life is a realistic and necessary one, as it acknowledges the inevitability of
mortality.

2.How does the poem relate to your own experiences or observations about life and mortality?

This question requires a personal response, but one possible answer is that the poem resonates with
personal experiences of loss and impermanence.

3.What criticisms or limitations do you see in the poem's message or themes?

One possible criticism is that the poem's message may be seen as overly pessimistic or resigned.

4.How does the poem's message resonate with or challenge societal norms or expectations?
The poem's message challenges societal norms or expectations by emphasizing the impermanence of
life and the inevitability of mortality.

NEW CORN SEASON

i. Who is the author of the poem "New Corn Season"?

ii. What is the main theme of the poem? Celebration of the new corn season
iii. What is the significance of the "La la la ri la ri la!" refrain? It adds a sense of rhythm and
musicality
iv. What is the tone of the poem? Joyful and celeberation
v. What does the poem describe as "swaying" to the rhythm of the wind? The corn stalk
vi. How does the poem portray the theme of abundance and fertility?

Answer: The poem portrays abundance and fertility through the imagery of the cornstalk swaying in
the wind and the "sweet music" of the season

Vii. What does the poem suggest about the importance of community and celebration?

(Answer: The poem suggests that community and celebration are essential for human well-being and
that they bring people together)

Viii. What does the "season's mouth-organ" symbolize in the poem? The beauty of nature

ix. How does the poem portray the relationship between the farmer and the land? As one of harmony
and mutual respect

x. Highlight two figures of speech from the poem.

Personification: In the line "The cornstalk is swaying / To the rhythm of the wind", the cornstalk is
given human-like qualities, as if it is dancing or swaying to the music of the wind.

Metaphor: In the line "The season's mouth-organ", the season is compared to a musical instrument
(mouth-organ) without using "like" or "as". This metaphor creates a vivid and evocative image in the
reader's mind.