"A Far Cry from Africa" is by
ADerek Walcott
BV.S. Naipaul
CWole Soyinka
DChimamanda Adichie
Answer:
A. Derek Walcott
Read Explanation:
Derek Walcott: A Literary Giant
- Derek Walcott (1930-2017) was a Saint Lucian poet and playwright, widely regarded as one of the most significant literary figures of the Caribbean.
- He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1992, recognized for his "brilliant literary performance of several dimensions, inspired by a multicultural commitment.".
- Walcott's work often explores themes of identity, colonialism, exile, and the complex legacy of the Caribbean's history. His poetry is characterized by its rich imagery, lyrical quality, and classical allusions.
"A Far Cry from Africa" - Context and Significance
- "A Far Cry from Africa" is one of Walcott's most famous and anthologized poems.
- The poem was published in his collection "In a Green Night: Poems from Saint Lucia" (1962).
- It directly addresses the poet's internal conflict and his divided heritage, stemming from his European (British) and African ancestry.
- The poem was written in response to the 1959 Mau Mau Uprising in Kenya, a violent conflict during the struggle for Kenyan independence from British rule.
- Walcott grapples with his own position as an islander, feeling a pull towards both his African roots and his colonial upbringing. He questions where his true allegiance lies in the face of such violent historical events.
- The title itself, "A Far Cry from Africa," highlights the perceived distance and disconnect the poet feels from the continent of his ancestors, despite his heritage.
Key Elements and Style
- The poem is structured in two parts, reflecting the divided nature of the speaker's consciousness.
- It employs powerful and evocative language, blending references to classical mythology with stark descriptions of violence and suffering.
- Walcott's use of vivid imagery and his exploration of personal and historical trauma make this poem a powerful statement on post-colonial identity.