SS2 LITERATURE-IN-ENGLISH: Introduction to African Poetry

Study of Gabriel Okara – “Once Upon a Time”

Core Concepts

African Poetry refers to poetry written by poets of African descent, often reflecting the continent's diverse cultures, histories, social issues, and political landscapes. It can be written in indigenous African languages or colonial languages like English, French, or Portuguese. African poets use their work to explore themes of identity, tradition, modernity, colonialism, post-colonialism, and the human condition.

Gabriel Okara (1921-2019) was a prominent Nigerian poet and novelist, known for his unique style that often translated Ijaw (his native language) thought patterns into English. His work frequently explores the clash between traditional African values and Western influences, and the search for authentic identity in a changing world. "Once Upon a Time" is one of his most celebrated poems, embodying these concerns.

Key Points: “Once Upon a Time”

1. Content Analysis

The poem is a poignant reflection on the loss of genuine human connection and sincerity in modern society. The speaker, an adult, addresses his son, recalling a past when people were authentic and "laughed with their hearts." He contrasts this with the present, where smiles are artificial, greetings are insincere, and people hide their true feelings behind polite but empty gestures. The speaker admits he has learned these superficial behaviours but expresses a deep longing to unlearn them and return to the innocence and genuineness of his childhood. He appeals to his son to teach him how to laugh and smile with his heart again, suggesting hope for future generations to reclaim authenticity.

2. Themes

• Loss of Innocence and Authenticity: This is the central theme. The poem laments the transition from a time of genuine human interaction to one filled with pretense and superficiality.
• Hypocrisy and Deception: The poem highlights the artificiality of modern social interactions, where people "smile with their teeth" but not their eyes, and shake hands without their hearts.
• Cultural Alienation/Westernization: Okara subtly critiques the impact of adopting Western social norms, which he suggests have led to a loss of traditional African warmth and sincerity.
• Nostalgia and Longing for the Past: The speaker expresses a deep yearning for a bygone era of truthfulness and unfeigned emotions.
• Generational Gap: The poem contrasts the speaker's lost innocence with the potential for his son to embody genuine expression, offering a glimmer of hope.

3. Poetic Devices

• Imagery: Okara uses vivid images to convey his message, such as "ice-block-cold eyes" (representing lack of warmth) and "teeth like a snake's bare fangs" (suggesting hidden malice or insincerity).
• Simile: Comparisons using "like" or "as" are frequent, e.g., "my laugh... like a fixed portrait smile," "my teeth like a snake's bare fangs."
• Metaphor: "Ice-block-cold eyes" is a metaphor for emotionless, insincere gazes.
• Repetition: The phrase "Once upon a time" sets a nostalgic tone. Words like "laugh" and "smile" are repeated to emphasize the contrast between genuine and artificial expressions.
• Contrast: The poem is built on contrasts – past vs. present, genuine vs. artificial, heart vs. face, and the speaker's desire vs. his learned behaviour.
• Irony: The speaker "learning" to be insincere is ironic, as learning typically implies positive growth. Here, it signifies a loss.
• Enjambment: Lines often run into the next without punctuation, creating a conversational, flowing rhythm that mirrors the speaker's personal reflection.
• Simple Language: The poem uses straightforward, accessible language, making its profound message relatable and impactful.
• Direct Address: The speaker directly addresses his "son" in the final stanza, creating an intimate and hopeful tone.

Summary

"Once Upon a Time" by Gabriel Okara is a powerful poem that explores the erosion of authentic human interaction in modern society. Through the speaker's nostalgic reflection and his appeal to his son, the poem highlights themes of lost innocence, hypocrisy, and the impact of cultural change. Okara masterfully employs poetic devices like imagery, simile, and contrast to convey his message, urging a return to genuine emotions and sincere connections.