What is Literature-in-English?
Literature-in-English refers specifically to works written in the English language, encompassing both native and non-native contexts. This includes literature from various cultures and regions, each bringing unique perspectives and voices to the discourse. For instance, African Literature written in English often reflects local traditions, histories, and social issues, bridging the gap between indigenous storytelling and global literary dialogues. Literature-in-English also serves as a tool for cultural exchange and understanding, facilitating the exploration of themes such as identity, post-colonialism, and universal human experiences.
Division of Literature
The division of literature typically includes several genres: poetry, prose, and drama. Poetry emphasizes the aesthetic quality of language, often focusing on rhythm, imagery, and metaphor to evoke emotions.
Starting with this blogpost, we will begin our introduction of poetry analysis for students preparing for West African Secondary School Certificate and National Examinations Council Examinations in Literature-in-English. We will pick one poem for analysis from the 2021-2025 examination syllabus.
Today, we will look at Leopold Sedar Senghor's "Black Woman'", beginning with the poem, followed by the poet's biography, and poetry analysis.
"Black Woman" by Leopold Sedar Senghor
Naked woman, black woman
Clothed with your colour which is lifwith your form which is beauty!
In your shadow I have grown up; the
gentleness of your hands was laid over my eyes.
And now, high up on the sun-baked
pass, at the heart of summer, at the heart of noon,
I come upon you, my Promised Land,
And your beauty strikes me to heart
like the flash of an eagle.
Naked woman, dark woman
Firm-fleshed ripe fruit, sombre raptures
of black wine, mouth making lyrical my mouth
Savannah stretching to clear horizons,
savannah shuddering beneath the East Wind's
eager caresses.
Carved tom-tom, taut tom-tom, muttering
under the Conqueror's fingers.
Your solemn contralto voice is the
spiritual song of the Beloved.
Naked woman, dark woman
Oil that no breath ruffles, calm oil on the
athlete's flanks of the Princes of Mali
Gazelle limbed in Paradise, pearls are stars on the
night of your skin.
Delights of the mind, the glinting of red
gold against your watered skin.
Under the shadow of your hair, my care
is lightened by the neighbouring suns of your eyes.
Naked woman, black woman,
I sing your beauty that passes, the form
that I fix in the Eternal,
Before jealous fate turn you to ashes to
feed the roots of life.
Biography of the Poet
Léopold Sédar Senghor (1906-2001) was a Senegalese poet, philosopher, and politician, celebrated for his significant contributions to African literature and culture. Born in Joal, Senegal, Senghor was educated in France, where he became influenced by French literary movements and the philosophy of existentialism. He served as the first president of Senegal from 1960 to 1980, playing a crucial role in the nation's post-colonial development.
Senghor is often associated with the Négritude movement, which he co-founded. This movement sought to affirm the values and identity of African culture in opposition to colonialism and Western cultural imperialism. Throughout his life, Senghor's poetry emphasized themes of identity, love for Africa, and the fusion of African and European influences, often highlighting the beauty and strength of African women. His lyrical style and use of vibrant imagery mark him as one of the leading figures in modern African poetry.
Analysis of “Black Woman”
Subject Matter
“Black Woman” celebrates the beauty, strength, and resilience of African women. The poem serves as homage to the poet’s cultural heritage and as a manifestation of admiration for the feminine form, intertwining sensuality with deep cultural and spiritual significance.
Themes
1. Beauty and Femininity: The poem extols the physical and spiritual beauty of Black women, celebrating their roles as symbols of life and creativity.
2. Cultural Identity: Senghor emphasizes the connection between beauty and African identity, countering colonial narratives that diminish African heritage.
3. Spirituality and Nature: The poem links the black woman with nature, suggesting a deep, almost primordial connection between womanhood and the earth.
Other Literary Elements
1. Imagery: Senghor employs rich and vibrant imagery to evoke the beauty of the Black woman. Descriptions of physical attributes, such as “the color of the night,” create a powerful visual representation intertwined with cultural identity.
2. Symbolism: The black woman symbolizes not just beauty but also resilience and the essence of African identity. She represents both the nurturing aspects of femininity and the strength required to overcome the struggles imposed by colonialism.
3. Tone: The tone is both reverent and intimate, reflecting deep appreciation and admiration. The lyrical quality of the poem evokes tenderness, celebrating the subject with a sense of unity and diversity.
4. Personification: Senghor personifies elements of nature, suggesting that the beauty of the Black woman is inherently linked to the richness of the African landscape. This connection reinforces the idea that femininity and nature are inseparable.
5. Structure: The poem often employs a flowing, rhythmic structure that mirrors the themes of life and continuity. The use of enjambment enhances the sense of movement and fluidity, reflecting the dynamic nature of the subject.
Conclusion
In “Black Woman,” Léopold Sédar Senghor crafts a compelling celebration of beauty, identity, and resilience. Through evocative imagery and lyrical expression, he captures the essence of the African woman, intertwining her physical beauty with cultural and spiritual significance. The poem stands as a powerful testament to the rich heritage of Africa, inviting readers to reflect on the profound connections between femininity, culture, and identity.
For detailed analyses of other recommended texts on Poetry, visit https://selar.co/m/sojitoyo for a copy of Understanding Literature-in-English for Schools and Colleges.