Centre for distance learning

ENG 225: MODERN AFRICAN POETRY UNIT: 2

Published 2008©

All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced in any form, by mimeograph or any other means without prior permission in writing from the University of Maiduguri.

This text forms part of the learning package for the academic programme of the Centre for Distance Learning, University of Maiduguri.

Further enquiries should be directed to the:
Coordinator

Centre for Distance Learning

University of Maiduguri

P. M. B. 1069

Maiduguri, Nigeria.

This text is being published by the authority of the Senate, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri – Nigeria.

ISBN: 978-8133-
P R E F A C E

This study unit has been prepared for learners so that they can do most of the study on their own. The structure of the study unit is different from that of conventional textbook. The course writers have made efforts to make the study material rich enough but learners need to do some extra reading for further enrichment of the knowledge required.

Professor J. D. Amin

Vice-Chancellor

HOW TO STUDY THE UNIT

You are welcome to this study Unit. The unit is arranged to simplify your study. In each topic of the unit, we have introduction, objectives, in-text, summary and self-assessment exercise.
The study unit should be 6-8 hours to complete. Tutors will be available at designated contact centers for tutorial. The center expects you to plan your work well. Should you wish to read further you could supplement the study with more information from the list of references and suggested readings available in the study unit.

PRACTICE EXERCISES/TESTS

1. Self-Assessment Exercises (SAES)

This is provided at the end of each topic. The exercise can help you to assess whether or not you have actually studied and understood the topic. Solutions to the exercises are provided at the end of the study unit for you to assess yourself.
2. Tutor-Marked Assignment (TMA)

This is provided at the end of the study Unit. It is a form of examination type questions for you to answer and send to the center. You are expected to work on your own in responding to the assignments. The TMA forms part of your continuous assessment (C.A.) scores, which will be marked and returned to you. In addition, you will also write an end of Semester Examination, which will be added to your TMA scores.

INTRODUCTION TO THE COURSE

English 225 is a study of Themes and Techniques as is found in Modern African Poetry. Through a close study of selected poets and poems, the students will be introduced to the form and content in Modern African Poetry. A brief introduction into the critical analysis of the selected poems will also be considered.

ENG. 225: MODERN AFRICAN POETRY UNITS: 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGES

HOW TO STUDY THE UNIT - - - - - - iv

INTRODUCTION TO THE COURSE - - - - - 1
TOPIC 1: A BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO MODERN

AFRICAN POETRY - - - - - - 3

TOPIC 2: THEMES AND TECHNIQUES IN MODERN

AFRICAN POETRY - - - - - - 9

TOPIC 3: THEMATIC AND STYLISTIC ANALYSES OF SELECTED

POEMS OF LEOPOLD S. SENGHOR - - - 13

TOPIC 4: POETIC ANALYSES OF POEMS OF GABRIEL I. OKARA - 16

TOPIC 5: THEMES AND STYLES OF SELECTED POEMS OF

DENNIS BRUTUS - - - - - - 19

TOPIC 6: CONTENT AND FORM IN SELECTED POEMS OF

DAVID DIOP - - - - - - - 22

TOPIC 7: THEMES AND STYLES IN SELECTED POEMS OF

KWESI BREW - - - - - - - 25

TOPIC 8: THEMES AND TECHNIQUES IN SELECTED POEMS OF

DAVID RUBADIRI - - - - - 27

TOPIC 9: THEMES AND STYLES OF SELECTED POEMS OF

CHRISTOPHER OKIGBO - - - - - 30

TOPIC 10: THEMATIC AND STYLISTIC ANALYSES OF SELECTED

POEMS OF WOLE SOYINKA - - - - - 33

TOPIC 11: FORM AND CONTENT IN SELECTED POEMS OF

J. P. CLARK - - - - - - - 37

TOPIC 12: THEMES AND STYLES IN SELECTED POEMS OF

AGOSTHINO NETO - - - - - - 40

TOPIC13: THEME AND TECNIQUES IN SELECTED POEMS OF

OSWALD M. MTSHALI - - - - - 43
SOLUTION TO EXERCISES

TOPIC 1:
TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGES

1. 
   TOPIC: A BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO MODERN
   

1.1. INTRODUCTION - - - - - - - 4

1.2. OBJECTIVES - - - - - - - 4

1.3. IN-TEXT - - - - - - - - 4

1.3.1. AN INTRODUCTION TO MODERN AFRICAN POETRY- 4

1.4. SUMMARY - - - - - - - - 7

1.5. SELF-ASSESSMENT EXERCISE - - - - - 7

1.6. REFERENCE - - - - - - - 7

1.7. SUGGESTED READINGS - - - - - 8

1.0. TOPIC: A BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO MODERN AFRICAN POETRY
1.1. INTRODUCTION

Modern African poetry is the poetry written by educated Africans, often in European languages, as opposed to African oral poetry which are expressed in the indigenous languages. This lecture will consider the growth and development of Modern African poetry.

By the end of the topic you should be able to :

i. Trace briefly the development of modern African poetry.

ii. Enumerate some salient features of modern African poetry.

iii. Identify some modern African poets.
1.3 IN-TEXT

1.3.1 AN INTRODUCTION TO MODERN AFRICAN POETRY