Biafra, 1969 by Chinua Achebe: Poem and Analysis

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The Poem 

First time Biafra

Was here, we're told, it was a fine Figure massively hewn in hardwood.

Voracious white ants

Set upon it and ate Through its huge emplaced feet To the great heart abandoning A furrowed, emptied scarecrow.

And sun-stricken waves came and beat crazily About its feet eaten hollow Till crashing facedown in a million fragments It was floated gleefully away To cold shores-cartographers alone Marking the coastline

Of that forgotten massive stance.

In our time it came again

In pain and acrid smell

General Introduction

"Biafra, 1969" is a poignant poem by Chinua Achebe that reflects on the historical and symbolic significance of Biafra, a region in southeastern Nigeria that sought independence from Nigeria in 1967, leading to a brutal civil war. The poem uses vivid imagery and symbolism to convey the destruction and resilience of the Biafran people during this turbulent period.

Title

The title "Biafra, 1969" immediately sets the historical and geographical context of the poem, indicating that it is about the Biafran War (1967-1970), a significant event in Nigerian history.

Themes

1. Destruction and Loss:  

   The poem vividly describes the destruction of a figure representing Biafra, symbolizing the devastation and loss experienced by the Biafran people during the war.  

   "Voracious white ants / Set upon it and ate / Through its huge emplaced feet"

2. Resilience and Survival:  

   Despite the destruction, there is a sense of resilience as the figure is described as being "floated gleefully away" to "cold shores," suggesting that even in defeat, there is a determination to survive.  

   "It was floated gleefully away / To cold shores"

3. Memory and Remembrance:  

   The poem reflects on the act of remembering, as the figure is described as being "forgotten," highlighting the importance of preserving and honoring the memory of the Biafran War and its impact.  

   "Of that forgotten massive stance"

4. Impermanence and Change:  

   The imagery of the figure being destroyed and carried away by the waves symbolizes the impermanence of physical structures and the inevitability of change.  

   "Till crashing facedown in a million fragments"

5. Colonial Legacy:  

   The mention of "cartographers alone / Marking the coastline" alludes to the colonial legacy of Africa, suggesting that the boundaries and divisions created by colonial powers continue to affect African nations.  

   "cartographers alone / Marking the coastline"

Literary Devices

1. Imagery:  

   Achebe uses vivid imagery to depict the destruction of the figure, such as "voracious white ants" and "sun-stricken waves," creating a powerful visual impact.  

   "Voracious white ants / Set upon it and ate"  

   "And sun-stricken waves came and beat crazily"

2. Symbolism:  

   The figure represents Biafra and its struggle for independence, while the destruction symbolizes the challenges and obstacles faced by the Biafran people.  

   "It was floated gleefully away"

3. Personification:  

   The description of the waves as "sun-stricken" and "crashing facedown" gives human-like qualities to the natural elements, enhancing the imagery.  

   "Till crashing facedown"

4. Alliteration:  

   Achebe uses alliteration, such as in "sun-stricken waves," to create a rhythmic and musical quality to the poem.  

   "sun-stricken waves"

5. Metaphor:  

   The comparison of the figure to a "furrowed, emptied scarecrow" creates a vivid image of destruction and desolation.  

   "A furrowed, emptied scarecrow"

6. Irony:  

   There is irony in the description of the figure being "floated gleefully away," as it contrasts with the tragic and destructive tone of the poem, highlighting the absurdity of war.  

   "It was floated gleefully away"

Language and Mood

The language in the poem is evocative and emotive, creating a mood of sadness, resilience, and reflection. Words like "pain," "acrid smell," and "forgotten" evoke a sense of loss and tragedy, while phrases like "floated gleefully away" convey a mix of defiance and acceptance.

Context

The poem was written during the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970), also known as the Biafran War, which was a result of the attempt by the southeastern region of Nigeria to secede and form the independent state of Biafra. The war was characterized by widespread famine and humanitarian crisis, and it had a profound impact on the people of Nigeria and the African continent as a whole.

Conclusion

"Biafra, 1969" is a powerful poem that reflects on the destruction and resilience of the Biafran people during the Nigerian Civil War. Through vivid imagery, symbolism, and emotive language, Chinua Achebe conveys the themes of destruction, resilience, memory, impermanence, and colonial legacy, inviting readers to reflect on the impact of war and the importance of remembering and honoring the past.