Poem and Analysis of Agostinho Neto by Chinua Achebe

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The Poem 

Neto, were you no more

Than the middle one favored by fortune In children's riddle; Kwame Striding ahead to accost Demons; behind you a laggard third As yet unnamed, of twisted fingers?

No! Your secure strides

Were hard earned. Your feet Learned their fierce balance In violent slopes of humiliation; Your delicate hands, patiently Groomed for finest incisions, Were

commandeered brusquely to kill, Your melodious voice to battle cry.

Perhaps your family and friends knew a merry flash cracking the gloom We see in

pictures but I prefer And will keep the darker legend.

For I have seen how

Half a millennium of alien rape And murder can stamp a smile On the vacant face of the

fool. The sinister grin of Africa's idiot-kings Who oversee in obscene palaces of gold The

butchery of their own people.

Neto, I sing your passing. 1. Timid requisitioner of your vast Armory's most congenial

supply. What shall I sing? A dirge answering The gloom? No, I will sing tearful songs of joy; I will celebrate The Man who rode a trinity of awesome fates to the cause of our trampled race!

Thou Healer, Soldier, and Poet!

General Introduction

"Agostinho Neto" by Chinua Achebe is a tribute poem to Agostinho Neto, the first president of Angola and a significant figure in African liberation movements. Achebe praises Neto's resilience, leadership, and dedication to the cause of his people.

Title

The title "Agostinho Neto" directly references the poem's subject, honoring his name and legacy.

Themes

1. Leadership and Sacrifice:  

   Achebe highlights Neto's leadership qualities and the sacrifices he made for his people.  

   "Your secure strides / Were hard earned. Your feet / Learned their fierce balance / In violent slopes of humiliation."

2. Colonial Oppression:  

   The poem touches on the impact of colonial oppression on Africa and its people.  

   "Half a millennium of alien rape / And murder can stamp a smile / On the vacant face of the / fool."

3. Resilience and Strength:  

   Neto is portrayed as a symbol of resilience and strength in the face of adversity.  

   "I will celebrate / The Man who rode a trinity of awesome fates to the cause of our trampled race!"

4. Identity and Cultural Pride:  

   Achebe praises Neto's commitment to his cultural identity and pride.  

   "The sinister grin of Africa's idiot-kings / Who oversee in obscene palaces of gold / The butchery of their own people."

5. Legacy and Inspiration:  

   Neto's legacy serves as an inspiration for future generations.  

   "I will sing tearful songs of joy; / I will celebrate / The Man who rode a trinity of awesome fates to the cause of our trampled race!"

Literary Devices

1. Metaphor:  

   "Your feet / Learned their fierce balance / In violent slopes of humiliation."  

   Here, the metaphor of learning balance on violent slopes symbolizes Neto's ability to maintain stability and leadership in challenging circumstances.

2. Imagery:  

   "Half a millennium of alien rape / And murder can stamp a smile / On the vacant face of the / fool."  

   This vivid imagery conveys the impact of colonialism on Africa, portraying the colonial rulers as oppressors.

3. Alliteration:  

   "Thy secure strides / Were hard earned."  

   The repetition of the "s" sound in "secure strides" and "hard earned" creates a rhythmic effect, emphasizing Neto's perseverance.

4. Symbolism:  

   "The Man who rode a trinity of awesome fates to the cause of our trampled race!"  

   The "trinity of awesome fates" symbolizes Neto's roles as a healer, soldier, and poet, representing his multifaceted contributions to his people.

5. Personification:  

   "The sinister grin of Africa's idiot-kings / Who oversee in obscene palaces of gold / The butchery of their own people."  

   The personification of "sinister grin" and "obscene palaces" humanizes the oppressive rulers, highlighting their cruelty.

6. Repetition:  

   "I will sing tearful songs of joy; / I will celebrate"  

   The repetition of "I will" emphasizes the speaker's determination to honor Neto's memory and achievements.

Language and Mood

The language is reverential and emotive, praising Neto's accomplishments and character. The mood is one of admiration and respect, with a sense of urgency to recognize and celebrate Neto's legacy.

Context

Chinua Achebe wrote this poem as a tribute to Agostinho Neto, who played a crucial role in Angola's independence from Portuguese colonial rule. Achebe's admiration for Neto's leadership and dedication is evident throughout the poem.

Conclusion

"Agostinho Neto" by Chinua Achebe is a powerful tribute to a leader who fought against colonial oppression and dedicated his life to the liberation of his people. Through vivid imagery, metaphors, and strong language, Achebe portrays Neto as a symbol of resilience, strength, and cultural pride. The poem celebrates Neto's legacy and serves as an inspiration for future generations to continue the fight for freedom and justice.