The Complete Analysis of the poem On Edge of Time Future by Ben Okri.

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 Title of the poem

The poem "On Edge of Time Future" by Ben Okri reflects on a tumultuous history marked by political turmoil, violence, and societal decay. The title suggests a focus on the uncertain and precarious nature of the future. The poet recalls a history filled with soldiers, politicians, and the consequences of their decisions. The reference to "edge of time future" implies a critical juncture where the poet stands, observing the unfolding events with a mix of memory and anticipation. The poem delves into themes of power, corruption, war, and the resilience of individuals amid the chaos, emphasizing the role of history in shaping the present and influencing what lies ahead.

Themes of the poem

The poem "On Edge of Time Future" by Ben Okri explores several themes:

1. **Historical Reflection:** The poet reminisces about a troubled history marked by political struggles, executions, and societal unrest. The repetition of "I remember the history well" underscores the significance of the past in shaping the present and future.

2. **Political Turmoil:** The poem depicts a landscape marred by political instability, where soldiers, politicians, and secret policemen make decisions that impact the nation. The mention of rigged elections, power-dreams, and armed robberies reflects a society grappling with corruption and abuse of power.

3. **Societal Decay:** Images of rubbish mounds, burning towers, and victims on hungry roads convey a sense of societal decay. The poet describes a nation stitched from the "grabbing of future flesh," suggesting a society shaped by its own destructive tendencies.

4. **Resilience and Hope:** Amidst the chaos, there is a thread of resilience and hope. The poet speaks of emerging from rubbish mounds, discovering a view of the sky, and dreaming about a chance for a better future. Despite the challenges, there is a determination to frame time with resolve and spin something meaningful from the chaos.

5. **Temporal Ambiguity:** The title and repeated references to being "on the edge of time future" suggest a temporal ambiguity, emphasizing a critical moment where the past, present, and future converge. This underscores the uncertainty and significance of the times in which the poet finds themselves.

6. **Symbolism of Nature:** Nature is used symbolically, with references to burning towers, fevered winds, and a volcano's laughter. These elements evoke a sense of destruction, change, and uncontrollable forces shaping the course of history.

7. **Cycles of Power:** The poem touches on the cyclic nature of power dynamics, where the strong prey on the weak ("Fat fish eat little fish") and executions become orchestrated by those in positions of authority.

Overall, the themes in the poem weave together a complex tapestry of societal upheaval, reflection on history, and the potential for resilience and transformation in the face of adversity.

Tone and Mood of the poem

**Tone:**

The tone of the poem "On Edge of Time Future" by Ben Okri is a mix of somber reflection, resilience, and a hint of defiance. The poet recalls a troubled history with a sense of sober remembrance, emphasizing the weight of political turmoil, executions, and societal decay. There is a contemplative and introspective tone as the speaker reflects on the events that have shaped the present.

Despite the darker elements, there is also an underlying tone of resilience and determination. The poet speaks of emerging from rubbish mounds, discovering a view of the sky, and dreaming about a chance for a better future. This injects a note of hope and strength into the overall tone.

**Mood:**

The mood of the poem is complex and multifaceted. It begins with a mood of retrospection and melancholy as the speaker remembers a history filled with conflict and chaos. The imagery of burning towers, executions, and societal decay contributes to a mood of unease and disquiet.

However, as the poem progresses, there is a shift towards a mood of resilience and hope. The discovery of a view of the sky, the dreams of a chance for change, and the determination to frame time with resolve introduce a more positive and forward-looking mood. Despite the challenges depicted, there is a sense that the speaker is ready to confront the future with courage and tenacity.

Overall, the mood fluctuates between the weight of historical reflection and the glimmer of hope for a better future, creating a nuanced emotional landscape within the poem.

Imagery of the poem

The poem "On Edge of Time Future" by Ben Okri is rich in vivid imagery that conveys the complexities of the historical and societal landscape it explores:

1. **Briefcases and Guns:** The imagery of soldiers and politicians emerging with "briefcases and guns" suggests a fusion of political power and military force, highlighting the intertwining of politics and conflict.

2. **Celebrations on City Nights:** The mention of celebrations on city nights creates an image of a society in flux, where amidst political actions, there are moments of revelry that add a layer of paradox to the narrative.

3. **Scouring the Mess:** The repetition of "they scoured the mess" creates a visual image of individuals scrutinizing a chaotic and troubled history, attempting to make sense of the turmoil that has unfolded.

4. **Rubbish Mounds:** The image of emerging from rubbish mounds symbolizes a society rising from its own decay and challenges, suggesting a renewal or rebirth amidst the debris of the past.

5. **View of the Sky:** Discovering a view of the sky adds a sense of liberation and hope. It's an image of breaking through constraints and gaining a new perspective despite the tumultuous history.

6. **City in Flames:** The view of the city in flames is a powerful and ominous image that symbolizes destruction and chaos, reinforcing the idea of societal decay and upheaval.

7. **Salt Streaming Down Brows:** This tactile imagery evokes the physical and emotional toll on individuals, suggesting sweat and tears shed in the face of challenges.

8. **Monolithic Accidents on Hungry Roads:** This metaphorical imagery implies colossal and disastrous events occurring on desolate and impoverished paths, emphasizing the harsh realities faced by the population.

9. **Nation as a Map:** Describing the nation as a map stitched from the grabbing of future flesh creates a visual metaphor for the manipulation and exploitation of the country's potential.

10. **Edge of Time Future with Burning Towers:** The image of being on the edge of time future with bright fumes from burning towers is both ominous and symbolic, representing the precariousness of the present moment and the potential for transformation.

11. **Volcano’s Laughter:** The anticipation of the volcano’s laughter in the fevered winds is a striking and ominous image, suggesting a powerful force that is both destructive and unpredictable.

12. **Weaving Words on Red and Singing on the Edge of Blue:** These visual and auditory images evoke a sense of creativity and resilience, suggesting that despite the challenges, there is an artistic and hopeful response to the world.

The poem's imagery is vivid and multifaceted, painting a complex picture of a society grappling with its history and navigating an uncertain future.

Symbolism of the poem

The poem "On Edge of Time Future" by Ben Okri employs symbolism to convey deeper meanings and evoke a rich tapestry of emotions. Here are some key symbols:

1. **Briefcases and Guns:** Symbolize the fusion of political and military power, highlighting the use of force in shaping the nation's destiny.

2. **Rubbish Mounds:** Symbolize the challenges, decay, and hardships faced by society. Emerging from these mounds suggests resilience and the potential for renewal.

3. **View of the Sky:** Symbolizes a new perspective, freedom, and hope. Discovering this view amidst the chaos suggests a potential for positive change.

4. **Burning Towers:** Symbolize both destruction and transformation. The bright fumes from burning towers represent the precariousness of the present and the potential for rebirth.

5. **Volcano’s Laughter:** Symbolizes a powerful, unpredictable force. The anticipation of the volcano's laughter in the fevered winds suggests uncontrollable elements in the nation's history.

6. **Weaving Words on Red and Singing on the Edge of Blue:** Symbolize the creative and resilient response to adversity. Weaving words and singing represent the power of expression and the human spirit's ability to find beauty in challenging circumstances.

7. **Tiger’s Snarl:** Bought in currencies of silence, symbolizes suppressed voices and the cost of political intimidation.

8. **Eggs Growing Large:** Represents the incubation of something significant or ominous, suggesting the birth of a new and formidable force.

9. **Monstrous Face:** Hatched from large eggs, symbolizes a formidable and perhaps threatening entity emerging from hidden origins.

10. **Dew as Seal and Fire as Constant:** Symbolize purity and permanence, respectively. They may represent the enduring qualities that the speaker hopes to find in the nation's future.

11. **Trail through Time Past:** Represents the historical journey that has led to the present, emphasizing the interconnectedness of past, present, and future.

12. **Silk from Rubbish:** Symbolizes the potential for beauty and value to emerge from difficult or challenging circumstances.

13. **Map Stitched from the Grabbing of Future Flesh:** Symbolizes the manipulation and exploitation of the nation's potential and resources for the benefit of those in power.

These symbols collectively contribute to the poem's nuanced exploration of history, resilience, and the potential for positive change amid challenging circumstances.

Metaphors and similes

The poem "On Edge of Time Future" by Ben Okri incorporates various metaphors and similes to convey its complex themes and emotions. Here are some examples:

**Metaphors:**

1. **"Soldiers and politicians emerged / With briefcases and guns":** The emergence of soldiers and politicians with briefcases and guns serves as a metaphor for the merging of political and military power, highlighting the authority and force they wield.

2. **"Scoured the mess / Resurrected old blueprints":** The act of scouring the mess and resurrecting old blueprints metaphorically represents a process of reviewing and revisiting historical events and strategies to navigate the present.

3. **"The nation was a map stitched / From the grabbing of future flesh":** This metaphorical image suggests the nation's formation through the exploitation and manipulation of its potential and resources by those in power.

4. **"Fat fish eat little fish / Big ones arrange executions":** This metaphorical expression illustrates the hierarchical and exploitative nature of power dynamics, where those in authority prey on the weaker elements of society.

5. **"A monstrous face is hatched":** The hatching of a monstrous face from eggs symbolizes the emergence of a formidable and perhaps threatening force from hidden origins.

6. **"Tiger’s snarl is bought / In currencies of silence":** The buying of a tiger's snarl in currencies of silence is a metaphor for the suppression of dissent and the cost of political intimidation.

7. **"We shall spin silk from rubbish":** This metaphor expresses the idea of creating something valuable and beautiful from challenging and adverse circumstances.

**Similes:**

1. **"Through the view of the city / In flames, we rewound times / Of executions at beaches":** The simile "we rewound times" compares the act of reflecting on history amidst a city in flames to rewinding a film, emphasizing the revisiting of past events.

2. **"Salt streamed down our brows":** This simile vividly describes the physical and emotional toll on individuals, comparing the flow of sweat to streaming salt.

3. **"Everywhere stagger victims of rigged elections / Monolithic accidents on hungry roads":** The simile "monolithic accidents" compares the significant and disastrous events on hungry roads to massive, solid structures, emphasizing their impact and scale.

4. **"The tiger’s snarl is bought / In currencies of silence":** The simile "in currencies of silence" compares the purchasing of the tiger's snarl to a transaction, highlighting the exchange involving silence and intimidation.

5. **"A trail through time past / To us":** The simile "a trail through time past" likens the journey through historical events to a marked path, emphasizing the continuity and connection between the past and the present.

These metaphors and similes contribute to the poem's vivid and evocative language, enhancing its imagery and conveying layers of meaning.

Language and diction

The language and diction in "On Edge of Time Future" by Ben Okri are carefully chosen to evoke a powerful and nuanced emotional response while conveying the complexities of the themes. Here are some aspects of the language and diction:

1. **Historical Tone:** The use of phrases like "I remember the history well" sets a tone of historical reflection, anchoring the poem in a recollection of the past.

2. **Symbolic Language:** The poet employs symbolic language throughout, using images such as "burning towers," "rubbish mounds," and "view of the sky" to convey deeper meanings related to societal upheaval, renewal, and hope.

3. **Political and Military Diction:** Terms like "soldiers," "politicians," "briefcases," and "guns" are specific and direct, emphasizing the intertwining of political and military elements in the narrative.

4. **Repetition:** The repetition of phrases like "They scoured the mess" creates a rhythmic pattern and emphasizes the significance of certain actions or events in the narrative.

5. **Metaphorical Language:** Metaphors like "nation was a map stitched / from the grabbing of future flesh" and "Fat fish eat little fish" contribute to the richness of the language, offering figurative descriptions that convey complex ideas.

6. **Descriptive Imagery:** The use of descriptive imagery, such as "salt streamed down our brows," "city in flames," and "volcano’s laughter," creates vivid mental images that enhance the reader's engagement with the poem.

7. **Colloquial Elements:** The poem incorporates colloquial elements, such as "I am a boy" and "scoured the mess," which add a personal and conversational touch to the narrative.

8. **Alliteration and Assonance:** Phrases like "briefcases and guns," "reviewed our history," and "stitches widen" employ alliteration and assonance, contributing to the poem's musicality and rhythm.

9. **Evocative Phrasing:** The use of phrases like "bright fumes from burning towers," "fevered winds," and "trail through time past" adds an evocative quality to the language, eliciting emotional responses from the reader.

10. **Contrast and Paradox:** The poet uses contrasting and paradoxical elements, such as "celebrations on city nights" juxtaposed with "executions at dawn," to create tension and highlight the complexities of the societal landscape.

Overall, Ben Okri's language and diction in this poem are integral to conveying the intricate themes of history, resilience, and the potential for transformation amid societal challenges.

Structure of the poem

The structure of "On Edge of Time Future" by Ben Okri contributes to the poem's thematic and emotional impact. Here are some aspects of its structure:

1. **Stanzas and Line Length:**

   - The poem is divided into distinct stanzas, each containing a set of lines. The stanzas vary in length, contributing to the poem's visual and rhythmic dynamics.

   - The varied line lengths create a sense of movement and flow, allowing the poem to unfold in a way that reflects the complexity of the themes.

2. **Repetition:**

   - The repetition of the phrase "I remember the history well" serves as a structural device, anchoring the reader in a reflective stance and emphasizing the importance of historical memory.

3. **Narrative Progression:**

   - The poem follows a narrative progression, recounting historical events and societal changes over time. This structured chronology helps convey the speaker's journey through history.

4. **Parallelism:**

   - The poem employs parallelism in phrases like "They scoured the mess / Resurrected old blueprints," creating a rhythmic pattern and emphasizing the dual actions taken by those in power.

5. **Symbolic Patterning:**

   - The poem's structure involves a weaving of symbolic patterns, such as the recurring imagery of burning towers, rubbish mounds, and the edge of time future. This repetition contributes to the poem's cohesion and thematic resonance.

6. **Shifts in Tone and Mood:**

   - There are noticeable shifts in tone and mood within the poem. It begins with a reflective and somber tone, transitions to descriptions of societal decay, and then shifts toward a tone of resilience and hope. These shifts are reflected in the structural organization of the stanzas.

7. **Enjambment:**

   - The use of enjambment (continuation of a sentence without a pause beyond the end of a line) creates a flowing and interconnected feel, linking ideas across lines and stanzas. This contributes to the sense of continuity and fluidity in the poem.

8. **Contrast and Juxtaposition:**

   - The structure includes contrasts and juxtapositions, such as celebrations on city nights versus executions at dawn. These structural choices highlight the paradoxes and complexities in the narrative.

9. **Culmination in Resolve:**

   - The poem builds toward a culmination with phrases like "We shall spin silk from rubbish / And frame time with our resolve." This structural choice emphasizes the resilience and determination that emerge from the challenges presented in the narrative.

Overall, the structure of the poem serves as a deliberate and effective framework for conveying the multifaceted themes, emotions, and imagery woven throughout the verses.

Sound and rhythm

The poem "On Edge of Time Future" by Ben Okri exhibits a deliberate use of sound and rhythm, contributing to the poem's overall musicality and emotional impact:

1. **Alliteration:**

   - Phrases like "briefcases and guns," "celebrations on city nights," and "trail through time past" feature alliteration, creating a rhythmic quality and enhancing the auditory experience of the poem.

2. **Assonance:**

   - Assonance is present in lines like "The soldiers and politicians emerged," where the repetition of the vowel sound in "soldiers" and "politicians" adds a melodic quality to the line.

3. **Consonance:**

   - Consonance, or the repetition of consonant sounds, can be found in phrases like "decided something" and "nothing can be avoided." This repetition contributes to the poem's musicality.

4. **Repetition:**

   - The repetition of certain phrases, such as "I remember the history well" and "They scoured the mess," serves not only a structural purpose but also contributes to a rhythmic pattern, creating a sense of cadence.

5. **Variation in Line Length:**

   - The poem features lines of varying lengths, contributing to a natural ebb and flow. Shorter lines may quicken the pace, while longer lines can slow it down, influencing the poem's rhythm.

6. **Enjambment:**

   - Enjambment, the continuation of sentences beyond the end of a line, enhances the flow of the poem. This technique creates a seamless transition from one line to the next, maintaining a sense of continuity.

7. **Parallel Structure:**

   - Parallelism in phrases like "Scoured the mess / Resurrected old blueprints" contributes to a rhythmic structure, emphasizing the dual actions taken by those in power.

8. **Internal Rhyme:**

   - Internal rhyme occurs in phrases like "celebrations on city nights," adding a subtle and pleasing rhyme within lines and contributing to the poem's auditory appeal.

9. **Shifts in Tone Reflected in Rhythm:**

   - As the poem shifts in tone from reflective to somber to hopeful, the rhythm follows suit. The pacing and cadence adapt to the evolving emotional landscape, creating a dynamic reading experience.

10. **Culmination in Resolved Phrasing:**

    - Towards the end of the poem, the rhythmic pattern builds towards resolved phrasing, such as "And frame time with our resolve." This contributes to a sense of closure and determination.

The deliberate use of sound devices and rhythm in "On Edge of Time Future" enhances the poem's expressiveness, engaging the reader both intellectually and emotionally.

Syntax

The syntax in "On Edge of Time Future" by Ben Okri is carefully crafted to convey the complex themes and emotions of the poem. Here are some aspects of the syntax:

1. **Varied Sentence Structure:**

   - The poem features a mix of sentence structures, including simple and complex sentences. This variation contributes to the overall rhythm and flow of the poem.

2. **Parallelism:**

   - Parallelism is employed in phrases like "They scoured the mess / Resurrected old blueprints," creating a balanced and rhythmic structure that emphasizes the parallel actions taken by those in power.

3. **Repetition:**

   - Repetition of certain phrases, such as "I remember the history well" and "They scoured the mess," emphasizes key points and contributes to the reflective nature of the poem.

4. **Ellipses:**

   - The use of ellipses in "And decided something / Had to be done" creates a pause and adds a sense of mystery, inviting readers to ponder the decision-making process.

5. **Enjambment:**

   - Enjambment is used throughout the poem, allowing ideas to flow seamlessly from one line to the next. This creates a sense of continuity and reflects the interconnectedness of the themes.

6. **Inversion:**

   - Inversion is employed for emphasis, as seen in "On the edge of time future," where the typical word order is altered to highlight the temporal significance of the phrase.

7. **Fragmentation:**

   - The poem includes fragmented phrases and clauses, such as "Everywhere stagger victims of rigged elections," adding a sense of immediacy and intensity to the descriptions.

8. **Descriptive Syntax:**

   - Descriptive syntax is used to vividly portray images and scenes, such as "Through the view of the city / In flames, we rewound times / Of executions at beaches." This syntax contributes to the rich imagery in the poem.

9. **List Structures:**

   - The poet uses list structures, as seen in "Monolithic accidents on hungry roads / The infinite web of ethnic politics / Power-dreams and fevered winds," to enumerate various societal challenges and complexities.

10. **Culmination in Resolution:**

    - The syntax builds towards a resolution in the concluding lines, creating a sense of completion and determination as the speaker expresses, "We shall spin silk from rubbish / And frame time with our resolve."

The syntax in "On Edge of Time Future" plays a crucial role in shaping the poem's tone, rhythm, and thematic depth, contributing to the overall effectiveness of the poet's expression.

Context

Ben Okri, born on March 15, 1959, is a Nigerian poet and novelist known for his rich and imaginative storytelling. "On Edge of Time Future" is a poem that reflects Okri's broader themes and concerns as a writer. While specific details about the poem's context might not be available, we can draw on Okri's general background and literary themes to provide some context:

1. **Political and Social Turmoil:**

   - Okri often explores the impact of political and social turmoil in his works. Nigeria, the country of his birth, has a history marked by political instability, military rule, and social challenges. This poem can be seen as a reflection on the turbulent history of the nation.

2. **Magical Realism:**

   - Okri is associated with the literary movement of magical realism, blending fantastical elements with realistic settings. This influence might be present in the poem, especially in lines like "We emerged from our rubbish mounds" and "A monstrous face is hatched," where surreal images convey deeper meanings.

3. **Historical Reflection:**

   - The poem engages in a reflection on history, emphasizing the significance of remembering and learning from the past. Okri often incorporates historical elements and cultural references in his works to explore the complexities of identity and societal evolution.

4. **Resilience and Hope:**

   - Themes of resilience and hope are recurrent in Okri's writing. Despite the challenges depicted in the poem, there is a sense of determination and a belief in the possibility of positive change. This aligns with Okri's broader exploration of the human spirit's capacity to overcome adversity.

5. **Nigerian Cultural Landscape:**

   - Okri's works are deeply rooted in Nigerian culture, mythology, and folklore. Elements of Nigerian history and cultural symbols may be embedded in the poem, providing a context that resonates with the author's broader body of work.

6. **Literary Style:**

   - Okri is known for his lush and evocative prose, and this poetic piece likely reflects his distinctive literary style. The careful use of language, symbolism, and imagery is a hallmark of Okri's writing.

7. **Personal Background:**

   - Okri's own experiences and observations of societal and political changes in Nigeria and beyond influence his writing. His personal background as a Nigerian writer contributes to the authenticity and depth of his exploration of these themes.

Understanding the broader context of Ben Okri's literary themes, his Nigerian heritage, and his focus on resilience and hope can provide a framework for interpreting "On Edge of Time Future." However, for a more specific understanding, additional information about the circumstances surrounding the creation of this particular poem would be needed.