The Poem
They too are the Earth
They too are the earth
the swansong of beggars sprawled out
in the brimming gutters
they are the earth
under snakeskin shoes and Mercedes tyres
they too are the earth
the sweat and grime of
millions hewing wood and hurling water
they are the earth
muddy every pore like the naked moles
They too are the earth
the distant groans of thousands buried alive
in hard, unfathomable mines
They are the earth
of gold dreams and blood banks
They too are the earth
The old dying distant deaths
in narrow abandoned hamlets
they are the earth
women battling centuries of
maleficent slavery
Are they of this earth?
who fritter the forest and harry the hills
Are they of this earth
who live that the earth may die
Are they?
Analysis
General Introduction
"They Too are the Earth" by Niyi Osundare is a poignant poem that explores the interconnectedness between humanity and the earth. Through vivid imagery and powerful metaphors, Osundare highlights the often overlooked aspects of society, such as beggars in gutters, laborers toiling away, and victims of exploitation in mines. The poem emphasizes that these marginalized individuals are just as much a part of the earth as anyone else, despite their suffering and neglect. Osundare questions the actions of those who exploit the earth for their own gain, suggesting that their disregard for the environment ultimately harms both the earth and humanity. In essence, the poem calls for a recognition of our shared humanity and responsibility towards the earth and its inhabitants.
The Title
The title "They Too are the Earth" suggests that the individuals depicted in the poem, despite their marginalized status and suffering, are integral parts of the earth just like anyone else. By using the phrase "they too," the title implies a contrast or juxtaposition with the more commonly recognized aspects of the earth, such as its natural beauty or abundant resources. This title serves to emphasize the interconnectedness of humanity with the earth, highlighting the idea that all individuals, regardless of their social status or circumstances, are fundamentally linked to the planet. It challenges the reader to reconsider their perception of who or what constitutes "the earth" and encourages a broader perspective that includes all members of the human community.
Themes
The poem "They Too are the Earth" by Niyi Osundare explores several central themes:
1. Human interconnectedness: The poem emphasizes the interconnectedness between humanity and the earth. It portrays marginalized individuals such as beggars, laborers, and victims of exploitation as integral parts of the earth, highlighting their shared humanity with the rest of society.
2. Social injustice: Osundare exposes the injustices faced by marginalized groups, including poverty, exploitation, and slavery. The poem sheds light on the struggles of these individuals and challenges societal norms and systems that perpetuate their suffering.
3. Environmental degradation: Through vivid imagery and metaphorical language, the poem critiques the destructive impact of human activities on the environment. It highlights the exploitation of natural resources and the disregard for the earth's well-being, urging readers to consider the consequences of their actions on the planet.
4. Responsibility and accountability: The poem calls into question the actions of those who exploit the earth and its inhabitants for personal gain. It prompts reflection on humanity's responsibility to care for the earth and its resources, as well as the ethical implications of our choices and behaviors.
5. Identity and belonging: By portraying marginalized individuals as essential components of the earth, the poem explores themes of identity and belonging. It challenges societal perceptions of worth and value, suggesting that all individuals, regardless of their social status, have a rightful place within the broader human community and ecosystem.
Literally Devices
"They Too are the Earth" by Niyi Osundare employs various literary devices to convey its themes and create powerful imagery. Here are some of the key literary devices used in the poem:
1. Metaphor: The poem uses metaphorical language to compare marginalized individuals to elements of the earth, such as describing them as "the earth under snakeskin shoes" and "muddy every pore like the naked moles." This metaphorical imagery emphasizes their intrinsic connection to the earth and highlights their shared humanity.
2. Repetition: The repetition of the phrase "They too are the earth" throughout the poem serves to reinforce the central theme of interconnectedness between humanity and the earth. It emphasizes the significance of marginalized individuals and their inclusion within the broader concept of the earth.
3. Imagery: The poem employs vivid imagery to evoke powerful visual and sensory experiences. Examples include "the swansong of beggars sprawled out in the brimming gutters" and "the distant groans of thousands buried alive in hard, unfathomable mines." These images effectively convey the harsh realities faced by marginalized groups and contribute to the emotional impact of the poem.
4. Alliteration: Alliteration, or the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words, is used in phrases like "sweat and grime" and "gold dreams and blood banks." This technique adds rhythm and musicality to the poem, enhancing its poetic quality and emphasizing key ideas.
5. Rhetorical questions: The poem contains several rhetorical questions, such as "Are they of this earth?" and "Are they?" These questions prompt the reader to reflect on the themes of identity, belonging, and responsibility raised in the poem, engaging them in deeper contemplation.
Overall, the skillful use of these literary devices contributes to the poem's effectiveness in conveying its message and eliciting an emotional response from the reader.
Language and Diction
In "They Too are the Earth," Niyi Osundare employs a rich language and carefully selected diction to convey the poem's themes and evoke powerful imagery. Here's how language and diction are utilized in the poem:
1. Evocative imagery: Osundare uses descriptive language to create vivid imagery that captures the reader's attention and elicits emotional responses. For example, phrases like "the swansong of beggars sprawled out in the brimming gutters" and "the sweat and grime of millions hewing wood and hurling water" paint vivid pictures in the reader's mind, immersing them in the scenes depicted in the poem.
2. Symbolism: The poet employs symbolic language to imbue certain elements of the poem with deeper meaning. For instance, the repeated reference to marginalized individuals as "the earth" symbolizes their intrinsic connection to the planet and emphasizes their worth and significance.
3. Concise and impactful language: Osundare's language is often concise yet impactful, packing a lot of meaning into relatively few words. This allows the poem to convey its message effectively while maintaining a sense of urgency and intensity.
4. Metaphorical language: Metaphors are used throughout the poem to convey complex ideas in a more accessible and engaging manner. For example, describing marginalized individuals as "the earth under snakeskin shoes" and "muddy every pore like the naked moles" employs metaphorical language to emphasize their connection to the earth and highlight their shared humanity.
5. Emotive language: The poet uses emotive language to evoke strong emotional responses from the reader. Phrases like "gold dreams and blood banks" and "distant deaths in narrow abandoned hamlets" elicit feelings of sorrow, empathy, and outrage, drawing attention to the injustices faced by marginalized groups.
Overall, Osundare's careful selection of language and diction contributes to the poem's effectiveness in conveying its themes of interconnectedness, social injustice, and environmental degradation.
Tone and Mood
The tone and mood of "They Too are the Earth" by Niyi Osundare are somber, reflective, and contemplative.
Tone:
- The tone of the poem is empathetic and compassionate towards the marginalized individuals it portrays. Osundare's tone suggests a sense of solidarity with those who suffer injustice and exploitation.
- There is also a tone of indictment towards those who contribute to the degradation of the earth and the exploitation of its resources. The poet questions the actions of those who harm the environment and perpetuate social injustices.
Mood:
- The mood of the poem is solemn and reflective, evoking a sense of sadness and empathy for the plight of the marginalized. Through vivid imagery and emotive language, Osundare creates a mood that encourages readers to reflect on the harsh realities faced by marginalized individuals and the consequences of human actions on the earth.
- Despite the somber mood, there is also an underlying sense of hope and resilience, as the poem acknowledges the resilience of those who endure hardship and the potential for positive change.
Overall, the tone and mood of "They Too are the Earth" convey a powerful message about the interconnectedness of humanity and the earth, the injustices faced by marginalized groups, and the importance of environmental stewardship and social justice.
Context
"They Too are the Earth" by Niyi Osundare was written in the context of social and environmental activism, particularly in Nigeria where the poet is from. Here are some aspects of the context that influence the poem:
1. Social Injustice: Nigeria, like many countries, faces issues of poverty, inequality, and exploitation of marginalized communities. The poem reflects Osundare's concern for those who suffer from social injustices, such as beggars, laborers, and victims of exploitation in mines.
2. Environmental Degradation: Nigeria, like much of the world, grapples with environmental challenges, including deforestation, pollution, and degradation of natural resources. Osundare's poem highlights the destructive impact of human activities on the environment and the interconnectedness between humanity and the earth.
3. Activism: Osundare is known for his activism and advocacy for social justice and environmental sustainability. "They Too are the Earth" can be seen as a call to action, urging readers to recognize the humanity of marginalized individuals and the importance of protecting the environment.
4. Cultural and Historical Context: The poem is rooted in the cultural and historical context of Nigeria, drawing on the experiences of its people and the legacy of colonialism, exploitation, and resistance. It reflects broader themes of postcolonialism, globalization, and development in Africa and the Global South.
Overall, the context of social injustice, environmental degradation, activism, and cultural history informs the themes and message of "They Too are the Earth" and adds layers of meaning to the poem.
Course Study
Can you identify the major concern of the five-stanza poem above? If not, read it again! Observe the poet's interest in poverty and inequality. Did you notice how the poor, weak, and old are employed as subjects to effectively communicate alienation and inhumanity? Decipher the poet's indictment of the rich and powerful, as well as his subtle advocacy for an egalitarian society. The poet's concerns reveal his attitude towards class and gender inequality present in his society.
To engage with the poem properly, let's go back to Akporobaro's suggestion in the introduction segment of this unit, where he proposed a four-step process for thematic analysis of poems: thematization, validation, elaboration or analysis/discussion, and value judgment. Our analysis will be guided by these steps as a simple yet comprehensive guide to examining poetic texts.
The poem, 'They Too are the Earth,' is primarily preoccupied with inequality, alienation, and the undue abuse of the earth by human beings. Take note of the two-pronged concern of the poem. Godwin Doki (2009, p. 75) suggests that the poem has a "dual thematic preoccupation." The poet uses the poor, weak, neglected, and downtrodden as subjects, along with the earth itself. Both subjects are depicted as victims of abuse and neglect. Inequality and poverty are expressed early in the first stanza with the "swansong of beggars" spread out in the "brimming gutters" and trampled underneath the "Mercedes tyres" of the very rich, who don "snakeskin shoes." These lines vividly depict a socio-economic disparity between the desperately wretched and the very rich, invigorating both themes.
In the second and third stanzas, the undesirable fate of the poor is identified through their "sweat and grime." The image of miners "buried alive" in impenetrable mines encapsulates the consequences of poverty, emphasizing their isolation and death underneath the earth. Osundare's exploration of the concepts of inequality and poverty develops across the lines and stanzas of the poem, facilitating a deeper understanding of the concept of alienation.
The poet's concern with alienation is intensified by the image of "the old dying distant deaths in narrow abandoned hamlets" and women living, for centuries, under the heavy yoke of "maleficent slavery." These lines indict patriarchy as an instrument of alienation and marginalization, interrogating his patriarchal African society. The poet makes age and gender matters of discussion, activating the universal spirit of the poem. The central message is that the poor, weak, old, rejected, and abandoned, along with the privileged, are all citizens of our world. The oft-repeated line "they too are the earth" communicates and emphasizes the moral of the poem, which is also reflected in its title.
Once again, poverty implies deprivation, and alienation connotes abuse. The themes of deprivation and abuse are further conveyed in the frittered forest and harried hills of the last stanza. By subtly chastising those "who live that the earth may die," the poem draws the curtain closed, communicating the effect of the wanton despoliation of the earth by human activities. The idea of death connects the earth to the trapped miners of stanza three, whose blood was sacrificed so that their more privileged employers may live in the lap of luxury. It also creates an atmosphere of disaster and sadness, aligning with the themes. Note that the alienated and the earth, both subjects of the poem, share the same fate as victims of oppression. Thus, the themes and ideas develop naturally and complement one another. It is easy to perceive Osundare's concern with the earth, making him a nature poet, and revealing his Marxist orientation through his interest in class matters and the poor.
What is your view on 'They Too are the Earth'? The poem is delivered in simple, lucid language, allowing the poet to convey his ideas and meaning clearly. For instance, reread the third stanza. The endangered lives of the miners, and by extension, the poor, are clearly stated in "the distant groans of thousands buried alive in hard, unfathomable mines." You can almost hear the death groans and visualize their mangled bodies in your mind's eye. This might lead you to question the worth of an ordinary Nigerian man or woman's life. A good poem provokes questions and conclusions. Examine the poet's depiction of inhumanity in "the old dying distant deaths in narrow abandoned hamlets." Without explicitly stating it, he effectively communicates the negative outcomes of late 20th-century mass urbanization in Nigeria and other African countries. This is a powerful poem!
Note that the subject matter of a poem usually contains its central theme, representing an abstract idea of life. The value of the entire poem is communicated through the main theme. Do you now understand why identifying the central theme of a poem is an essential aspect of analysis? You are expected to communicate the identified main theme of a poem in a clear statement that encapsulates its total meaning and your interpretation.
Conclusion
"They Too are the Earth" by Niyi Osundare is a powerful poem that resonates with themes of social injustice, environmental degradation, and interconnectedness. Through vivid imagery, evocative language, and empathetic tone, Osundare sheds light on the plight of marginalized individuals while also critiquing the exploitation of the earth's resources. The poem serves as a call to action, urging readers to recognize the humanity of all individuals and to take responsibility for protecting both human rights and the environment. In the context of Nigeria's social and environmental challenges, as well as Osundare's activism, "They Too are the Earth" stands as a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness of humanity and the earth, and the urgent need for social and environmental justice.
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