Analysis of A View Of a view by Funso Aiyejina

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General Introduction

"A View Of a view" by Funso Aiyejina is a contemplative poem that contrasts the lives of different classes in Lagos, Nigeria. The poem explores themes of disparity, patience, and the interconnection between different societal roles. Through vivid imagery and thoughtful observations, Aiyejina presents a layered perspective on the interactions and invisible boundaries between the privileged and the working class.

 Title

The title "A View Of a view" suggests a layered perspective. It implies that what is being observed is not just a simple scene but a view through another view, highlighting the multiple layers of perception and interpretation involved in understanding the complexities of life and society.

 Themes

1. Class Disparity:

   - The poem juxtaposes the luxurious life of the hotel guests with the humble existence of the fisherman. Lines like "for the hotel’s resident five-star guests" highlight the stark contrast between the wealthy and the working class.

   

2. Patience and Resilience:

   - The fisherman is depicted as "patient and stoic, like death," suggesting a quiet strength and endurance as he waits for the "appropriate tide." This theme emphasizes the perseverance required in the face of life's challenges.

   

3. Nature and Human Connection:

   - The poem describes the dawn as "a silver canvas on the Atlantic," reflecting the serene and majestic beauty of nature. This connection between the natural world and human activity underscores the interdependence of different aspects of life.

   

4. Observation and Interpretation:

   - The narrator's perspective from the "babylonic heights of a Lagos high rise hotel" signifies a detached observation of life below. This theme explores how distance and vantage points affect one's understanding of reality.

   

5. Privilege and Ignorance:

   - The "chameleons with wardrobes for all occasions" represent the hotel guests who lead privileged lives, often oblivious to the struggles of those who serve them. This theme critiques the ignorance and superficiality of the elite.

 Literary Devices

1. Imagery:

   - The poem is rich in visual imagery, such as "a silver canvas on the Atlantic" and "my eyes threaded the horizon." These images create vivid scenes that enhance the reader's experience.

2. Metaphor:

   - The description of the fisherman as "patient and stoic, like death" uses metaphor to convey his calm and unyielding nature, comparing his patience to the inevitability of death.

3. Alliteration:

   - The phrase "silent and erect in his dug-out" employs alliteration with the repetition of the 's' sound, adding a rhythmic quality to the line.

4. Contrast:

   - The poem contrasts the opulence of the hotel with the simplicity of the fisherman’s life, using lines like "hotel’s resident five-star guests" versus "a fisherman in the distance."

5. Symbolism:

   - The "appropriate tide" symbolizes the right moment or opportunity, a concept that transcends the literal and speaks to the idea of timing and destiny in life.

6. Personification:

   - Dawn is personified as "a silver canvas," attributing human qualities to a natural phenomenon, which enhances the poetic description of the scene.

 Language and Mood

The language of the poem is descriptive and contemplative, with a formal tone that reflects the seriousness of the themes. The mood shifts from serene and reflective when describing the dawn and the fisherman to critical and somewhat cynical when addressing the hotel guests and their privileged lives.

 Context

Funso Aiyejina is a Nigerian poet, playwright, and academic known for his keen observations of society and his ability to capture the complexities of human life. This poem, set against the backdrop of Lagos, Nigeria, reflects Aiyejina's awareness of the social and economic disparities in his country. It provides insight into the daily lives of different societal classes and the often unseen connections between them.

 Conclusion

"A View Of a view" by Funso Aiyejina is a profound meditation on the intersections of class, patience, and observation. Through rich imagery and thoughtful contrasts, Aiyejina captures the essence of human resilience and the often unacknowledged labor that sustains the luxury of the privileged. The poem invites readers to reflect on their own perspectives and the broader societal structures that shape their views.