Birth Right by Chris Abani

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General Introduction

"Birth Right" by Chris Abani is a reflective poem that delves into themes of identity, familial relationships, and the journey to self-discovery. Through vivid imagery and metaphorical language, the poet explores the complexities of defining oneself in relation to others and the world.

Birth Right by Chris Abani

Thin pages brittle with words and

two brothers, one elder. The biblical,

unavoidable here. And there is the rub.

To come to self, to skin, is to rip away another, separate,

tear. Train snaking track, snaking thoughts –

window as page, margin as frame, what is kept within,

what slips away. From beyond the willow’s lazy bow

into river, beyond the crane stabbing for minnows

in the shallows, beyond the reflected sunlight,

in a cathedral the tints of stained glass,

that addendum to light

that tempers it to grace.

Title

The title "Birth Right" suggests an exploration of one's inherent identity and the struggle to define oneself within the context of family and society.

Themes

1. Identity and Self-Discovery: 

   - "To come to self, to skin, is to rip away another, separate, tear."

   This line reflects the idea that discovering one's true self often requires shedding previous identities or expectations imposed by others.

2. Family and Relationships:

   - "two brothers, one elder. The biblical, unavoidable here."

   The mention of two brothers, possibly referencing the biblical story of Cain and Abel, highlights the complexities of sibling relationships and familial expectations.

3. Journey and Transformation:

   - "Train snaking track, snaking thoughts"

   This imagery suggests a journey of self-discovery that is akin to a train journey, with the tracks symbolizing the path one must follow to find oneself.

4. Nature and Spirituality:

   - "beyond the willow’s lazy bow into river, beyond the crane stabbing for minnows in the shallows"

   These lines evoke a sense of the natural world, possibly symbolizing the spiritual journey of seeking meaning and purpose beyond the material world.

5. Art and Perception:

   - "window as page, margin as frame, what is kept within, what slips away."

   This metaphorical imagery likens perception to a window, suggesting that what is seen and understood is limited by the frame of one's own experiences and beliefs.

Literary Devices

1. Metaphor: 

   - "window as page, margin as frame" - This metaphor compares a window to a page, suggesting that perception is like reading a story with boundaries.

2. Imagery:

   - "beyond the willow’s lazy bow into river" - This vivid imagery creates a sense of movement and change, possibly symbolizing the flow of life.

3. Alliteration: 

   - "Train snaking track, snaking thoughts" - The repetition of the "s" sound creates a sense of rhythm and movement, emphasizing the journey of self-discovery.

4. Symbolism:

   - "beyond the crane stabbing for minnows in the shallows" - The crane symbolizes a search for sustenance or meaning, suggesting a deeper quest for understanding.

5. Personification: 

   - "in a cathedral the tints of stained glass, that addendum to light that tempers it to grace" - The stained glass is personified as adding an extra quality to light, suggesting a transformative effect.

6. Anaphora: 

   - "beyond" - The repetition of "beyond" at the beginning of several lines emphasizes the idea of transcending boundaries or limitations.

Language and Mood

The language in "Birth Right" is rich in imagery and metaphor, creating a reflective and contemplative mood. The poet's use of vivid descriptions and symbolic language evokes a sense of introspection and searching for meaning.

Context

Chris Abani, known for his exploration of identity, cultural heritage, and human rights in his works, often uses vivid imagery and metaphorical language to convey complex themes. "Birth Right" likely reflects Abani's own experiences and observations, as well as his interest in the intersection of personal and societal identities.

Conclusion

"Birth Right" by Chris Abani is a profound exploration of identity, family, and the journey to self-discovery. Through vivid imagery and metaphorical language, the poet delves into the complexities of defining oneself in relation to others and the world, inviting readers to reflect on their own paths to self-realization.