Juliana by Ama Ata Aidoo: Poem and Analysis

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 Juliana

(The Translation)

BY AMA ATA AIDOO

Come near, come round,

My dear sisters

My dear brothers.

Come take a peek, and

Have a glance

Someone is claiming to be dead

And she looks like Juliana!

 

Here we are, straw on straw,

clutching at each one in the dark,

wondering if it’s true, and if it’s a fact

which is the ugliest in this news.

If what has been is what now is,

Then darkness is here and may never leave.

 

The pot is broken for the clan

The house is shaken, its fires long dead.

Hear the screaming tornado,

The boastful roaring hurricane:

at the workplace

in the market,

here by the hearth at home.

 

Esi Boah Bediako Dwemoh

Our beautiful singular Juliana

It’s true we shall all die one day,

Did you have to leave this soon?

                        

Dear All-consuming Mother Earth,

Voracious, indiscriminate,

Carnivorous cannibal,

 

We wish this meat you would spit out,

Offer us back our Juliana:

Beautiful

Winsome

Joyous.

 

Kind and thoughtful Mrs. Dwemoh

Please listen, and listen good:

 

If you dreamt

You could skip town

Sneak out of our lives

And disappear,

Happy you’d finished

Your allotted tasks,

Then Mighty Mama, think again.

For us your task if not yet done.

 

Trainer of trainers

The teachers’ teacher

We know why

This noon in the tropics

Schoolrooms are silent

The children abandoned.

 

The wisest counselor

Accomplished crafter

Sower of hope and joy and peace

You cloaked us in love and habiliments.

 

Good Mother Juliana

Are you sure you want to leave?

 

Come near, come round,

My dear sisters

 

My dear brothers.

Come take a peek, and

Have a glance

Someone is claiming to be dead

And she looks like Juliana!

 General Introduction

"Juliana" by Ama Ata Aidoo is a poignant elegy mourning the loss of a beloved figure, Juliana. Through evocative imagery and heartfelt expressions, the poem delves into the profound impact of her death on her community. Aidoo uses a communal voice, reflecting the collective grief and the deep admiration held for Juliana, capturing both personal and shared sorrow. The poem is rich with cultural references and vivid language, portraying the irreplaceable void left by her absence.

 Title

The title "Juliana" directly addresses the subject of the poem, emphasizing the personal nature of the elegy. By naming the poem after the deceased, Aidoo personalizes the grief and highlights the significance of Juliana to those who knew her. The name also evokes an immediate emotional connection, inviting readers to share in the mourning and celebration of her life.

 Themes

1. Grief and Loss

   The overwhelming sorrow of Juliana’s death permeates the poem. The speaker reflects, “Someone is claiming to be dead / And she looks like Juliana!” which captures the disbelief and pain of losing a loved one.

2. Community and Kinship

   The communal aspect of mourning is central to the poem. The repeated call to “Come near, come round, / My dear sisters / My dear brothers” emphasizes the collective nature of the grief, showing how Juliana’s death affects the entire community.

3. The Inevitability of Death

   The poem acknowledges the universal truth that everyone must die. “It’s true we shall all die one day, / Did you have to leave this soon?” reflects on the inevitable nature of death, yet questions its untimely arrival for Juliana.

4. Legacy and Impact

   Juliana’s contributions to her community are celebrated throughout the poem. Described as the “Trainer of trainers / The teachers’ teacher,” her role in shaping and nurturing others is highlighted, underscoring the lasting impact she had on those around her.

5. Nature’s Indifference

   The poem personifies the Earth as an “All-consuming Mother Earth, / Voracious, indiscriminate, / Carnivorous cannibal,” suggesting a harsh and indifferent force that takes life without discrimination, adding a layer of bitterness to the grief.

 Literary Devices

1. Repetition

   The poem uses repetition for emphasis and to convey the communal grief. The lines “Come near, come round, / My dear sisters / My dear brothers” are repeated at both the beginning and end, framing the poem with a sense of collective mourning.

2. Personification

   The Earth is personified as a “Voracious, indiscriminate, / Carnivorous cannibal,” which adds a dramatic intensity to the depiction of death and underscores the natural yet brutal process of life and death.

3. Imagery

   Vivid imagery is used to paint a picture of loss and its impact. The “screaming tornado” and “boastful roaring hurricane” symbolize the chaotic and destructive nature of grief, while the “broken pot” and “dead fires” represent the disruption and desolation caused by Juliana’s death.

4. Metaphor

   The metaphor of “clutching at each one in the dark” captures the uncertainty and desperation of those left behind, searching for meaning and solace in their loss.

5. Alliteration

   The poem employs alliteration to create a rhythmic and emphatic effect. Phrases like “Trainer of trainers / The teachers’ teacher” use repetition of the initial consonant sound to emphasize Juliana’s role and legacy.

6. Rhetorical Questions

   The poem uses rhetorical questions to express the community’s anguish and disbelief. “Did you have to leave this soon?” and “Are you sure you want to leave?” reflect the deep sense of loss and the struggle to accept Juliana’s death.

 Language and Mood

The language of the poem is evocative and emotive, filled with rich imagery and heartfelt expressions. The mood oscillates between sorrowful mourning and a reverent celebration of Juliana’s life. The communal tone and inclusive language invite readers into the shared experience of grief, making the loss feel both personal and collective.

 Context

Ama Ata Aidoo is a Ghanaian writer known for her works that explore themes of African identity, culture, and the roles of women in society. "Juliana" reflects Aidoo’s deep understanding of communal relationships and the profound impact individuals can have on their communities. The poem’s cultural references and depiction of communal mourning align with traditional African practices of honoring the dead, emphasizing the interconnectedness of individuals within their communities.

 Conclusion

"Juliana" is a powerful elegy that captures the profound sense of loss experienced by a community following the death of a beloved member. Through evocative language, vivid imagery, and a communal voice, Ama Ata Aidoo portrays the irreplaceable void left by Juliana’s absence while celebrating her lasting legacy and impact. The poem is a testament to the strength of communal bonds and the enduring influence of those who dedicate their lives to nurturing and uplifting others.