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General Introduction
Jared Angira, a notable Kenyan poet, is known for his poignant exploration of socio-economic and political issues in post-colonial Africa. In his poem "Hunger," Angira delves into the devastating effects of famine and poverty, offering a stark portrayal of the despair and death that accompany these hardships. The poem vividly depicts the cyclical nature of hunger and its profound impact on individuals and communities, suggesting a grim reality where hope and renewal are constantly thwarted by inevitable mortality.
Hunger - Jared Angira
The maize will grow
once when
long rains have come
and army worms
have gone
rations
will sink
with hunger
and the coiled intestines
will straighten
But
that day
shall find may
in the invalid home
with collarʼd fathers
at bedside mass
and others
in graves
with maggots
on palatable meal
and for the grave majesties
the maize cob
shall be
for a rusty funeral feast.
Title
The title "Hunger" is straightforward yet powerful. It encapsulates the central theme of the poem, highlighting the physical and existential struggle against starvation. The simplicity of the title belies the complexity of the poem's exploration of hunger not just as a physical sensation but as a symbol of broader socio-economic and existential crises.
Stanza by Stanza Analysis
First Stanza:
```
The maize will grow
once when
long rains have come
and army worms
have gone
rations
will sink
with hunger
and the coiled intestines
will straighten
```
- Lines 1-4: These lines set up a conditional future where the maize, a staple crop, will grow only if the "long rains" arrive and the "army worms" (pests that destroy crops) are eradicated. This conditionality highlights the uncertainty and dependency on environmental factors for survival.
- Lines 5-8: The poem transitions from the hopeful prospect of maize growing to the harsh reality of current hunger. "Rations will sink with hunger" suggests that the limited food supplies will quickly be depleted. The phrase "coiled intestines will straighten" vividly portrays the physical pain of hunger, where the empty stomach contracts and twists.
Second Stanza:
```
But
that day
shall find many
in the invalid home
with collarʼd fathers
at bedside mass
and others
in graves
with maggots
on palatable meal
```
- Lines 9-10: The use of "But" indicates a stark contrast between the potential future and the current grim reality. It serves as a pivot from conditional hope to inevitable despair.
- Lines 11-13: The "invalid home" and "collar'd fathers at bedside mass" suggest a scene of sickness and death. The "collar'd fathers" could symbolize priests, hinting at a deathbed ritual or the clergy's presence in times of suffering.
- Lines 14-15: This imagery of people already in their graves, where "maggots on palatable meal" represents the grotesque continuation of life even in death, starkly contrasts with the earlier hope of maize growing. It underscores the futility of the expected harvest for those who have already succumbed to hunger.
Third Stanza:
```
and for the grave majesties
the maize cob
shall be
for a rusty funeral feast.
```
- Lines 16-19: These lines conclude the poem with a bitter irony. The "grave majesties" are the dead, for whom the anticipated maize cobs will be nothing more than part of a "rusty funeral feast." This phrase suggests a decayed, uncelebrated death, where the abundance that was once hoped for serves only the dead, emphasizing the cyclical and relentless nature of hunger and death.
Themes
1. Hunger and Famine: The most immediate theme is the physical and societal impact of hunger. The poem captures the agony and relentless cycle of starvation, juxtaposing potential relief with the grim realities of those who may never see it.
2. Death and Despair: Angira portrays death as an inescapable consequence of prolonged hunger. The imagery of people in graves and the reference to maggots feeding on the dead starkly underscore the theme of mortality.
3. Hope and Futility: The conditional growth of maize symbolizes hope that is ultimately thwarted by the realities of sickness and death. This theme reflects the futility of waiting for salvation in a world where death and decay are ever-present.
4. Environmental and Economic Dependency: The reliance on "long rains" and the impact of "army worms" illustrate the precariousness of subsistence agriculture and how environmental factors critically affect survival.
5. Irony and Bitter Realization: The poem's final lines encapsulate a bitter irony where the anticipated abundance arrives too late for those who have already perished. This irony underscores the tragic disconnect between hope and reality.
Structure and Form
The poem is composed in free verse, reflecting the natural flow of the narrative without the constraints of rhyme or meter. The lack of a rigid structure mirrors the chaotic and unpredictable nature of hunger and famine. The stanza breaks and enjambment contribute to a sense of continuity and inevitability, as the poem shifts from hope to despair and finally to a resigned acceptance of death.
Literary Devices
1. Imagery: Angira uses vivid and often stark imagery to convey the physical and emotional realities of hunger. Phrases like "coiled intestines" and "maggots on palatable meal" evoke strong visual and sensory responses.
2. Contrast: The poem relies heavily on contrast, such as the potential growth of maize versus the reality of death, to highlight the futility of hope in the face of relentless hunger.
3. Irony: The final lines of the poem are steeped in irony, where the expected harvest comes too late for those who have died, rendering the maize useless to them.
4. Symbolism: Maize serves as a symbol of sustenance and hope, while the graves and maggots represent death and decay, creating a powerful juxtaposition of life and death.
5. Metaphor: The "coiled intestines" metaphorically describe the physical contortions caused by hunger, while "grave majesties" personify the dead with a sense of tragic dignity.
6. Personification: The reference to the "grave majesties" gives a regal yet morbid quality to the deceased, emphasizing their silent presence in the face of ongoing hunger.
Language and Diction
Angira’s diction is direct and unembellished, reflecting the harsh realities of the subject matter. The use of plain, everyday language emphasizes the universality of the struggle against hunger. The juxtaposition of hope and grim reality through simple, yet evocative words enhances the poem's emotional impact.
Mood and Tone
The overall tone of the poem is somber and resigned, marked by a stark realism that confronts the reader with the brutal truth of hunger and death. The mood is one of despair and inevitability, with a faint undercurrent of bitter irony as the poem closes on the note of a "rusty funeral feast."
Context
Jared Angira’s poetry often explores the socio-economic challenges faced by post-colonial African societies. "Hunger" reflects the broader context of food insecurity and its devastating effects on communities, particularly in regions dependent on subsistence agriculture. The poem can be seen as a commentary on the cyclical nature of poverty and the often elusive promise of relief in such settings.
Conclusion
"Hunger" by Jared Angira is a powerful and evocative poem that captures the relentless and tragic cycle of famine. Through vivid imagery, stark contrasts, and poignant irony, Angira portrays the devastating impact of hunger on individuals and communities. The poem serves as a somber reflection on the fragility of hope in the face of unyielding hardship and the inevitability of death, offering a profound commentary on the socio-economic realities of post-colonial Africa.
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