Complete Analysis of African Communion by Tom Simpson

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General Introduction

- Poet and Poem: "African Communion" is written by Tom Simpson. While not widely known, Tom Simpson’s poetry often grapples with themes of colonization, cultural conflict, and identity. 

- Context: The poem appears to be situated in the context of European colonization in Africa, specifically focusing on the religious and cultural imposition by Christian missionaries. The style reflects a post-colonial critique, questioning the impacts of colonialism on African societies and spirituality.

 Title

- Analysis: The title "African Communion" suggests a religious rite but is immediately juxtaposed with African cultural elements. The word "Communion" implies a Christian sacrament, typically the Eucharist, but its use in conjunction with "African" suggests an exploration of how this religious practice intersects with African traditions. The title sets the tone for a discussion on cultural imposition and the blending (or conflict) of religious beliefs.

 

Themes in "African Communion" by Tom Simpson

1. Colonialism and Cultural Erasure:

   - One of the central themes of the poem is the cultural erasure brought about by European colonization. The poem metaphorically describes the imposition of Christianity and Western values on African societies, symbolized by the "white robes" and the "new God." The colonizers, represented as missionaries, bring with them a new religion that demands the rejection of indigenous African beliefs, deemed "impure gods." The line "And the black gods were sent to a black, ashy death" poignantly captures the obliteration of traditional African deities and spiritual practices. This theme reflects the historical reality of how colonial powers often sought to replace local cultures with their own, leading to a loss of cultural identity and heritage.

2. Religious Hypocrisy and Critique of Missionary Work:

   - The poem critiques the hypocrisy inherent in the missionary work of the colonial era. The Christian sacrament of Communion, meant to symbolize unity and the body of Christ, is ironically presented as a vehicle for division and cultural domination. The Latin phrase "HIC EST ENIM CORPUS MEUM" (This is my body) and the command "Take you and eat of this, for this is my body" highlight the forced consumption of Christian beliefs by African peoples. The poem questions the sincerity of the colonizers' religious motives, suggesting that the spread of Christianity was more about asserting control and justifying exploitation than genuine spiritual salvation. The description of the new faith as a "jealous God" who tolerates no other gods indicates a critique of the exclusivity and intolerance that often accompanied missionary efforts.

3. Identity and the Loss of Self:

   - The theme of identity, particularly the loss of African identity, is deeply embedded in the poem. The "white skin" metaphorically stripped from the "man they called their God" symbolizes the imposition of a foreign identity on African peoples. The adoption of Christianity and Western customs, enforced by the colonizers, required Africans to forsake their own traditions and beliefs. This enforced assimilation is portrayed as a form of violence, with the "parasite" eating away at the "African body." The imagery of consuming "black" as a way to "hide the guilt of their sin" underscores the psychological and cultural toll on the colonized, who were coerced into internalizing the colonizers' values and, in the process, losing their sense of self.

4. Power Dynamics and Oppression:

   - The poem delves into the power dynamics between the colonizers and the colonized. The colonizers' "white robes" and their claim of bringing "Salvation" to Africa signify a paternalistic attitude, portraying themselves as saviors and bearers of a superior civilization. However, the reality is depicted as one of exploitation and domination, where the colonizers wielded power over the native populations, stripping them of their land, resources, and cultural identity. The poem critiques the notion of "civilizing missions" and exposes the underlying agenda of control and subjugation.

5. The Irony of Salvation and Division:

   - The poem explores the irony of the concept of salvation brought by the colonizers. While they presented Christianity as a path to spiritual salvation, the actual outcome was division and conflict. The line "To begin the ceremony of the communion Which was their division" encapsulates this paradox. The imposed religion, rather than uniting, created divisions within African communities and between Africans and the colonizers. The "unleaven wafer," representing the body of Christ, becomes a symbol of the cultural and spiritual division that accompanied the spread of Christianity in Africa.

6. Racial Tension and Racial Injustice:

   - Racial tension is a significant undercurrent in the poem. The contrast between "white" and "black" throughout the poem emphasizes the racial dichotomy imposed by the colonizers. The phrase "As white eats of black" is a powerful metaphor for the exploitation and subjugation of Africans by Europeans. The description of the Christian God as "pure, White, Abstract, Singular, Universal" contrasts starkly with the characterization of African gods as "black" and "impure," reflecting the racial prejudice and supremacist attitudes that often accompanied colonial rule.

"African Communion" is a profound exploration of the complex and often painful themes associated with colonialism. It critiques the cultural, spiritual, and racial impacts of European colonization in Africa, highlighting the loss of identity, the imposition of foreign values, and the power dynamics that perpetuated oppression. The poem's exploration of these themes serves as a poignant commentary on the historical realities of colonization and its enduring legacy.

 Literary Devices

1. Symbolism:

   - "White robes, beautifully bright robes": Symbolizes purity, authority, and the imposition of Western Christian values.

   - "Black gods, Impure gods": Represents African spiritual beliefs and the colonial perspective that deemed them inferior.

2. Irony:

   - "But the skin bore a parasite, And it ate of the African body": The irony lies in the notion of bringing 'salvation' that ultimately consumes and destroys African culture, rather than saving it.

3. Allusion:

   - "HIC EST ENIM CORPUS MEUM": This Latin phrase translates to "This is my body," a reference to the words of Jesus during the Last Supper, used during the Eucharist in Christian ceremonies. It alludes to the sacrificial nature of Christ, juxtaposed with the sacrificial exploitation of African culture.

4. Metaphor:

   - "A skin, white, Stripped from the man they called their God": Represents the forced adoption of Western culture and religion, stripping away African identity.

5. Juxtaposition:

   - "White eats of black": This phrase juxtaposes the physical and metaphorical consumption of African identity and resources by European colonizers.

6. Personification:

   - "A skin stripped from the man they sacrificed to their selves": Personifies the colonial forces as sacrificial priests, offering African culture and people for their benefit.

 Language and Diction

- The diction in "African Communion" is formal and laden with religious terminology. The use of Latin and phrases like "this is my body" highlights the religious overtones and the imposition of Christianity. Words like "jealous," "pure," and "universal" are used to describe the Christian God, reflecting the colonizers' perception of their religion as superior. The use of words like "parasite" and "ate" conveys a sense of violence and consumption, emphasizing the destructive impact of colonization.

 Mood and Tone

- Mood: The mood of the poem is somber and reflective, tinged with bitterness. There is a palpable sense of loss and critique of the cultural and spiritual devastation caused by colonialism.

- Tone: The tone is critical and accusatory. Simpson seems to condemn the colonial powers for their arrogance and the cultural erasure they enforced under the guise of religious salvation.

 Context

- The poem reflects the historical period of European colonization in Africa, during which missionaries often accompanied colonizers, spreading Christianity and Western values. This period was marked by significant cultural conflict, as indigenous African beliefs and practices were suppressed or denigrated in favor of European systems. The poem critiques this cultural imperialism and the consequences it had on African identity and spirituality.

 Conclusion

"African Communion" by Tom Simpson is a poignant exploration of the cultural and spiritual impacts of colonization in Africa. Through the use of rich symbolism, irony, and religious allusions, Simpson critiques the imposition of Christianity and the erasure of African traditions. The poem's formal diction and somber tone underscore the tragedy of this cultural conquest and the complex legacy of colonialism in Africa.