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Somehow We Survive By Dennis Brutus
Somehow we survive
and tenderness, frustrated, does not wither.
Investigating searchlights rake
our naked, unprotected contours;
over our heads the monolithic decalogue
of fascist prohibition glowers
and teeters for a catastrophic fall;
boots club the peeling door.
But somehow we survive
severance, deprivation, loss.
Patrols uncoil along the asphalt dark
hissing their menace to our lives,
most cruel, all our land is scarred with terror,
rendered unlovely and unlovable;
sundered are we and all our passionate surrender
but somehow tenderness survives.
General Introduction
"Somehow We Survive" is a powerful poem written by Dennis Brutus, a South African poet and anti-apartheid activist. Born in 1924, Brutus became one of the most prominent voices in the struggle against apartheid, using his poetry to highlight the brutality and injustice of the regime. His work often captures the harsh realities of life under apartheid, reflecting on themes such as oppression, resistance, and survival. Written during a period when South Africa was under intense political repression, "Somehow We Survive" encapsulates the endurance and resilience of those who suffered under the apartheid regime.
Title
The title "Somehow We Survive" immediately sets the tone for the poem, suggesting a narrative of endurance against the odds. The use of "somehow" implies that survival is not guaranteed and comes with significant challenges. The word "survive" indicates that the poem will explore themes of resilience and the struggle to maintain humanity and tenderness in the face of overwhelming oppression.
Themes in "Somehow We Survive" by Dennis Brutus
"Somehow We Survive" is a profound exploration of several interwoven themes, reflecting the harsh realities of apartheid-era South Africa. Dennis Brutus uses this poem to delve into the complexities of oppression, resistance, and the resilience of the human spirit. Below is a detailed examination of the key themes present in the poem:
1. Survival and Resilience
- The central theme of the poem is survival against overwhelming odds. The repeated line "Somehow we survive" underscores the idea that, despite the immense hardships and dangers, the oppressed people of South Africa endure. Brutus portrays survival as an act of resistance, where simply continuing to exist becomes a form of defiance against a regime designed to dehumanize and destroy. This theme is further highlighted by the perseverance of "tenderness," which, despite being "frustrated," refuses to "wither." The poet suggests that even in the most brutal conditions, the human capacity for compassion and love persists, serving as a beacon of hope.
2. Oppression and Injustice
- Brutus vividly depicts the pervasive oppression under apartheid, where every aspect of life is controlled and terrorized by the state. The imagery of "searchlights," "boots clubbing the peeling door," and "patrols uncoil[ing] along the asphalt dark" conveys a constant atmosphere of fear and violence. The "monolithic decalogue of fascist prohibition" symbolizes the oppressive laws and doctrines that govern and suppress the lives of the people. The poem paints a picture of a society where injustice is not just a condition but a weapon actively wielded to maintain control. This theme of oppression is central to understanding the emotional and psychological landscape of the poem, where every moment is a struggle to retain some semblance of humanity.
3. Loss and Deprivation
- Another significant theme in the poem is the experience of loss and deprivation. Brutus writes of "severance, deprivation, loss," capturing the multifaceted suffering endured by those living under apartheid. This is not just a physical loss of land and resources, but also an emotional and psychological severance from safety, dignity, and hope. The poem acknowledges the deep scars left by this loss, as the land is "rendered unlovely and unlovable," reflecting the transformation of a once vibrant and beautiful country into a place marred by terror and hatred. The theme of loss extends to the personal, as the poem reflects on the emotional toll of living in a society where one's identity and humanity are constantly under siege.
4. Resistance and Defiance
- Despite the overwhelming forces of oppression, "Somehow We Survive" is infused with a sense of resistance and defiance. The very act of surviving in such conditions is portrayed as a form of resistance. Brutus highlights the resilience of the human spirit, where even the smallest acts of tenderness or humanity become powerful statements against the dehumanizing forces of apartheid. The poem suggests that resistance does not always take the form of open rebellion; it can also be found in the quiet determination to maintain one's humanity and dignity in the face of systematic dehumanization. The poem's tone, though weary, is also defiant, reflecting the unyielding spirit of those who refuse to be broken.
5. Fear and Terror
- The poem is suffused with an atmosphere of fear and terror, which permeates every aspect of life under apartheid. The "searchlights" and "hissing" patrols symbolize the ever-present threat of violence and persecution. Brutus captures the psychological impact of living under constant surveillance and threat, where fear becomes a part of the daily existence. This theme is closely tied to the theme of oppression, as the apartheid regime maintained its power through the systematic use of terror. The fear described in the poem is both a personal and collective experience, shared by all those subjected to the brutalities of the regime.
6. Humanity and Compassion
- Despite the brutality depicted in the poem, Brutus emphasizes the survival of humanity and compassion, even in the most oppressive conditions. The persistence of "tenderness" is a key motif in the poem, symbolizing the enduring presence of love, empathy, and compassion among people who are otherwise subjected to inhuman treatment. This theme underscores the idea that, even in a world scarred by terror, the basic human need for connection and kindness remains. Brutus suggests that it is this humanity that ultimately allows people to survive and resist the forces that seek to dehumanize them. The theme of compassion serves as a counterpoint to the themes of fear and terror, offering a glimpse of hope amidst the darkness.
7. Hope and Endurance
- Closely related to the theme of survival is the theme of hope. "Somehow We Survive" is not just about enduring suffering but also about the hope that sustains this endurance. The poem hints at the possibility of a future beyond the oppression, where "tenderness" survives and perhaps even thrives. Brutus does not ignore the harsh realities of life under apartheid, but he also suggests that there is something indomitable about the human spirit that allows people to hold onto hope, even in the darkest of times. This theme of hope is what gives the poem its emotional resonance, as it speaks to the universal human desire for a better, more just world.
The themes in "Somehow We Survive" by Dennis Brutus collectively paint a powerful picture of life under apartheid in South Africa. Through his exploration of survival, oppression, loss, resistance, fear, humanity, and hope, Brutus captures the complexity of the human experience in the face of systematic dehumanization. The poem is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, the capacity for compassion, and the enduring power of hope, even in the most oppressive circumstances. These themes make "Somehow We Survive" a poignant and timeless reflection on the struggles for justice and dignity.
Literary Devices
1. Alliteration:
- "somehow survive" (line 1)
- "hissing their menace" (line 11)
Alliteration is used to create rhythm and emphasize the harsh realities the poem describes. The repetition of the 's' sound in these lines mimics the hissing of snakes, adding to the menacing atmosphere.
2. Imagery:
- "Investigating searchlights rake our naked, unprotected contours" (lines 3-4)
- "boots club the peeling door" (line 8)
The poem is rich in visual imagery, vividly depicting the oppressive environment under apartheid. The searchlights raking "naked, unprotected contours" evokes a sense of vulnerability, while the "boots" that "club the peeling door" create a brutal image of invasion and violence.
3. Personification:
- "tenderness, frustrated, does not wither" (line 2)
- "Patrols uncoil along the asphalt dark" (line 10)
Tenderness is personified as being capable of frustration and endurance, emphasizing the emotional struggle of maintaining humanity. The patrols are also personified, described as "uncoiling," which likens them to serpents, symbolizing danger and deceit.
4. Metaphor:
- "the monolithic decalogue of fascist prohibition glowers" (line 5)
The "monolithic decalogue" serves as a metaphor for the rigid, oppressive laws of apartheid, likened to the biblical Ten Commandments but twisted into instruments of tyranny. This metaphor highlights the immense and unyielding nature of the laws that govern and oppress the people.
5. Symbolism:
- "rendered unlovely and unlovable" (line 13)
The description of the land as "scarred with terror, rendered unlovely and unlovable" symbolizes the deep wounds inflicted by apartheid on both the physical land and the people. The land here is not just a physical space but a representation of the emotional and psychological damage caused by the regime.
6. Repetition:
- "But somehow we survive" (lines 1, 9)
The repetition of this line at the beginning and middle of the poem reinforces the theme of endurance. Despite the various threats and challenges mentioned throughout the poem, the repeated line serves as a refrain of resilience.
Language and Diction
Brutus employs a stark, direct diction to convey the severity of the apartheid regime's oppression. The language is formal and precise, with carefully chosen words that evoke a sense of harshness and brutality. Words like "rake," "glowers," "club," and "scarred" all contribute to the poem’s dark tone, reflecting the violence and suffering experienced by the people. The use of military and authoritarian language, such as "fascist prohibition" and "patrols," further emphasizes the oppressive nature of the apartheid system.
Mood and Tone
The mood of the poem is one of tension and unease, capturing the constant fear and danger faced by those living under apartheid. The tone is defiant yet weary, reflecting the poet's anger at the brutality of the regime but also a sense of fatigue from prolonged suffering. Despite this, there is a persistent undercurrent of hope, as seen in the repeated affirmation that "somehow we survive." This tone of cautious optimism is what gives the poem its emotional depth.
Context
"Somehow We Survive" was written during a time when apartheid laws in South Africa were at their most oppressive. The poem reflects the harsh realities faced by black South Africans, who were subjected to systemic racism, violence, and economic deprivation. Brutus himself was imprisoned and exiled for his activism, and his poetry often served as a means of resistance, giving voice to the voiceless. The cultural and political context of apartheid is central to understanding the themes of the poem, as it addresses the broader struggle for dignity and human rights in the face of overwhelming repression.
Conclusion
"Somehow We Survive" is a poignant reflection on the resilience of the human spirit in the face of systematic oppression. Dennis Brutus masterfully captures the emotional landscape of apartheid-era South Africa, using powerful imagery, metaphor, and personification to convey both the brutality of the regime and the enduring hope of the people. The poem stands as a testament to the power of poetry as a tool for resistance and a reminder of the enduring strength of those who fight for justice and freedom.
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