(toc) #title= (Table of Content)
Fragments Out Of The Deluge VI: He Stood In The Midst Of Them All by Christopher Okigbo
HE STOOD in the midst of them all
and appeared in true form,
He found them drunken, he found none
thirsty among them.
Who would add to your statue,
Or in your village accept you?
He fed them on seed wrapped in wonders,
And deemed it a truth-value system,
Man out of innocence,
And there was none thirsty among them.
Dots and brackets,
The model is not far off …
They cast him in mould of iron,
And asked him to do a rock-drill:
Man out of innocence-
He drilled with dumb bells about him.
And they took the key off
And they hid the key of …
that none may enter.
And they took the hot spoils off the battle,
And they shared the hot spoils among them:
Estates among them;
And they were the chosen
mongrel breeds,
With slogan in hand, of
won divination …
And you talk of the people,
And there is none thirsty among them.
General Introduction
"Fragments Out Of The Deluge VI: He Stood In The Midst Of Them All" is a poem by Christopher Okigbo, a Nigerian poet and one of Africa's most celebrated literary figures. Okigbo's poetry is renowned for its rich symbolism, complex imagery, and fusion of Western and African cultural elements. He was part of the first generation of post-colonial African writers who sought to articulate the complexities of identity, spirituality, and political struggle in a newly independent Africa. Written in the 1960s, during a period of significant political upheaval in Nigeria, Okigbo's works often grappled with themes of tradition, modernity, and the spiritual crisis of a nation emerging from the shadow of colonial rule.
Title
The title "Fragments Out Of The Deluge VI: He Stood In The Midst Of Them All" immediately evokes a sense of brokenness and remnants of a past event, likely catastrophic, as suggested by the word "Deluge." The word "Fragments" implies that the poem is a piece of a larger narrative or experience, offering a glimpse into a broader, perhaps disjointed, reality. The phrase "He Stood In The Midst Of Them All" suggests a figure of authority or central importance who is observing or confronting a group. The title hints at themes of destruction, survival, and the search for meaning or truth amidst chaos.
Themes of the Poem
"Fragments Out Of The Deluge VI: He Stood In The Midst Of Them All" by Christopher Okigbo is a richly layered poem that touches on several significant themes. Each theme contributes to the poem's overall exploration of spiritual, moral, and societal conditions, particularly in the context of Nigeria's post-colonial experience. Below are some of the key themes elaborated upon:
1. Spiritual Desolation and Moral Decay:
One of the central themes of the poem is the idea of spiritual desolation and moral decay. The repeated observation that "there was none thirsty among them" suggests a profound lack of spiritual yearning or hunger among the people. Okigbo portrays a society that has become complacent, where the people are "drunken" with materialism or corruption, indicating a loss of spiritual direction. The absence of thirst, a metaphor for the desire for spiritual or moral truth, underscores the depth of their disconnect from a higher purpose or moral integrity. This theme reflects the broader crisis of spirituality in a modernizing society that has turned away from its traditional values.
2. Loss of Innocence:
The theme of lost innocence is also prominent in the poem, captured in the line "Man out of innocence." This phrase evokes the biblical narrative of the Fall of Man, where Adam and Eve lose their innocence after disobeying God. Okigbo uses this allusion to suggest that humanity, or perhaps specifically the Nigerian society he is critiquing, has fallen from a state of grace or purity. This loss of innocence is linked to the society's embrace of materialism and power, symbolized by the "hot spoils" of battle that are greedily shared. The poem suggests that this loss is not just personal but collective, affecting the entire community.
3. The Impact of Colonialism and Modernization:
Another important theme in the poem is the impact of colonialism and the subsequent modernization of African societies. The line "They cast him in mould of iron, And asked him to do a rock-drill" symbolizes the imposition of industrialization and the dehumanizing effects of modernization. The iron mold and rock-drill represent the ways in which traditional African identities and spiritualities have been reshaped, often violently, by external forces. Okigbo critiques the reduction of human beings to mere tools within this modern system, highlighting the loss of humanity and the spiritual void that accompanies it.
4. Disillusionment with Leadership and Authority:
The poem also addresses the theme of disillusionment with leadership and authority. The figure who "stood in the midst of them all" may be seen as a leader or prophet who observes the moral decay of his people. However, this leader's presence is ineffectual; despite his central position, he cannot inspire a thirst for truth or righteousness among the people. This reflects a broader disillusionment with the post-colonial leadership in Nigeria, which, despite its promises, has failed to uplift the people spiritually or morally. The leaders are portrayed as complicit in the materialistic and corrupt practices that have led to the society's downfall.
5. The Consequences of Materialism:
Materialism is another significant theme in the poem, particularly in how it is portrayed as a corrupting force. The "hot spoils" taken from battle and shared among the "mongrel breeds" symbolize the pursuit of wealth and power at the expense of moral and spiritual values. The poem critiques the way in which materialism has become the new value system, replacing older, more spiritually grounded ways of life. This pursuit of material gain is depicted as ultimately hollow, leaving the people spiritually barren, as evidenced by the absence of "thirst" in their lives.
6. Cultural Displacement and Identity Crisis:
The theme of cultural displacement and identity crisis is implicit in the poem, reflecting the broader context of Nigeria's post-colonial experience. The "model" mentioned in the poem could refer to the imposed cultural and political models that have displaced traditional African values and structures. This displacement has led to a crisis of identity, where the people are neither fully aligned with their traditional past nor fully integrated into the new, modern world. The "mongrel breeds" mentioned in the poem can be seen as a metaphor for a society that has lost its cultural purity and is now a hybrid, struggling to find its place in the world.
7. The Role of Prophecy and Vision:
Lastly, the theme of prophecy and vision plays a subtle but important role in the poem. The central figure who "stood in the midst of them all" could be interpreted as a prophetic figure, someone who sees and understands the spiritual and moral crisis of the people. However, his vision is ignored or unheeded, as the people are too engrossed in their materialistic pursuits to recognize the truth he represents. This theme reflects Okigbo's own role as a poet-prophet, using his work to critique and warn his society about the dangers of their current path.
"Fragments Out Of The Deluge VI: He Stood In The Midst Of Them All" by Christopher Okigbo is a profound meditation on the spiritual and moral crises facing a post-colonial society. Through themes of spiritual desolation, loss of innocence, the impact of colonialism, disillusionment with leadership, materialism, cultural displacement, and the ignored role of prophecy, Okigbo paints a bleak picture of a society that has lost its way. The poem serves as a powerful critique of the societal and cultural shifts that have accompanied Nigeria's journey into modernity, urging a return to spiritual and moral values in the face of overwhelming change.
Literary Devices
1. Imagery:
- "He fed them on seed wrapped in wonders," - This line creates a vivid image of something precious and mysterious being offered. The imagery here suggests a spiritual or sacred offering, wrapped in the allure of the unknown.
2. Metaphor:
- "He found them drunken, he found none thirsty among them." - The states of being "drunken" and "thirsty" are metaphors for spiritual or moral conditions. The drunkenness may symbolize indulgence in materialism or moral corruption, while the lack of thirst could indicate a loss of spiritual yearning or a sense of complacency.
3. Irony:
- "And there was none thirsty among them." - This line is ironic because, in a context of spiritual or moral decay (symbolized by drunkenness), one would expect a thirst for redemption or truth, but the absence of thirst suggests a deeper disconnection or denial.
4. Allusion:
- "Man out of innocence," - This phrase alludes to the biblical creation of man, suggesting themes of lost innocence or a fall from grace. It echoes the story of Adam and Eve, where innocence is lost through knowledge or disobedience.
5. Symbolism:
- "They cast him in mould of iron, And asked him to do a rock-drill" - The iron mold and rock-drill symbolize industrialization or mechanization, representing a loss of humanity or spirituality as man is reduced to a mere tool or machine.
6. Repetition:
- The repetition of "And there was none thirsty among them" throughout the poem reinforces the central irony and the theme of spiritual emptiness. It emphasizes the group's state of complacency and detachment from deeper truths or needs.
Language and Diction
Okigbo's language in this poem is both symbolic and evocative, marked by a blend of abstract and concrete imagery. The diction is formal, with a tone that is both somber and reflective. Words like "deluge," "mould," and "drill" contribute to the poem's sense of harshness and severity, while phrases like "seed wrapped in wonders" introduce a softer, almost mystical element. The language oscillates between the sacred and the profane, highlighting the tension between spiritual aspirations and material reality.
Mood and Tone
The mood of the poem is one of desolation and disillusionment. The repetition of the phrase "none thirsty among them" creates a sense of hopelessness, as if the people have lost their way and are unaware of their spiritual void. The tone is contemplative and critical, as the speaker reflects on the spiritual and moral decay of the people. There is also a tone of lament, as the speaker mourns the loss of innocence and the failure to recognize or seek spiritual nourishment.
Context
"Fragments Out Of The Deluge VI: He Stood In The Midst Of Them All" was written during a turbulent period in Nigerian history, marked by political instability and the Biafran War. Okigbo himself was deeply involved in the conflict, which influenced his work and ultimately led to his death. The poem reflects the disillusionment and spiritual crisis of a society caught between the vestiges of colonial influence and the challenges of forging a new national identity. The "deluge" can be seen as a metaphor for the overwhelming flood of change, violence, and loss that characterized this period, with the "fragments" representing the remnants of a broken society struggling to rebuild itself.
Conclusion
Christopher Okigbo's "Fragments Out Of The Deluge VI: He Stood In The Midst Of Them All" is a powerful exploration of spiritual and moral decay in the face of societal upheaval. Through rich imagery, metaphor, and symbolism, Okigbo paints a picture of a people who have lost their way, consumed by materialism and disconnected from deeper truths. The poem reflects the broader context of Nigeria's post-colonial struggle, offering a poignant commentary on the human condition in times of crisis. The central figure, who "stood in the midst of them all," serves as a silent witness to the tragedy, embodying the lost potential for redemption or renewal.
Leave a comment behind