Poem and Complete Analysis of The Fence by Lenrie Peters

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 The Fence  by Lenrie Peters

There where the dim past and future mingle

their nebulous hopes and aspirations

there I lie.

There where truth and untruth struggle

in endless and bloody combat,

there I lie.

There where time moves forwards and backwards

with not one moment’s pause for sighing,

there I lie.

There where the body ages relentlessly

and only the feeble mind can wander back

there I lie in open-souled amazement

There where all the opposites arrive

to plague the inner senses, but do not fuse,

I hold my head; and then contrive

to stop the constant motion.

my head goes round and round,

but I have not been drinking;

I feel the buoyant waves; I stagger

It seems the world has changed her garment.

but it is I who have not crossed the fence,

So there I lie.

There where the need for good

and “the doing good” conflict,

there I lie.

 General Introduction

Poet and Poem:  

The poem "The Fence" was written by Lenrie Peters, a Gambian poet, novelist, and surgeon. Peters is a prominent figure in African literature, known for his reflective and often introspective works that address the complexities of modern African identity, cultural conflicts, and personal struggles. His writing style is characterized by its profound emotional depth and philosophical inquiries into human existence. "The Fence" is emblematic of Peters' exploration of the psychological and existential dilemmas faced by individuals caught between contrasting forces.

Context:  

Lenrie Peters wrote during a period of significant political and cultural change in Africa, particularly in the post-colonial era. His work often reflects the inner turmoil and confusion experienced by individuals grappling with the remnants of colonial influence, the pressures of modernity, and the pull of traditional values. The poem likely reflects this historical context, examining the struggles of identity and the tension between opposing forces.

 Title

Analysis of the Title:  

The title "The Fence" immediately suggests themes of separation, division, and boundaries. A fence can symbolize a barrier that divides or isolates, hinting at the emotional and psychological conflicts within the speaker. It sets the tone for a poem about struggle, indecision, and the difficulty of choosing between opposing sides or forces. The fence represents a liminal space where the speaker is caught, unable to move forward or backward, reflecting the central theme of being stuck in a state of uncertainty or conflict.

 Themes in "The Fence" by Lenrie Peters

1. Internal Conflict and Indecision:  

The primary theme of "The Fence" is the internal conflict and indecision experienced by the speaker. The repetition of "there I lie" suggests a state of paralysis, where the speaker is caught between opposing forces and unable to move forward. This theme is underscored by the recurring imagery of struggle, such as the "bloody combat" between "truth and untruth" and the conflict between "the need for good" and "the doing good." The fence, as a metaphor, represents this liminal space where the speaker is trapped, unable to commit to one side or another. This theme resonates with the universal human experience of facing difficult choices and the fear of making the wrong decision, leading to a state of inaction.

2. The Duality of Human Experience:  

Another significant theme in the poem is the duality of human experience. Peters presents various opposites—truth and untruth, good and the act of doing good, time moving forwards and backwards—to highlight the contradictions and complexities inherent in life. The speaker's position on the fence symbolizes the human condition of being caught between these dualities, where neither side can be fully embraced. This theme reflects the poet's broader exploration of the conflicting forces that shape individual identity and actions, especially in the context of a rapidly changing world.

3. The Passage of Time and Aging:  

The poem also explores the theme of time and aging. The line "where time moves forwards and backwards with not one moment’s pause for sighing" suggests a fluid, non-linear conception of time, where the past and future are intermingled. This creates a sense of disorientation, as the speaker grapples with the relentless passage of time and the aging of the body. The poem conveys the inevitability of aging, but also the mental resistance to accepting it. The speaker's mind wanders back, perhaps to a time of youth or past decisions, but the body continues to age, emphasizing the disconnect between the physical and mental states.

4. The Search for Identity:  

The theme of identity is central to "The Fence," reflecting the speaker's struggle to define themselves amidst conflicting forces. The poem suggests that identity is not fixed but rather shaped by the ongoing tension between opposing elements—tradition versus modernity, truth versus falsehood, good intentions versus actions. The speaker's inability to cross the fence indicates a crisis of identity, where they are unable to fully commit to one side of these dichotomies. This theme is particularly poignant in the post-colonial African context, where individuals often faced the challenge of reconciling traditional cultural identities with the influences of Western colonization and modernization.

5. The Burden of Choice:  

The poem also delves into the burden of choice and the difficulty of making decisions. The fence symbolizes the point of indecision, where the speaker is caught between various options, each with its own set of consequences. The struggle between "the need for good and 'the doing good'" highlights the ethical dilemmas that often accompany decision-making. The speaker's inaction, lying on the fence, suggests the fear of making a wrong choice and the paralysis that can result from overthinking. This theme reflects the universal human experience of grappling with complex choices, where the right course of action is not always clear.

6. Alienation and Isolation:  

Finally, the theme of alienation and isolation is evident in the poem. The speaker's position on the fence, caught between opposing forces, creates a sense of detachment from both sides. They are isolated in their indecision, unable to connect fully with any particular identity or set of values. The personification of the world "changing her garment" while the speaker remains unchanged reinforces this sense of alienation, as the speaker feels out of sync with the world around them. This theme captures the existential loneliness that can accompany moments of deep introspection and internal conflict.

Lenrie Peters' "The Fence" is a rich and complex poem that explores multiple themes, including internal conflict, duality, time, identity, choice, and alienation. These themes are interwoven to create a powerful reflection on the human condition, particularly in the context of a world marked by division and uncertainty. The poem's exploration of these themes resonates with the broader historical and cultural challenges faced by individuals in post-colonial Africa, making it a poignant and timeless meditation on the struggles of existence.

 Literary Devices

1. Repetition:  

   The phrase "there I lie" is repeated throughout the poem, emphasizing the speaker's stagnant position and their inability to move beyond their current state of confusion and internal conflict. This repetition reinforces the theme of being caught between opposites and the sense of inescapability.

   

2. Imagery:  

   Peters uses vivid imagery to convey the abstract and complex nature of the speaker's inner turmoil. For example, "bloody combat" between "truth and untruth" evokes a violent, chaotic struggle, while "the buoyant waves" suggests a sense of instability and disorientation.

3. Paradox:  

   The poem is filled with paradoxical statements, such as "time moves forwards and backwards" and "the need for good and 'the doing good' conflict." These paradoxes highlight the contradictory nature of the speaker's experiences and the internal conflict they face, reinforcing the theme of being caught between opposing forces.

   

4. Personification:  

   The line "the world has changed her garment" personifies the world, suggesting that while the external environment may appear different, the speaker remains unchanged, stuck on the metaphorical fence. This device adds depth to the sense of isolation and alienation the speaker feels.

5. Alliteration:  

   Peters uses alliteration in phrases like "bloody combat" and "feeble mind," which creates a rhythmic quality that emphasizes the tension and struggle within the poem. The repetition of consonant sounds adds to the intensity of the speaker's experience.

6. Metaphor:  

   The "fence" itself is a metaphor for the speaker's internal state of indecision and conflict. It represents a psychological barrier that prevents the speaker from fully engaging with either side of the opposing forces they face, symbolizing a liminal space where they remain stuck.

 Language and Diction

Analysis of Diction:  

Peters' choice of words is deliberate and evocative, contributing to the poem's reflective and introspective tone. The use of words like "nebulous," "bloody combat," and "feeble mind" emphasizes the speaker's confusion, struggle, and sense of powerlessness. The language is formal and measured, reflecting the serious nature of the themes being explored. There is no use of slang or dialect, which aligns with the poem's contemplative mood.

 Mood and Tone

Mood:  

The mood of the poem is somber and contemplative, with an undercurrent of frustration and helplessness. The speaker is clearly troubled by their inability to resolve the internal conflicts they face, and this creates a mood of melancholy and introspection.

Tone:  

The tone of the poem is reflective and philosophical, as the speaker grapples with the complexities of existence and the difficulty of making choices. There is also a sense of resignation in the tone, as the speaker acknowledges their inability to escape the metaphorical fence they are caught on.

 Context

Historical, Cultural, and Social Context:  

The poem reflects the broader context of post-colonial Africa, where individuals and societies were often caught between traditional values and the pressures of modernity and Western influence. This period was marked by a search for identity and a struggle to reconcile different cultural and moral frameworks. Peters, writing in this context, captures the sense of confusion and inner conflict that many people experienced during this time.

Influence on Themes and Messages

The historical context of post-colonial Africa deeply influences the themes of the poem, particularly the idea of being caught between opposing forces. The "fence" symbolizes the difficult position of individuals trying to navigate the conflicting demands of different cultural, moral, and social expectations. The poem suggests that this struggle is not easily resolved and that it can leave individuals feeling stuck, powerless, and uncertain.

 Conclusion

Lenrie Peters' "The Fence" is a powerful exploration of the psychological and existential dilemmas faced by individuals caught between opposing forces. Through his use of literary devices, precise diction, and reflective tone, Peters effectively conveys the sense of inner conflict and confusion that characterizes the speaker's experience. The poem is a poignant reflection on the challenges of identity and choice in a world marked by division and uncertainty, resonating deeply with the historical and cultural context of post-colonial Africa.