Complete Analysis of In the Gust by Nwafor Awala

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 In the Gust by Nwafor Awala

I am a groggy tree

Swaying forward and backward

In the hand of the wind

Deep in my heart

Another gush gapes open

Like a boa

Coiled ready to strike in anger

Comes surging in my inside

A strong desire for change

But who dares grouch

Before the wild cat?

General Introduction

 Awala, a Nigerian poet, published this poem as part of his first collection, Flood of Misery, in 1998. This collection is known for its protest verses against military brutality, reflecting the socio-political unrest in Nigeria during that period. Awala's style is marked by vivid imagery and a stark portrayal of emotional and political turbulence, aligning with the broader context of Nigerian poetry that often addresses socio-political issues and the human condition.

Title

The title "In the Gust" immediately evokes the image of something being influenced or moved by a strong wind. The word "gust" suggests a sudden, powerful burst of wind, which implies force and intensity. This can be seen as a metaphor for the disruptive forces affecting the poet’s inner life and the external socio-political realities. The title hints at the themes of turbulence and change, and sets a tone of unrest and upheaval.

Themes of the Poem

1. Internal Conflict and Turmoil:

   - The poem explores the theme of internal conflict, vividly depicted through the metaphor of the “groggy tree” swaying in the wind. This imagery reflects the speaker’s emotional instability and inner struggle. The tree's grogginess symbolizes a lack of control and clarity, mirroring the speaker’s sense of being overwhelmed by their own emotions and external pressures. The “Another gush gapes open” further suggests a deep, unsettling internal issue that the speaker grapples with, emphasizing a sense of vulnerability and chaos within.

2. Desire for Change:

   - A significant theme in the poem is the longing for change. The “strong desire for change” indicates a profound dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs, both personally and politically. This desire is likened to a boa constrictor coiled and ready to strike, symbolizing how the yearning for transformation is both intense and potentially dangerous. The desire for change is not just a passive wish but a powerful, almost threatening force within the speaker, highlighting the urgency and intensity of their feelings.

3. Oppression and Resistance:

   - The poem subtly addresses the theme of oppression, particularly in the context of the socio-political environment of Nigeria at the time. The “wild cat” represents a dangerous and oppressive force, possibly alluding to the military regime or any dominant authority that suppresses dissent. The speaker’s internal conflict and desire for change are contrasted with the fear and danger posed by this oppressive force, illustrating the struggle between personal resistance and external control. This theme reflects broader societal issues and the challenges faced by those who oppose oppressive systems.

4. Fear and Intimidation:

   - Fear is a recurring theme in the poem, embodied by the “wild cat” and the menacing presence of the boa constrictor. The wild cat symbolizes the unpredictable and potentially violent consequences of challenging the status quo, creating a sense of intimidation and dread. This fear of retaliation or failure in the face of powerful adversaries reflects the difficult position of those who wish to confront oppressive forces but are daunted by the potential repercussions.

5. The Nature of Change:

   - The poem also reflects on the nature of change itself. The use of the boa constrictor metaphor suggests that change is not merely a passive desire but an active, potentially aggressive force. The speaker’s internal struggle and the external dangers associated with pursuing change indicate that transformation involves significant risk and conflict. The tension between the speaker’s internal desire and the external threats underscores the complexity and difficulty of enacting change in an oppressive environment.

6. Symbolism of Nature and Animal Imagery:

   - Nature and animal imagery play a crucial role in the poem, symbolizing different aspects of the speaker’s emotional and psychological state. The groggy tree represents instability and helplessness, while the boa constrictor and wild cat symbolize internal and external threats. This use of natural and animal imagery underscores the primal and visceral nature of the speaker’s experiences, linking their personal struggle to broader, more universal themes of survival and resistance.

The poem “In the Gust” by Nwafor Awala delves into themes of internal conflict, the desire for change, oppression, fear, and the nature of transformation. Through rich metaphors and vivid imagery, Awala captures the intense emotional and political struggles faced by individuals in a repressive environment, making the poem a powerful reflection on both personal and societal turmoil.

Literary Devices

1. Metaphor: 

   - The poem uses metaphors to convey emotional states and inner conflict. For example, "I am a groggy tree / Swaying forward and backward" compares the speaker to a tree moved by the wind, illustrating a sense of instability and helplessness. The tree symbolizes the speaker’s vulnerability and the external forces affecting them.

2. Simile:

   - The line "Like a boa / Coiled ready to strike in anger" uses simile to compare the speaker's internal turmoil to a boa constrictor poised to strike. This imagery conveys a sense of latent aggression and tension within the speaker, emphasizing their desire for change and their frustration with the status quo.

3. Personification:

   - The wind is personified as having "hand" which suggests a controlling, almost malicious force. This personification adds to the sense of external control and manipulation over the speaker's emotional state.

4. Imagery:

   - The poem vividly describes the speaker’s inner turmoil through images such as "Another gush gapes open" and "A strong desire for change." These images create a visceral sense of internal conflict and the intense emotional struggle the speaker is experiencing.

5. Symbolism:

   - The "wild cat" symbolizes an uncontrollable and potentially dangerous force. This can be interpreted as a representation of the political or social forces that intimidate and suppress dissent. The symbolism of the wild cat adds to the poem's theme of fear and resistance.

6. Juxtaposition:

   - There is a stark juxtaposition between the calm, natural imagery of the tree and the violent, aggressive imagery of the boa and the wild cat. This contrast highlights the tension between the speaker’s inner calm and the turbulent forces that threaten to disrupt it.

Language and Diction

Awala’s choice of words is deliberate and evocative. The diction is simple yet powerful, capturing a raw emotional state. Words like "groggy," "swaying," and "gapes" convey a sense of instability and discomfort. The use of more aggressive terms such as "strike in anger" and "wild cat" underscores the intensity of the speaker's emotions and the external pressures they face. The language is informal and direct, which serves to make the reader feel the immediacy of the speaker’s distress.

Mood and Tone

The mood of the poem is one of turmoil and restlessness. The imagery and metaphors create an atmosphere of unease and agitation. The tone of the poem is reflective and somewhat defiant. The speaker seems to be wrestling with their own emotions and the external forces acting upon them. There is a sense of frustration and a desire for change, tempered by a recognition of the dangers involved in challenging the status quo.

Context

"In the Gust" was written in the context of political unrest in Nigeria during the late 20th century. The country was experiencing significant turmoil due to military rule, corruption, and human rights abuses. Awala’s work reflects the broader societal struggles and protests against military oppression. The poem’s themes of internal conflict and desire for change resonate with the political climate of the time, emphasizing the personal and collective struggles against authoritarian control.

Conclusion

"In the Gust" by Nwafor Awala is a poignant reflection of internal and external conflict, using vivid metaphors and imagery to explore themes of instability and resistance. The poem captures the emotional turbulence of living under oppressive conditions and the complex desire for change. Through its powerful use of language and literary devices, the poem not only conveys the speaker’s personal turmoil but also resonates with the broader socio-political struggles of its time.