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Makola by Theresa Ennin
Head bent, rags all around the upside down pan
Picking her nose, shuffling her feet, oblivious to the bustle and the calls of the driver’s mates.
This morning she quarrelled with the husband
Why wouldn’t he understand that her work is very tedious and involving?
Why must it all be on his terms, at his convenience?
“Move out of the way, move out, I say” shouts the cart pusher
None cares about his agitation.
The sweat runs down his face, tiny rivulets of disappointment and fear
They snake down and glide effortlessly into his dirty t-shirt
His tongue peeps out and licks the beads of sweat on his lip.
That young girl with the thin arms balances a bowl of sachet water on her head
The runny-nose baby at her back is supported with a faded ATL cloth.
He holds in his hands a battered teddy with an eye missing.
The baby whimpers, she tries to soothe him by patting his leg.
He refuses to be soothed and gives out a loud yell.
“Put him to the breast”, one woman counsels.
“I can’t”, she says, “I have no breast milk
General Introduction
"MAKOLA" is a poem by Theresa Ennin, a poet whose work often reflects the harsh realities of everyday life in urban Ghana. Ennin's poetry frequently delves into the struggles of the common people, particularly women, within the socio-economic context of modern Ghanaian society. "MAKOLA" is set against the backdrop of Makola Market, one of the busiest and most iconic marketplaces in Accra, Ghana. The poem vividly portrays the daily challenges faced by individuals trying to make a living in such a bustling, chaotic environment. It reflects on themes of poverty, gender roles, and the social dynamics at play within the market setting. Ennin's style is marked by a keen observation of human behavior and an empathetic portrayal of her subjects.
Title
The title "MAKOLA" immediately situates the poem within the context of the Makola Market, a place synonymous with commerce, noise, and human activity. The title sets the stage for a poem that delves into the lives of those who inhabit this space, hinting at themes of struggle, survival, and the everyday realities of urban life in Ghana. It suggests a focus on the microcosm of society that exists within the market, where various social issues are played out on a daily basis.
Themes of the Poem "MAKOLA" by Theresa Ennin
"MAKOLA" by Theresa Ennin explores several intertwined themes that reflect the complexities of life in an urban Ghanaian market. These themes include poverty and economic struggle, gender roles and expectations, motherhood, urban alienation, and resilience. Through the detailed portrayal of characters in Makola Market, Ennin brings these themes to life, making them resonate with the reader.
1. Poverty and Economic Struggle
One of the most prominent themes in the poem is poverty and economic struggle. The characters depicted in the poem are engaged in a daily battle for survival. The woman, who quarrels with her husband over the tedious nature of her work, represents the countless individuals in the market whose lives are defined by economic hardship. The cart pusher, whose sweat is described as "tiny rivulets of disappointment and fear," symbolizes the physical and emotional toll that poverty takes on people. The poem vividly portrays how these characters are weighed down by their economic circumstances, forced to toil under harsh conditions with little hope of relief. The struggle for economic survival is a pervasive force in the lives of the market-goers, shaping their actions, emotions, and interactions.
2. Gender Roles and Expectations
Gender roles and societal expectations are another significant theme in "MAKOLA." The poem highlights the traditional gender roles that confine the women in the market. The woman who quarrels with her husband is frustrated by his lack of understanding of the demands of her work, reflecting the broader societal expectation that women should conform to certain roles, often at the expense of their well-being. The young girl balancing a bowl of sachet water on her head while caring for a baby is another example of the heavy burdens placed on women, especially in economically disadvantaged settings. These portrayals underscore the double burden that many women face—working to earn a living while also managing household and childcare responsibilities. The poem critiques the societal norms that expect women to shoulder these burdens without complaint, highlighting the need for greater empathy and support for women in these roles.
3. Motherhood
Motherhood is a central theme in the poem, explored through the experiences of the young girl caring for her baby. Her situation is particularly poignant—despite her youth and the demands of her work, she is expected to care for her child. The advice from another woman to "put him to the breast" underscores the societal expectation that a mother should always be able to provide for her child. However, the girl’s response, "I have no breast milk," reveals a tragic reality: she is unable to fulfill this basic maternal role due to her own deprivation. This highlights the vulnerability of mothers, especially young and impoverished ones, who struggle to meet the needs of their children in an environment where resources are scarce. The theme of motherhood in "MAKOLA" is thus intertwined with the theme of poverty, illustrating how economic hardship exacerbates the challenges of being a mother.
4. Urban Alienation
The theme of urban alienation is evident in the way the characters in the poem seem isolated despite being surrounded by crowds in the market. The woman picking her nose and shuffling her feet appears disconnected from the bustling activity around her, "oblivious to the bustle and the calls of the driver’s mates." Similarly, the cart pusher’s frustration and fear go unnoticed by those around him. This sense of isolation is further emphasized by the lack of empathy and connection between the characters. The young girl is given advice on how to soothe her baby, but there is little indication that those around her are truly concerned about her well-being. The poem reflects the alienation that can occur in urban environments, where individuals are often so consumed by their own struggles that they become detached from those around them. Makola Market, despite being a hub of human activity, is depicted as a place where people are isolated in their suffering, unable to truly connect with or support one another.
5. Resilience
Despite the harsh realities depicted in the poem, there is an underlying theme of resilience. The characters in "MAKOLA" continue to endure and navigate the difficulties of their lives, even when faced with overwhelming odds. The woman, despite her quarrel with her husband and the tedious nature of her work, continues to be present in the market. The cart pusher, despite his sweat and fear, continues to push his cart. The young girl, though burdened by the weight of her work and the responsibility of caring for her child, continues to move forward. This resilience is a testament to the strength of the human spirit, particularly in the face of adversity. Ennin’s portrayal of these characters is empathetic, acknowledging their struggles while also celebrating their determination to survive. The theme of resilience in "MAKOLA" serves as a reminder of the enduring strength of those who live on the margins of society, forced to navigate a world that often seems indifferent to their suffering.
Theresa Ennin’s "MAKOLA" is a powerful exploration of life in an urban Ghanaian market, with themes that resonate far beyond the specific setting of the poem. Through her depiction of poverty, gender roles, motherhood, urban alienation, and resilience, Ennin sheds light on the complex realities faced by the individuals who inhabit these spaces. The poem serves as both a critique of the socio-economic conditions that perpetuate these struggles and a celebration of the human capacity to endure and survive in the face of overwhelming challenges. "MAKOLA" invites readers to reflect on the lives of those who are often overlooked, offering a poignant reminder of the shared humanity that connects us all, regardless of our circumstances.
Literary Devices
1. Imagery:
- The poem is rich with vivid imagery that paints a detailed picture of the market scene. For example, "Head bent, rags all around the upside down pan" creates a visual image of a weary woman surrounded by the detritus of her life, conveying a sense of poverty and exhaustion. The description of the "tiny rivulets of disappointment and fear" running down the cart pusher's face as sweat evokes a strong emotional response, highlighting his inner turmoil.
2. Metaphor:
- Ennin uses metaphor to deepen the emotional impact of the poem. The "tiny rivulets of disappointment and fear" are not just sweat but symbolize the cart pusher’s overwhelming sense of hopelessness and anxiety, as these emotions seem to physically manifest on his body.
3. Personification:
- The poet personifies the sweat on the cart pusher’s face: "They snake down and glide effortlessly into his dirty t-shirt." This personification gives the sweat a life of its own, emphasizing how it seems to mock his efforts by moving with ease while he struggles.
4. Alliteration:
- Alliteration is used subtly to create rhythm and emphasize certain aspects of the poem. For instance, "shuffling her feet" and "runny-nose baby" are examples where the repetition of consonant sounds draws attention to the actions and descriptions, making them more memorable.
5. Dialogue:
- The inclusion of dialogue, such as "Move out of the way, move out, I say" and "Put him to the breast," adds realism to the poem, bringing the reader into the immediate environment of the market. It also helps to convey the urgency and the everyday nature of the interactions in the market.
6. Irony:
- There is a sense of irony in the woman’s situation, particularly in the line, "I can’t, she says, I have no breast milk." Despite the advice from another woman, the young girl is unable to soothe her baby due to her lack of nourishment, highlighting the cruel irony of a mother who cannot fulfill her basic role because of her own deprivation.
Language and Diction
Theresa Ennin’s choice of language in "MAKOLA" is both direct and evocative, reflecting the harsh realities of life in the market. The diction is informal, mirroring the everyday speech of the people she describes. Words like "quarrelled," "shuffling," and "whimpers" are simple yet powerful, conveying the weariness and struggle of the characters. The use of local references, such as "ATL cloth," grounds the poem in a specific cultural context, making it relatable to a Ghanaian audience. The language is unembellished but rich in meaning, allowing the emotions and realities of the market-goers to come through clearly.
Mood and Tone
The mood of the poem is one of resignation and weariness, reflecting the difficult lives of the characters within the market. The tone is empathetic but also carries a sense of sadness as the poet observes the struggles of these individuals. There is a somber undercurrent to the poem, as it highlights the daily grind and the lack of relief for those in the market. The tone is neither judgmental nor detached; instead, it is one of quiet observation, allowing the reader to feel the weight of the characters' experiences.
Context
"MAKOLA" is set in the socio-economic context of urban Ghana, specifically within the bustling environment of Makola Market in Accra. The market is a microcosm of the larger society, where issues of poverty, gender roles, and economic struggle are starkly visible. The poem reflects the challenges faced by women in particular, who often bear the brunt of both economic hardship and societal expectations. Ennin’s portrayal of these characters is shaped by the historical and cultural realities of Ghana, where the market is not just a place of commerce but also a space where the complexities of life are played out daily.
Conclusion
"MAKOLA" by Theresa Ennin is a poignant exploration of life in one of Accra's most famous markets. Through vivid imagery, careful diction, and empathetic observation, the poem captures the struggles and resilience of the people who inhabit this space. The use of literary devices such as metaphor, personification, and dialogue enhances the emotional impact of the poem, drawing the reader into the harsh realities of the characters' lives. Ennin's work is a powerful reflection on the socio-economic challenges faced by many in urban Ghana, particularly women, and serves as a reminder of the human stories behind the bustling exterior of a place like Makola Market.
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