Complete Analysis of Walls by Oswald Mbuyiseni Mtshali

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General Introduction

- Poet and Poem: The poem is "Walls" by Oswald Mbuyiseni Mtshali. Oswald Mbuyiseni Mtshali (1940–1998) was a South African poet, playwright, and journalist who was prominent during the apartheid era. His work often reflects his experiences and the socio-political climate of South Africa, exploring themes of oppression, resistance, and human resilience.

- Context about the Poet: Mtshali’s poetry is marked by its engagement with the struggles of black South Africans under apartheid. His style combines a keen sense of observation with a lyrical, often stark approach to language. Written during the apartheid period, his work encapsulates the tension and complexity of living in a deeply divided society.

Title

- Analysis: The title "Walls" immediately suggests the central metaphor of the poem: walls as physical and metaphorical barriers. It hints at the exploration of boundaries, both tangible and intangible, that humans construct. The title sets the tone for a reflection on the nature of these barriers and their impact on human emotions and relationships.

Themes of the Poem 

The poem “Walls” by Oswald Mbuyiseni Mtshali explores several profound themes through its imagery and metaphor. These themes include emotional isolation, psychological barriers, and the impact of human constructs on relationships and personal well-being. Here's a detailed analysis of these themes:

 1. Emotional Isolation:

The central theme of the poem is emotional isolation, represented by the metaphor of walls. The poem describes how individuals build metaphorical walls around themselves, leading to a profound sense of isolation. The walls mentioned are compared to significant historical and religious barriers like the Berlin Wall and the Wailing Wall of Jerusalem, which symbolize separation and alienation on a grand scale. This comparison highlights how personal emotional walls can be as formidable and significant as these historical constructs. 

The wall described as "most impregnable" and having a "moat / flowing with fright" around the heart vividly depicts the deep-seated fear and emotional isolation that individuals experience. This imagery suggests that the walls are not just physical but are fortified by internal fears and anxieties, making genuine connection and emotional openness exceedingly difficult.

 2. Psychological Barriers:

Closely related to emotional isolation is the theme of psychological barriers. The poem illustrates how people create barriers within their own minds, which prevent them from experiencing spiritual and emotional fulfillment. The “wall / without windows” represents a closed-off mental state where the spirit cannot freely “breeze through,” indicating a lack of openness to personal growth or new experiences. Similarly, a wall “without a door” prevents love from entering, symbolizing how these psychological barriers inhibit the ability to form meaningful connections with others.

These barriers are portrayed as self-imposed limitations that hinder one's ability to engage with the world and others in a genuine and open manner. The poem critiques these psychological constructs as detrimental to personal well-being and interpersonal relationships.

 3. The Impact of Human Constructs:

The poem also reflects on the broader impact of human constructs, both physical and metaphorical, on individuals and societies. By comparing personal walls to historically significant barriers, Mtshali underscores the idea that these constructs can have profound and far-reaching effects. The historical walls mentioned are associated with division and conflict, which mirrors how personal emotional and psychological barriers can create and reinforce separation between individuals.

This theme is particularly poignant in the context of apartheid South Africa, where physical and systemic barriers divided people along racial lines. The poem’s exploration of walls as both personal and societal constructs highlights the destructive nature of such divisions and calls attention to the need for greater openness and connection.

 4. The Search for Connection:

Underlying the themes of isolation and barriers is a profound yearning for connection. The poem implicitly contrasts the constructed walls with the human need for love and spiritual connection. By illustrating what is lacking (windows for the spirit and doors for love), the poem suggests that these barriers prevent individuals from achieving meaningful relationships and personal fulfillment. The absence of these features in the wall symbolizes a desire for openness and connectivity that is thwarted by self-imposed restrictions.

 5. Critique of Self-Defensive Mechanisms:

The poem critiques the mechanisms people use to defend themselves emotionally. The metaphor of the wall as a defensive structure reveals how individuals often build emotional barriers as a form of self-protection. However, these defenses also lead to isolation and hinder personal growth. The moat “flowing with fright” around the heart indicates that these defensive measures, while intended to protect, also perpetuate fear and prevent vulnerability.

 6. The Role of Fear:

Fear plays a significant role in the poem, influencing the creation and maintenance of emotional and psychological barriers. The “moat / flowing with fright” around the heart suggests that fear is a major factor in the construction of these barriers. This fear can stem from past experiences, insecurities, or the anticipation of harm, leading individuals to build walls that further isolate them from others. The poem reflects on how fear can entrench isolation and inhibit the ability to connect with others.

Through its vivid metaphors and imagery, “Walls” by Oswald Mbuyiseni Mtshali delves into themes of emotional isolation, psychological barriers, and the impact of human constructs on relationships and personal well-being. The poem critiques the self-defensive mechanisms individuals use to protect themselves, revealing how these barriers often lead to deeper isolation rather than providing true protection. By reflecting on the profound effects of these barriers and the yearning for genuine connection, the poem encourages a reevaluation of how we approach emotional and psychological walls in our own lives.

Literary Devices

1. Metaphor: The poem uses walls as a metaphor for emotional and psychological barriers. For example, "Man is / a great wall builder— / the Berlin Wall, / the Wailing Wall of Jerusalem—" compares human emotional walls to historically significant walls, indicating their formidable nature and the profound impact they have.

2. Imagery: The poem vividly describes the moat "flowing with fright" around the heart, creating a powerful image of fear as a barrier. This imagery conveys the depth and intensity of the emotional isolation described.

3. Alliteration: The line "a wall / without windows" employs alliteration with the repetition of the 'w' sound. This repetition emphasizes the wall's impenetrability and the sense of confinement.

4. Juxtaposition: The juxtaposition of "A wall / without windows / for the spirit / to breeze through" and "A wall / without a door / for love to walk in" contrasts the desire for spiritual and emotional openness with the actual absence of these qualities in the metaphorical wall.

5. Symbolism: The "Berlin Wall" and the "Wailing Wall of Jerusalem" symbolize historical and religious barriers, respectively. These symbols underscore the historical and emotional weight of the barriers humans construct, reflecting their significance in both personal and collective contexts.

6. Personification: The poet personifies the wall, attributing it human characteristics. For instance, "has a moat / flowing with fright / around his heart" implies that the wall, an inanimate object, can possess emotions like fear, emphasizing the depth of human emotional isolation.

Language and Diction

- Choice of Words: The diction in the poem is simple yet profound. Words like "impregnable," "moat," "fright," and "spirit" convey a deep sense of impenetrability and emotional distress. The formal and descriptive language underscores the serious tone and the gravity of the barriers discussed.

- Dialect and Formality: The poem does not use dialect or slang but maintains a formal tone, which enhances its universal appeal and gravity. The choice of words reflects a serious and contemplative attitude toward the subject matter.

Mood and Tone

- Mood: The mood of the poem is one of melancholy and introspection. It evokes a sense of sadness and contemplation about the barriers that people build around themselves and how these barriers affect their relationships and emotional well-being.

- Tone: The tone is contemplative and critical. The poet reflects on the nature of human-built walls and their impact, suggesting a critical view of the ways in which people isolate themselves emotionally and spiritually.

Context

- Historical and Cultural Context: Written during the apartheid era in South Africa, the poem can be interpreted as a commentary on both personal and political barriers. The historical context of systemic racial segregation and oppression influences the poem’s exploration of walls as symbols of division and isolation.

- Influence on Themes: The themes of emotional and psychological barriers are reflective of the broader social and political climate of the time. The poem critiques not only personal barriers but also the larger social structures that create and reinforce divisions.

Conclusion

"Walls" by Oswald Mbuyiseni Mtshali uses the metaphor of walls to explore themes of emotional and psychological isolation. Through vivid imagery, symbolism, and personification, the poem critiques the barriers people build around themselves and the impact of these barriers on their lives and relationships. The historical context of apartheid South Africa adds a layer of depth to the poem's exploration of division, making it a poignant reflection on both personal and societal boundaries.