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The Watchman's Blues by Oswald Mbuyiseni Mtshali
High up
in the loft of a skyscraper,
above the penthouse of the potentate,
he huddles
in his nest by day; by night
he is an owl that descends,
knobkierie in hand,
to catch the rats that come
to nibble the treasure-strewn street windows.
He sits near a brazier,
his head bobbing like a fish cork
in the serene waters of sleep.
The jemmy boys
have not paid him a visit,
but if they come
he will die in honor,
die fighting
like a full-blooded Zulu—
and the baas will say:
“Here’s ten pounds.
Jim was a good boy.”
General Introduction
Poet and Poem:
"The Watchman's Blues" is a poem by Oswald Mbuyiseni Mtshali, a South African poet known for his vivid portrayals of urban and rural life in apartheid-era South Africa. Mtshali's poetry often reflects the socio-political landscape of his time, highlighting themes of struggle, resilience, and the complexities of post-colonial identity.
Context
Oswald Mtshali was born in 1940 in South Africa, a period marked by the harsh realities of apartheid. His work often addresses the struggles faced by the oppressed under this regime. "The Watchman's Blues" was published in the late 20th century, a time when South Africa was grappling with political unrest and social change. Mtshali's style blends colloquial language with rich imagery, capturing the nuances of his characters' lives.
Title
Title Analysis
The title, "The Watchman's Blues," suggests a focus on the experiences and emotional state of a watchman, a figure traditionally associated with vigilance and protection. The word "blues" conveys a sense of melancholy or discontent, hinting at the watchman’s emotional or existential struggles. This title sets the tone for a poem that explores themes of duty, sacrifice, and the harsh realities of the watchman’s life.
Themes in "The Watchman's Blues"
Oswald Mtshali's "The Watchman's Blues" explores several profound themes through its depiction of a night watchman’s life. Each theme reflects broader social and historical contexts, providing insight into the individual’s experience within a systemic framework of inequality. The prominent themes in the poem include:
1. Sacrifice and Duty
Exploration:
The theme of sacrifice and duty is central to the poem, illustrated through the watchman’s role and his sense of commitment to his job. The watchman is depicted as a vigilant figure, working tirelessly to protect the valuable property below. His willingness to risk his life ("die in honor, die fighting") emphasizes his deep sense of duty.
Illustration in the Poem:
The watchman's dedication is evident when he is described as a “full-blooded Zulu” ready to defend against potential threats. His readiness to confront danger, even at the cost of his life, underscores the theme of sacrifice. The contrast between his noble intentions and the meager recognition he receives—“Here’s ten pounds. Jim was a good boy”—highlights the disparity between his sacrifices and the reward he gets.
Significance:
This theme reflects the broader socio-economic realities faced by individuals in marginalized positions. The watchman's sacrifice goes largely unrecognized and undervalued, illustrating how those who serve and protect often do so under conditions of great personal risk and minimal reward.
2. Social Inequality and Exploitation
Exploration:
Social inequality and exploitation are prominent themes, revealed through the watchman’s socioeconomic status and his treatment by his employer. The watchman’s position atop a skyscraper—physically elevated but socially marginalized—symbolizes the vast divide between his world and that of the wealthy potentate he guards.
Illustration in the Poem:
The watchman’s low pay and lack of proper recognition (“Here’s ten pounds”) emphasize his exploitation. Despite his critical role, he is financially undervalued, reflecting a broader critique of systemic inequities where those in lower socio-economic roles are often exploited.
Significance:
This theme underscores the economic and social disparities that were prevalent in apartheid South Africa. The watchman’s plight represents the broader injustices faced by the working class and marginalized communities, highlighting how economic structures perpetuate inequality.
3. Isolation and Alienation
Exploration:
Isolation and alienation are explored through the watchman’s solitary existence and the metaphorical distance between him and the world he protects. His “nest” in the loft, removed from the penthouse below, signifies his physical and emotional separation from the wealth and power he is supposed to safeguard.
Illustration in the Poem:
The watchman is depicted as an isolated figure, both in his elevated position and in his role as a solitary guardian. His separation from the wealthy residents he protects and his own quiet, solitary vigilance reflect a deeper sense of alienation.
Significance:
This theme reflects the watchman’s disconnectedness from the life of comfort enjoyed by those he guards. It also symbolizes the broader sense of alienation experienced by individuals in subordinate roles within a hierarchical and unequal society.
4. Tradition vs. Modernity
Exploration:
The tension between tradition and modernity is evident in the watchman’s use of traditional symbols (such as the knobkierie) amidst the modern setting of a skyscraper. This theme explores how traditional values and roles intersect with contemporary realities.
Illustration in the Poem:
The watchman’s “knobkierie” (a traditional Zulu club) represents his connection to traditional warrior values, while his role as a guard in a modern skyscraper reflects the intersection of these values with contemporary urban life. This juxtaposition highlights the ongoing relevance of traditional roles and values in a rapidly modernizing world.
Significance:
This theme illustrates the persistence of cultural identity and traditional practices even within modern contexts. It also emphasizes how traditional roles and symbols continue to play a part in contemporary life, despite the overwhelming influence of modernity.
5. The Illusion of Heroism
Exploration:
The illusion of heroism is critiqued through the watchman’s valorized image contrasted with his real-life insignificance and poor treatment. The poem questions the authenticity of the hero narrative when weighed against the harsh realities faced by those who are celebrated superficially.
Illustration in the Poem:
The line “he will die in honor” creates a heroic image, yet this is undercut by the trivial reward he receives (“ten pounds”). The disparity between the watchman’s valor and the minimal acknowledgment he receives exposes the gap between societal ideals of heroism and the reality of his exploitation.
Significance:
This theme critiques how society often romanticizes and superficially honors those in service roles while failing to address the underlying issues of exploitation and inadequate compensation. It underscores the discrepancy between heroic ideals and the actual treatment of those who embody these ideals.
In "The Watchman's Blues," Oswald Mtshali uses the character of the watchman to explore themes of sacrifice, social inequality, isolation, the tension between tradition and modernity, and the illusion of heroism. Each theme reflects broader socio-economic and cultural issues, particularly those relevant to the context of apartheid South Africa. Through vivid imagery and critical tone, Mtshali not only portrays the watchman’s personal struggles but also provides a commentary on systemic injustices and the complexities of identity and value in a divided society.
Literary Devices
1. Imagery:
- “High up in the loft of a skyscraper” creates a vivid image of the watchman’s elevated and isolated position, emphasizing his detachment from the bustling city below.
- “His head bobbing like a fish cork” uses simile to describe the watchman’s sleepy demeanor, likening it to a fish cork floating on water, suggesting his semi-conscious state.
2. Simile:
- “He is an owl that descends” compares the watchman to an owl, symbolizing his nocturnal vigilance and silent, predatory nature as he monitors the streets at night.
3. Metaphor:
- “Knobkierie in hand” metaphorically positions the watchman as a warrior, with the knobkierie (a traditional Zulu club) symbolizing his readiness to defend his post, blending traditional imagery with his role as a protector.
4. Symbolism:
- The “brazier” represents a source of warmth and comfort, contrasting with the harshness of the watchman's job and underscoring his need for solace amidst his duties.
5. Irony:
- The line “if they come he will die in honor” is ironic because despite his potential sacrifice, the watchman’s fate is trivialized by the promise of a mere “ten pounds,” which underscores the disparity between his value and the meager compensation he receives.
6. Allusion:
- The reference to “a full-blooded Zulu” alludes to traditional Zulu warrior values, suggesting that the watchman’s bravery is linked to a historical legacy of valor, even though his current situation does not reflect these ideals.
Language and Diction
Diction
Mtshali’s choice of words is both colloquial and evocative, capturing the watchman's gritty reality. Terms like "knobkierie," "jemmy boys," and "baas" reflect a mix of indigenous and colonial influences, revealing the socio-economic dynamics at play. The use of “brazier” and “knobkierie” adds a layer of traditional cultural references, while “bossa” reflects the power dynamics of the apartheid era.
Language Contributions
The language contributes to the poem’s tone of resignation and melancholy. The straightforward, almost conversational diction underscores the watchman’s stoic acceptance of his fate, enhancing the sense of inevitability and helplessness in his role.
Mood and Tone
Mood
The mood of the poem is one of melancholy and resignation. The watchman’s life, while vigilant and brave, is overshadowed by a sense of futility and an underlying sadness.
Tone
The tone is both critical and reflective. Mtshali’s portrayal of the watchman’s sacrifices and the meager recognition he receives from his employer reflects a critical view of how those in lower socio-economic positions are often undervalued. The tone also reflects empathy for the watchman’s plight and a subtle critique of societal inequities.
Context
Historical and Social Context
The poem was written during a period of intense political and social upheaval in South Africa. Apartheid policies had created vast disparities between different racial and economic groups, with black South Africans often relegated to menial and undervalued roles. The watchman’s experience is emblematic of this larger context, where individuals faced significant personal risks for minimal recognition or reward.
Influence on Themes
The historical context influences the themes of sacrifice, duty, and social injustice in the poem. The watchman’s role as a protector of wealth and his meager reward highlight the exploitation and undervaluation of working-class individuals in a racially and economically stratified society.
Conclusion
"The Watchman's Blues" by Oswald Mtshali poignantly captures the struggles of a man in a marginalized position, reflecting broader themes of sacrifice and social injustice within the framework of apartheid South Africa. Through the use of vivid imagery, symbolism, and a critical tone, Mtshali provides a powerful commentary on the disconnect between the valorized ideals of bravery and the harsh realities faced by those who protect and serve in a deeply inequitable society. The poem remains a significant reflection on the human cost of systemic inequality and the often-unseen sacrifices of the working class.
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