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General Introduction
"999 Smiles" is a reflective and emotive poem by Atukwei Okai, a prominent Ghanaian poet and academic known for his unique blend of traditional African oral storytelling techniques and contemporary themes. Born in 1941, Okai was a cultural advocate whose work often infused proverbs, folklore, and political commentary, portraying the dynamic nature of African life, social injustices, and personal betrayals. This poem exemplifies his style, merging lyrical repetition and powerful imagery to comment on fractured relationships and societal discord. Written in a period marked by post-colonial identity struggles in Africa, the poem seems to carry an underlying critique of both personal and broader societal betrayals.
Title
The title, "999 Smiles," immediately grabs attention, evoking a sense of joy, harmony, and positivity associated with smiles. However, the inclusion of a specific number—999—implies an almost complete cycle, just one smile short of a perfect thousand, hinting at the disruption of harmony. This sets the tone for a poem where something once pleasant has been interrupted, suggesting a narrative of conflict or betrayal after a period of agreement or happiness.
Themes in 999 Smiles by Atukwei Okai
Atukwei Okai’s 999 Smiles is a multi-layered poem that explores complex themes of betrayal, the loss of harmony, conflict, communal ties, restraint, and the significance of tradition. Each theme is intricately woven into the fabric of the poem, revealing deeper insights into both the personal and cultural experiences of the speaker. Below is an elaborate analysis of the primary themes in the poem.
1. Betrayal and Disillusionment
At the heart of 999 Smiles is the theme of betrayal. The speaker feels a deep sense of disillusionment, expressed through the metaphor of the once-shared “smiles” being disrupted by a “quarrel.” The repetition of phrases like "hurling stones" underscores the intensity of the betrayal. This betrayal, whether by a friend, a leader, or a community member, is felt deeply by the speaker, who reflects on how the harmony of their relationship has been shattered.
The "stones" symbolize the malicious attacks or harmful actions of the betrayer, turning what was once a positive, mutually respectful relationship into one of conflict and animosity.
The speaker's repeated lament, "see where today you have gone to sit... throwing... stones at us," conveys not just surprise, but deep hurt and a sense of violation. The sense of unity that existed between the speaker and the betrayer is now gone, replaced by antagonism and pain.
This theme also speaks to a broader social and cultural context. The betrayal could be seen as representing larger communal or political fractures, where trust within a society or between individuals has been compromised, leading to discord.
2. The Fragility of Harmony
Another central theme is the fragility of harmony in human relationships. The poem begins by referencing "nine hundred and ninety-nine smiles," suggesting that there was once almost perfect agreement, understanding, and goodwill. However, this harmony was disrupted by "one quarrel." This speaks to how delicate peace and understanding are—one small action or moment of conflict can undo years of camaraderie and mutual respect.
The natural order, such as "The sun rises in the East / And sets in the West," serves as a metaphor for the once-stable relationship between the speaker and the betrayer. Just as the laws of nature are unchanging, the speaker assumed the harmony in their relationship would endure. However, the discord has violated this assumed constancy, disrupting the natural order.
The theme of harmony being broken also extends to societal relations, where long-standing peace can be easily fractured by a singular act of betrayal or disagreement.
3. Restraint and the Power of Non-Retaliation
Restraint is a significant theme in 999 Smiles. Although the speaker is clearly hurt and angered by the betrayal, they choose not to retaliate. The repeated reference to the speaker’s hands, and the fact that they would catch the stones but not throw them back, symbolizes their restraint. The speaker acknowledges their pain but refuses to stoop to the level of their aggressor by seeking revenge.
"And if I still had my hands... I would catch / And keep your stone without thinking / Of throwing them back at you" encapsulates the speaker’s commitment to non-retaliation.
This act of restraint not only elevates the speaker’s moral stance but also aligns with cultural wisdom, where measured responses are often valued over impulsive reactions. The speaker’s decision to refrain from retaliation reflects a deep sense of patience and maturity, as well as respect for communal peace.
4. Conflict and Consequences
Conflict, both personal and communal, is another prominent theme. The "stones" being thrown are not just physical objects; they represent harsh words, actions, or even symbolic attacks on the speaker and their community. This conflict has severe consequences, as indicated by the speaker's fear of arousing the ancestors, who may respond with destructive force:
"Lest the fast and faithful winds repeat it to the hearing of / Our ancestors who are asleep with their eyes, but not asleep with / Their ears."
The ancestors represent the collective moral authority of the community, and their intervention could bring disastrous consequences. The speaker warns of the possibility that the conflict could escalate to a point where even the natural or spiritual order is disrupted, resulting in punishment or further division.
Thus, the theme of conflict is intertwined with the idea of consequences—not just for the individuals involved but for the broader community.
5. Communal Bonds and Ancestral Influence
A major theme that runs through the poem is the importance of communal bonds and the influence of ancestors. In many African cultures, the community and the connection to ancestors are seen as essential components of individual identity and social order. The speaker invokes the ancestors, who, though “asleep with their eyes,” are always listening, and their potential involvement looms over the entire narrative.
The ancestors are portrayed as powerful figures who can rise "angrily" and shake "the decayed drooping branch" on which the betrayer sits. This allusion to ancestors is not just a reflection of spiritual belief but also a cultural reminder of the importance of maintaining harmony and respect within the community.
The theme emphasizes that betrayal and conflict are not merely personal issues but affect the entire community. The ancestors, who are part of the communal consciousness, are disturbed by the actions of the betrayer, further underscoring the weight of the conflict.
6. The Cycle of Time and Human Imperfection
The recurring motif of "nine hundred and ninety-nine smiles" reflects the theme of time and human imperfection. The smiles signify past joy and shared experiences, but the number stops just short of a thousand, suggesting that perfection in human relationships is impossible. There is always room for conflict, for things to go wrong, as highlighted by the "one quarrel" that disrupts the smiles.
The contrast between the near-perfect past (represented by the smiles) and the present discord (represented by the quarrel and stones) speaks to the inevitability of conflict and the fragile nature of human connections.
This theme highlights the fact that relationships are inherently imperfect, and even the closest bonds are subject to strain and breakdown. Yet, despite this imperfection, there remains the possibility for reconciliation or, at the very least, a refusal to escalate the conflict further.
7. The Cycle of Violence
The hurling of "stones" at the speaker is symbolic of a cycle of violence or aggression. The act of throwing stones is repeated throughout the poem, signifying the ongoing nature of the conflict. However, the speaker chooses to break this cycle by not retaliating. This highlights a key theme in the poem—the possibility of ending violence through restraint and wisdom rather than perpetuating it.
The speaker’s refusal to throw the stones back represents a conscious decision to stop the cycle of violence. Instead, they speak of gathering the stones for a future purpose, perhaps one of survival or creation rather than destruction. This introduces the idea that conflicts, once resolved, can become resources for growth and progress rather than continuous strife.
In 999 Smiles, Atukwei Okai explores a wide range of themes, from betrayal and disillusionment to the fragility of human relationships and the power of restraint. The poem highlights the importance of communal bonds, the wisdom of non-retaliation, and the role of ancestors in maintaining moral order. At its core, the poem is a reflection on the inevitability of conflict in human relationships and the choices individuals make in response to betrayal. Through its exploration of these themes, the poem resonates with broader cultural and philosophical questions about the nature of harmony, the consequences of conflict, and the wisdom required to navigate life’s challenges.
Literary Devices
1. Repetition: The repetition of phrases like "stones... at us..." and "still" reinforces the emotional weight of the betrayal described in the poem. This device heightens the intensity of the speaker’s frustration and disappointment, emphasizing how continuous and deliberate the attacks feel:
"hurling... stones... at us... wrathful... stones... at us..."
"still our earth is round and not flat"
2. Metaphor: Stones are used metaphorically throughout the poem to represent the verbal or emotional attacks that the speaker endures. These stones are not literal but symbolize harmful words or actions. The act of hurling stones is likened to hurling pain or malice:
"you have gone to sit... throwing... stones... at us... poisonous stones"
3. Personification: The ancestors in the poem are given human-like qualities, such as the ability to hear and react, despite being asleep. This personification imbues the ancestors with an omnipresent power, a connection to the living world:
"our ancestors who are asleep with their eyes, but not asleep with their ears"
4. Alliteration: Alliteration adds a musical quality to the poem while drawing attention to certain images. In lines such as "venomous stones," "wrathful stones," and "saddening stones," the repetition of the initial consonant sound makes these phrases more impactful:
"satanic... stones... at us"
"fleshy birds that above our heads are perched"
5. Imagery: The poem is rich in imagery, particularly that of natural elements like the sun, earth, rain, and smoke. These images ground the poem in a universal reality, yet the betrayal the speaker feels is juxtaposed against the natural order:
"The sun rises in the East and sets in the West"
"Smokes rise from the earth, reaching for the sky"
6. Enjambment: Okai employs enjambment, where lines flow into one another without pause, creating a sense of urgency and emotional spillover. This mirrors the feelings of overwhelming betrayal the speaker experiences:
"But all the same, I shall not even / Utter your name, lest the fast and / Faithful / Winds repeat it"
Language and Diction
Atukwei Okai uses a blend of formal and colloquial diction, imbuing the poem with both a solemnity and an informal directness. The language is simple yet powerful, avoiding overly complicated words to ensure the emotional weight of the narrative is not diluted. His use of phrases like "satanic stones" and "poisonous stones" showcases a calculated intensity, as these words convey the severity of the betrayal. Furthermore, Okai avoids specific names, instead referring to general concepts like "our ancestors," which helps universalize the poem’s themes of conflict and disillusionment.
Mood and Tone
The mood of the poem shifts between frustration, sadness, and quiet resolve. It begins with a reflective and somewhat nostalgic tone, as the speaker recalls the harmony that once existed ("nine hundred and ninety-nine smiles / plus one quarrel ago"). However, the tone becomes increasingly bitter and accusatory as the poem progresses, especially with the repeated imagery of stones being hurled:
"see where today you have gone to sit... throwing... stones" Despite this bitterness, the speaker maintains a tone of restraint, as seen in their refusal to retaliate or even utter the offender’s name, indicating a deeper wisdom and patience.
Context
Atukwei Okai wrote during a time of significant social and political change in post-colonial Africa, particularly in Ghana, where nation-building and the search for identity were paramount. In "999 Smiles," this context can be felt in the underlying themes of betrayal and disillusionment. The poem may reflect personal or societal conflicts—perhaps a friend or a leader who has turned against the community, symbolized by the "throwing of stones." The invocation of ancestors points to the importance of tradition and community in African societies, where betrayal is not just a personal affront but an offense against the larger social order. The poet's reluctance to retaliate, instead placing trust in the ancestors, reflects a cultural reverence for the past and the wisdom of those who came before.
Conclusion
"999 Smiles" by Atukwei Okai is a powerful exploration of betrayal and disillusionment, wrapped in rich imagery and African cultural references. Okai masterfully uses literary devices like metaphor, repetition, and personification to underscore the emotional intensity of the speaker's experience. The poem, though deeply personal in its portrayal of a rift between individuals, also speaks to broader themes of communal discord, reminding readers of the value of harmony, tradition, and resilience. Through the symbolic "stones," Okai encapsulates the pain of betrayal, while also suggesting the possibility of healing and restoration.
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