African Poetry as an Expression of Agony

Abstract

This study focuses on sociological study of selected African poems as an expression of agony which seeks to addressthe issues of oppression, psychological torture, injustice, apartheid, racism oppression and man’s inhumanity to manin the society. Since series of poems of culture, love, nature and animalistic voices are mostly presented by the critics,this study has as focus poetry as an expression of agony and pain in Africa.The study therefore adopted an analytic approach in its examination of the poems. The natures of agony as well assuggested resolution to this agony in the poems are pointed out with close reference to the selected poems. Poeticdevices of the two (2) poems (Nightfall in Soweto and Peasant) are also analysed in attempt to discuss the themes ofthe poems. In conclusion, it was discovered that the poems exposed the terrible state of affairs in Africa through thepoet’s effective use of symbols and images.