BSEE 35 - AFRO ASIAN LITERATURE

POETRY ANALYSIS
Name: DAQUEL, Romina V. Date: August 08, 2023
Year and Section: BSE English 2C Instructor: Ms.Trina Canizo

Introduction:
Name of Poem: Procession I - Hanging day

Name of Poet: Wole Soyinka

Date of Publication: 1967

Other relevant Wole Soyinka, the poet behind "Procession I - Hanging day," is a
background info: prominent Nigerian playwright, poet, essayist, and literary figure. He was
born on July 13, 1934, in Abeokuta, Nigeria. Soyinka was awarded the
Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986, becoming the first African laureate to
receive this prestigious honor. He is known for his significant
contributions to African literature and his outspoken activism on political
and social issues. "Procession I - Hanging day" is part of his collection
"Idanre and Other Poems," which includes a range of thought-provoking
and impactful poems exploring various themes. The poem itself reflects
Soyinka's engagement with deep societal questions, such as justice, guilt,
and the human experience of confronting mortality. Written during a time
of social and political change in Nigeria, Soyinka's work often reflects the
complexities of the era and his personal perspectives as a writer and
activist.

Form:
Form of poem: The poem "Procession I - Hanging day" by Wole Soyinka belongs to the
genre of free verse poetry. Free verse poetry is characterized by its lack of
a strict rhyme scheme, meter, or rhythmic pattern, allowing for greater
freedom in expression and the arrangement of poetic elements.

Structure of poem: The poem is structured as a single stanza containing 34 lines. The lines
vary in length and do not adhere to a consistent rhyme scheme, which is
characteristic of the free verse style. This form allows Soyinka to convey
a sense of emotional depth and contemplation while eschewing traditional
poetic constraints. The variation in line lengths and the absence of a
distinct rhyme scheme contribute to the poem's reflective and
introspective atmosphere.

Rhyme scheme: "Procession I - Hanging day" does not follow a traditional rhyme scheme,
as it is a free verse poem. The lack of a strict rhyme scheme is a
characteristic feature of free verse, allowing the poet to focus on other
elements of language, such as imagery, symbolism, and rhythm, to
convey meaning and emotion.

Meaning:
Overall Meaning: Procession I - Hanging day" by Wole Soyinka delves into the solemnity
and psychological weight of an execution day, shedding light on the
profound human emotions that surround such a grim event. The poem
presents a vivid portrayal of the procession leading to a hanging,
capturing the atmosphere of impending doom and the inevitability of
 BSEE 35 - AFRO ASIAN LITERATURE

mortality. The title itself implies a ritualistic journey, emphasizing the

idea of a procession as a somber rite. Through imagery like "A hollow
earth / Echoes footsteps of the grave procession" and "Walls in sunspots /
Lean to shadow of the shortening morn," Soyinka creates a sense of
tension and darkness that encapsulates the gravity of the situation. The
poem's fragmented narrative, describing moments of observation and
reflection, mirrors the disconnection and emotional detachment of the
speaker from the harrowing scene. The recurring motif of "drop" and
"dead" adds a rhythmic and symbolic element, underlining the finality of
the act. Ultimately, the poem prompts contemplation on justice, guilt, and
the fragility of life, inviting readers to grapple with the ethical
complexities inherent in matters of life and death.

How the poem relates While "Procession I - Hanging day" is specific in its depiction of a
to life in general, particular event, its themes resonate with broader aspects of human
and/or my life? existence. The poem invites readers to confront the universal realities of
mortality, justice, and the moral implications of societal judgments. The
emotional detachment conveyed by the speaker highlights the human
tendency to distance ourselves from difficult and uncomfortable subjects,
perhaps mirroring how individuals often cope with or desensitize
themselves to harsh realities. The poem prompts self-reflection, urging
readers to consider their own roles as witnesses or participants in societal
judgments and the weight of their decisions on others' lives. In a broader
sense, the poem serves as a poignant commentary on the human
condition, provoking discussions about the nature of justice, the impact of
social systems, and the ethical dilemmas we grapple with in our
collective journey through life.

Figurative Language and Poetic Techniques:

Device/Technique Quote(s) Meaning/ Significance

Metaphor "A hollow earth / Echoes
footsteps of the grave
procession,"
The metaphor of the "hollow earth"
emphasizes the weight of the impending
event. This image not only reflects the
somber tone of the poem but also symbolizes
the vast emptiness and void that death leaves
behind. It highlights the profound absence
and finality associated with executions,
contributing to the poem's exploration of
mortality and the lingering impact of such
acts.

Imagery "Walls in sunspots / Lean to
shadow of the shortening
morn"
The contrasting play of light and shadow
underscores the theme of life's transition into
darkness and death. This imagery enhances
the atmosphere of anticipation and reflects
the tension between life and death, inviting
readers to contemplate the delicate balance
between existence and mortality.

Repetition "Tread. Drop. Dread Drop. The repetition reinforces the inevitable
Dead" progression of the event, echoing the steps of
 BSEE 35 - AFRO ASIAN LITERATURE

the condemned. The rhythmic quality

captures the monotony and ritualistic nature
of executions, while the gradual shift from
"Tread" to "Dead" mirrors the irreversible
journey from life to death. This repetition
underscores the poem's thematic focus on the
finality of the act.

Symbolism "drawbridge / Raised but This symbolizes the emotional distance

never lowered between /
Their gathering and my
sway"
between the speaker and the condemned,
representing a barrier of understanding and
empathy. It emphasizes the theme of
isolation and detachment, illustrating the
challenge of truly connecting with the
experiences and emotions of those facing
execution. The drawbridge becomes a
poignant metaphor for the complexities of
human connection and the limitations of
empathy.

Assonance and In a piece of blindness, The repetition of the "ee" sound in "piece"
Consonance closed. / Its grey recessive and "deep" and the "s" sound in "closed" and
deeps" "recessive" create a melodic and rhythmic
quality. This technique enhances the sensory
experience of the poem and contributes to
the contemplative mood. The use of these
sound patterns underscores the contrast
between light and darkness, hinting at the
hidden complexities beneath the surface.

Irony "Let not man speak of Employs irony by presenting a caution

justice, guilt" against discussing justice and guilt at a time
when these very concepts are being enacted
through the execution. The irony lies in the
recognition that the act of taking a life as
punishment raises profound questions about
the validity of justice and the burden of guilt.
This line prompts readers to contemplate the
paradoxes and contradictions inherent in the
process of administering capital punishment.

Contrast "Barred and secret in the
empty home / Of shuttered
windows"
This contrast between "barred" and
"shuttered" conveys a sense of isolation and
confinement, both physically and
emotionally. The use of contrast underscores
the duality of the scene—the public event of
the execution versus the private and hidden
emotions of those witnessing or participating
in it.
 BSEE 35 - AFRO ASIAN LITERATURE

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