Group 3 project.

(LIT 312)

Title: Identify and discuss the poetic elements in the poetic 'Awoyo' by Anyidoho.

Names.

1. Otabor Joy Catherine. LCU/UG/20/17164.

2. Toogun Mercy Victoria. LCU/UG/20/16905.

3. Akinola Anuoluwapo Testimony. LCU/UG/21/20590.

4. Olorunsola Cassandra Olarenwaju. LCU/UG/20/16984.

5. Oyeleye Emmanella Olabisi. LCU/UG/20/17102.

6. Orowale Florence Adebukola. LCU/UG/22/24632.

7. Shaib Isaiah Oluwafemi. LCU/UG/20/16676.

8. Uwande Anointing Onyebuchi. LCU/UG/20/17241

9. Bamidele Oluwaferanmi Iqmat. LCU/UG/20/17470

10. Bankroll Jeremiah Tomiwa. LCU/UG/20/17750

11. Olalere Timilehin Ayomide. LCU/UG/21/19602

 Awoyo

Awoyo crossed my path

and spat-upon my toes.

I did not cough.

She went away strutting aboutand stepped upon a thorn.

She came right back and spat into my face.

I did not even sneeze.

She shuffled away with a scowl on her evil face

hoping she was smiling.

I sit down here thinking she 'Il bring herself again.

 I will slash her with my tongueand spread not pepper in her wounds.

The witch daughter with the face of an owl.

Awoyo,come back here andThat night you went talking toevery stick and every little rope

swearing you caught Agbenoxevi do top of me

doing some funny thing behind your smelly mother'sbroken fence.

You must have talked outstraight from a strange nightmare.

Come Awoyo come back here and

I will give it back to you give to you

the thing Agbenoxevi told you once at a gathering of the youth.

He saidhe would not take a hundred Awoyos,

Not even for a gift.

He said even If your mother gives you a ritual bath on Christmas Day

If she covers up your nakedness in velvet robes evenIf she hangs diamond pearls about your stringy neck

and gives you away with a live turkey and eggs and all

He Agbenoxevi would send you back at noon

to wherever you may have found your strange beauty.

Today for me is like your yesterday.

You're glad he's gone away from me

But he will be back.

I know he will be back.

Though now you cross my path and spit at my face.

You spread rumours I have no womb for birth

that at my age I must begin to think of grandchildren.

 Awoyo I am not the where's daughter like you

Your mother went from this village to that village

shitting babies all along her path across the clan.

Did she ever suggest to youwho your papa could have been?

They say the day she died the elders sighed,

and poured a long libation on her grave

Praying her soul to come next time somewhat reformed

You witch daughter with the face of an owl

Come cross my path again

I will spread your shame for you to crawl upon.

Poetic Analysis of 'Awoyo' by Anyidoho.

The poem titled "Awoyo," is a powerful and intense expression of frustration, defiance, and a desire for
justice. The speaker addresses a character named Awoyo, who seems to be a source of conflict and
animosity. Through vivid imagery and strong language, the speaker conveys their emotions and
confronts Awoyo's actions.

The poem begins with Awoyo crossing the speaker's path and disrespectfully spitting on their toes.
Despite this provocation, the speaker remains composed and does not react. Awoyo then encounters
misfortune by stepping on a thorn, but instead of reflecting on her actions, she returns to the speaker
and spits in their face. The speaker continues to show restraint by not reacting, even to such an
offensive act.

The speaker contemplates the situation, suggesting that Awoyo will likely return, and they express a
desire to verbally lash out at her without inflicting physical harm. The speaker refers to Awoyo as a
"witch daughter with the face of an owl," painting a negative and menacing image of her. They challenge
her to come back so that they can expose her actions and shame her.

There is a reference to Awoyo speaking about someone named Agbenoxevi, possibly spreading
rumors or engaging in malicious gossip. The speaker mentions that Agbenoxevi would not be swayed by
Awoyo's charms or material possessions. Even if her mother were to provide her with lavish gifts and
privileges, Agbenoxevi would reject her.

The speaker then implies that their current situation is similar to Awoyo's past experiences. Awoyo
may feel relieved that someone has distanced themselves from her, but the speaker predicts that
Agbenoxevi will return. Despite the conflicts, the speaker acknowledges that Awoyo spreads rumors
about their inability to bear children and pressures them to think about grandchildren. However, the
speaker counters these claims, asserting that they are not like Awoyo and her promiscuous mother.

The poem concludes with a defiant call for Awoyo to cross the speaker's path again, promising to
expose her shame and make her suffer the consequences of her actions. The phrase "witch daughter
with the face of an owl" is repeated, reinforcing the speaker's condemnation of Awoyo and her
behavior.

Overall, the poem captures a sense of anger and frustration, as well as a desire for justice and
retribution. It explores themes of betrayal, gossip, and the consequences of one's actions. The speaker's
refusal to react physically, combined with their determination to expose Awoyo's wrongdoing,
demonstrates a powerful and defiant spirit.

Poetic Elements in 'Awoyo' by Anyidoho.

1. Imagery: The poem is full of vivid imagery that helps the reader to visualize the scene. For example,
the speaker describes Awoyo as "the witch daughter with the face of an owl" and "the where's daughter
like you." These images help to create a sense of disgust and hatred in the reader.

2.Symbolism: The poem also uses symbolism to convey its meaning. For example, the thorn that Awoyo
steps on can be seen as a symbol of her own evil. The speaker's tongue, on the other hand, can be seen
as a symbol of her power to speak truth to power.
3. Rhythm: The poem has a strong rhythmic beat that helps to create a sense of urgency and
excitement. The speaker's anger and frustration are palpable in the way that the words flow off the
page.

4. Sound devices: The poem uses a variety of sound devices, such as alliteration, assonance, and
onomatopoeia, to create a rich and textured soundscape. For example, the repetition of the "w" sound
in the words "witch" and "woman" helps to create a sense of unease and foreboding.

5. Tone: The tone of the poem is confrontational and scornful. The speaker addresses Awoyo directly
and criticizes her actions and behavior. The tone helps to convey the speaker's strong emotions and
contempt towards Awoyo.

6.Repetition: The repetition of the phrase "Come Awoyo come back here" emphasizes the speaker's
desire for Awoyo to return and face the consequences of her actions. This repetition adds emphasis and
urgency to the speaker's words.

7.Metaphor: The poem uses metaphors to describe Awoyo's character. The line "The witch daughter
with the face of an owl" compares Awoyo's appearance to that of an owl, symbolizing her association
with darkness, mystery, and deceit.

8.Allusion: The poem makes an allusion to Agbenoxevi, who apparently said something about Awoyo at
a gathering of the youth. This allusion adds depth to the poem and hints at a backstory or conflict
between Awoyo and Agbenoxevi, which the speaker uses as a weapon against Awoyo.

9. Rhetorical questions: The speaker poses rhetorical questions to Awoyo, inviting her to return and face
the consequences of her actions. These questions engage the reader and intensify the speaker's
admonishment.

10. Contrast: The poem presents a stark contrast between the speaker and Awoyo. The speaker asserts
their superiority by highlighting Awoyo's questionable parentage and promiscuous mother, contrasting
it with their own virtuous character.

11.Irony: The poem employs irony to emphasize the speaker's resilience and lack of reaction to Awoyo's
provocations. Despite being spat upon and slandered, the speaker remains composed and unaffected,
which contrasts with Awoyo's attempts to demean and provoke.

Overall, "Awoyo" employs a range of poetic elements to convey the speaker's scornful tone, evoke vivid
imagery, and express their disdain towards Awoyo. Through repetition, metaphor, and other literary
devices, the poem explores themes of confrontation, pride, and the consequences of one's actions.
Overall, "Awoyo" is a powerful and evocative poem that uses a variety of poetic elements to create a
sense of anger, disgust, and hatred. The speaker's words are like a sharp tongue that cuts through the
air, leaving a trail of pain and destruction in its wake.

In addition to the poetic elements mentioned above, the poem also uses a number of other literary
devices, such as metaphor, simile, and personification. For example, the speaker compares Awoyo to a
witch and a whore, and she personifies the thorn that Awoyo steps on. These devices help to create a
vivid and memorable portrait of Awoyo, the speaker's antagonist.

The poem describes how Awoyo has wronged her. In the second section, the speaker vows to get
revenge on Awoyo. In the third section, the speaker delivers her final blow to Awoyo.

The poem's ending is particularly effective. The speaker's words are like a curse that will haunt Awoyo
for the rest of her life. The poem leaves the reader with a sense of satisfaction, knowing that justice has
been served.