MICHELLE T.

DIAZ

BSED E3B

INTERPRETATION:

"Africa" by David Diop

is a poignant poem that speaks of the poet's deep love and reverence for Africa. The poem is a heart-
wrenching tribute to the continent, highlighting its rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and the
indomitable spirit of its people.

Diop uses vivid imagery and emotive language to express his feelings. He portrays Africa as a nurturing
mother who has suffered greatly under the hands of colonizers. The poem is a call to Africans to
remember their roots, their identity, and their strength, and to rise above the struggles and injustices
they have faced.

The poem ends on a hopeful note, with the poet envisioning a future where Africa is free from suffering
and its children can thrive in peace and prosperity.

Overall, "Africa" by David Diop is a powerful celebration of African identity and a call to action for
liberation and self-determination.

"Everyday Use" by Alice Walker

is a short story that explores the concept of heritage and its relevance in modern life. The story is set in
the rural South and follows a black mother and her two daughters, Maggie and Dee.

Dee, the older daughter, has left home to pursue education and now returns with new ideas about her
African heritage, which she wants to embrace in the most superficial and fashionable ways. She even
changes her name to Wangero Leewanika Kemanjo to reflect her African roots. Dee also wants to take
some family heirlooms, like handmade quilts, which she plans to use as decorative items in her home.

Maggie, the younger daughter, is shy and feels inferior to her sister. She has stayed home with her
mother and appreciates the value of their family heritage in a more profound and personal way. She
understands the hard work and love that went into making those quilts and sees them as a part of her
daily life and not just as art.

The mother, who is also the narrator, ultimately has to decide who to give the quilts to. She chooses
Maggie, recognizing that she truly appreciates their value.
In essence, Walker uses "Everyday Use" to critique the idea of heritage as something to be displayed or
used for self-validation. Instead, she suggests that heritage is a living entity that exists as part of
everyday life and personal history.

Telephone by whole Soyinka

I believe you're referring to the poem "Telephone Conversation" by Wole Soyinka. This poem is a
powerful exploration of racism and the absurdity of judging someone based on the color of their skin.

In the poem, the speaker, an African man, is on the phone with a potential white landlady, discussing a
room for rent. When he reveals that he is African, the conversation takes a turn as the landlady's tone
changes, showing her prejudice and ignorance.

The landlady obsessively questions the man about the exact shade of his skin, reducing him to a mere
color rather than seeing him as a human being. The speaker responds with irony and sarcasm, mocking
the landlady's narrow-mindedness and highlighting the ridiculousness of her questions.

The poem ends with the speaker still on the phone, leaving the outcome of the conversation
unresolved.

"Telephone Conversation" is a critique of the deep-seated racism in society and the dehumanizing
effect it has on people of color. It uses humor and irony to shed light on this serious issue and to
challenge the reader's perceptions.