Theory question 109
African PoetryLiterature 2, Section C: African Poetry
How does the poet treat the theme of adventure in “Stanley meets Mutesa”?
Show the model answer
Model answer
David Rubadiri's poem on Stanley's journey into Africa to meet Kabaka Mutesa.
Hardships: heat, thirst, desertion, fever, death of porters.
Weary march up the hills; joy at seeing Mutesa's court.
Welcome by Mutesa; irony: friendly welcome leads to colonial exploitation.
Devices: imagery, simile, contrast, onomatopoeic sounds.
Explanation
Describe the journey and the poet's attitude.