Theory question 110
African PoetryLiterature 2, Section C. African Poetry
Discuss the theme of “No Coffin, No Grave”.
Show the model answer
Model answer
Jared Angira's poem tells of a rich, powerful politician who is shot dead.
Theme: the vanity and emptiness of power and wealth; death levels everyone.
He had planned a grand burial in a costly coffin under the jacaranda tree beside his palace, but ends with no coffin and no grave, eaten by scavengers.
His lavish, wasteful life contrasts with the poverty of the masses.
Political violence and corruption: the violent end is the result of the politics he took part in.
Irony and sarcasm (gun salute, 'expert' politician) carry the theme.
Explanation
Support the theme with details from the poem.