4th Poem
The Awakening Age
By Ben Okri
“The Awakening Age” is a poem full of hope, peace, and
unity. Nigerian poet Ben Okri shares a dream of a better future
where people live with love, wisdom, and togetherness. The poem talks
about moving away from pain and suffering toward a life filled with understanding
and growth. It especially speaks to the African people, encouraging them to
rise and build a new, brighter world.
Setting
The poem doesn’t take place in a real country
or city. It is set in a symbolic place—a dream-like world that stands
for a new beginning or rebirth of the human spirit, especially in Africa.
Tone
The tone of the poem is hopeful and
inspiring. Okri uses words that lift the reader’s spirit and make us
believe in a better future for everyone.
Main Themes
1.
Hope and New Beginning: The poem believes
that after hard times, good days will come. It shows that people can start
fresh with hope.
2.
Unity and Brotherhood: Okri says we
are stronger when we are united. Together, people can build a better and happier
world.
3.
Overcoming Problems: Life has pain and
suffering, but we can rise above it. Difficulties help us grow and
awaken.
4.
Wisdom and Learning: The “awakening
age” means a time of learning and understanding. Okri believes knowledge
helps people improve their lives.
5.
Change and Moving Forward: The poem talks
about positive change and letting go of the past. We should accept
new ideas and keep progressing.
6.
Common Humanity: Even though we
look different or come from different places, we are all human. We share
similar dreams and hopes.
Summary
The Awakening Age by Ben Okri is a hopeful poem that
imagines a better future for all people. It talks about leaving behind
suffering, ignorance, and division, and moving toward a new time filled with
unity, wisdom, and renewal. Okri dreams of a world where people work together
with a shared goal and clear understanding. This “awakening age” is a time of
big change, where the old problems disappear, and people connect through their
shared humanity.
A major idea in the poem is about rising above
hardships. Okri understands the pain people have faced, especially in places
like Africa, but he believes that these struggles can make people stronger and
wiser. The poem’s tone is full of hope and encourages readers to believe in
positive change. It shows how hope and strength can help build a better and
more enlightened world.
In the end, the poem is a call for unity and a
reminder that we are all connected. It looks forward to a future where
kindness, knowledge, and teamwork guide us toward peace. Okri’s message is
clear and positive—no matter the current challenges; we can look forward to a
new time full of hope and growth for everyone.
Short Questions and
Answers
a. Who are the people ‘who travel the meridian
line’?
They are people who go on a journey of
learning, awakening, and unity. The "meridian line" is a symbol that
connects people from all places, showing a shared path toward progress and a
better future.
b. What does the poet mean by ‘a new world’?
The poet means a better and more peaceful
future, especially for Nigeria and Africa. This “new world” is full of hope,
understanding, and togetherness, where people live in peace without past
problems like suffering and division.
a. What does the poet mean by ‘the
awakening age’?
In "The Awakening Age" by
Ben Okri, "the awakening age" symbolizes
a period of enlightenment, renewal, and collective growth. It represents a time
when humanity transcends ignorance, division, and suffering, moving toward
greater awareness, unity, and hope. This age reflects a shift in consciousness,
where people recognize their shared humanity and work together to build a
better, more harmonious world.
The term suggests a spiritual and intellectual awakening—a
moment when societies break free from the shadows of the past and embrace
progress, peace, and wisdom. It implies that this transformation is not just
individual but universal, spreading across cultures and communities, guiding
the world toward a brighter future.
For Okri, "the awakening age" serves
as both a vision and a call to action, urging people to believe in the power of
change and to actively participate in shaping a more compassionate and
enlightened world.
b. Why, in your view, have these
people ‘lived with poverty’s rage’?
In my view, these people have lived with poverty’s rage because since a long
time before history Africans are being exploited by the Americans and
Europeans. These people are likely those who have endured hardship,
inequality, and oppression. Ben Okri often writes about the struggles faced by
individuals and communities, particularly in post-colonial Africa, where
poverty and social injustice are persistent challenges. The phrase reflects the
anger and frustration that arise from long-standing economic deprivation and
the lack of opportunities that can trap people in cycles of suffering.
However, Okri suggests that despite these hardships, there is
resilience and hope. The experience of poverty fuels a desire for change and a
deeper understanding of life’s value. By surviving and persevering, these
individuals become part of the awakening age, contributing to the collective
journey toward enlightenment and progress. Their struggles shape them, and
through their strength, they help to build a future that promises greater
equality and justice.
c. Why does the poet appeal for
solidarity among the people?
The poet appeals for solidarity
among the people because unity and togetherness are essential for overcoming
challenges, promoting peace, and fostering progress. Solidarity strengthens
communities, allowing people to support each other in difficult times and work
towards common goals. By standing together, individuals can resist oppression,
fight injustice, and build a more harmonious and just society. The poet may
also emphasize that division and conflict weaken societies, while unity leads
to strength, resilience, and collective success.
d. Does the poet present
migration in a positive light? Why? Why not?
Yes, the poet presents migration
in a positive light. This is because the poet may emphasize the hope,
resilience, and potential for new opportunities that migration can bring.
Migration, in this context, could symbolize the pursuit of a better life,
freedom from oppression, or the chance to build a new future. The poet might
focus on the strength and determination of migrants as they seek to overcome
challenges and create better lives for themselves and their families. This
positive portrayal underscores the idea that migration is not merely an escape
from hardship, but a transformative journey that can lead to growth,
adaptation, and even a sense of empowerment.
e. Nepal is also known for its
economic as well as educational migrants. Have you noticed any change in the
perceptions and behaviours of these migrants when they return home from abroad?
Yes, there has been a noticeable change in the perceptions and
behaviors of Nepali migrants when they return home from abroad. Many returnees
bring back new perspectives, skills, and knowledge acquired during their time
abroad. This often leads to a shift in their mindset, where they may have a
more global outlook and a deeper understanding of different cultures and work
ethics. Some returnees, especially those who have worked or studied in more
developed countries, may adopt more modern lifestyles, values, and attitudes,
influencing their families and communities.
Additionally, many returnees bring new economic resources, which
can improve their financial standing and enable them to invest in local
businesses or support family members. However, there can also be challenges,
such as feeling disconnected from their home culture or facing difficulties in
reintegrating into local society after experiencing life abroad. These changes
often result in a mix of positive and sometimes challenging adjustments, as the
returnees navigate between their experiences abroad and their roots in Nepal.
In Advance
Reference to the Context
a. What does the poet mean by ‘the
awakening age’?
The phrase "the awakening
age" means a time of realization, hope, and renewal for people who have
suffered. It represents a new beginning, where individuals become more aware of
their strengths and the need to unite for a better future. This age is about
rising above the past—overcoming poverty, pain, and division—and moving towards
peace, truth, and creativity. The poet believes this is the moment when people
can truly build a fairer, brighter world. It symbolizes progress, personal
growth, and the birth of a more caring, united society.
b. Why, in your view, have these
people ‘lived with poverty’s rage’?
In my view, these people have
lived with poverty’s rage because of a long history of injustice, war, and
inequality. They have been denied basic rights, resources, and opportunities.
External powers once exploited their land and people, and internal conflicts
made things worse. Poor leadership, corruption, and unfair systems left many
without food, education, or jobs. People lived in frustration, watching a few
grow rich while most stayed poor. This suffering caused deep anger and
hopelessness. They didn’t always realize things could change, which made their
struggle even harder.
c. Why does the poet appeal for
solidarity among the people?
The poet asks for solidarity
because he believes that when people stand together, they become stronger. In
times of hardship, division makes life worse. But when people unite with a
common goal, they can fight poverty, build peace, and create a better future.
Solidarity brings hope and helps people share knowledge, resources, and
support. The poet wants everyone to work as one to heal their nation and dream
of a better world. Together, they can overcome the past and start a new chapter
of growth, truth, and harmony.
d. Does the poet present migration
in a positive light? Why? Why not?
Yes, the poet presents migration
positively. He sees it as a symbol of progress and renewal. When people move to
new places, they often gain new experiences, skills, and ways of thinking.
These lessons can help them grow and improve their lives. Migrants bring
energy, ideas, and hope to both their new homes and their communities back
home. Migration is not just about leaving—it's about learning and returning
stronger. In the poem, migration represents a journey toward change and a
better future, where people can contribute to building a new, united world.
e. Nepal is also known for its
economic as well as educational migrants. Have you noticed any change in the
perceptions and behaviours of these migrants when they return home from abroad?
Yes, I’ve seen many positive
changes in Nepali migrants after they return from abroad. They often come back
with broader knowledge and a new mindset. Their time away teaches them
discipline, hard work, and respect for time. Many learn about financial
planning, social equality, and better living standards. These experiences help
them see their own communities differently. They bring new ideas, invest in
businesses, and encourage others to grow. Some even become role models, helping
to shift traditional beliefs toward more practical and modern views. Their
experiences abroad often inspire change in families and local society.
Summary of The
Awakening Age by Ben Okri
The Awakening Age by Ben Okri is a
poem that reflects on the struggles and hopes of people in a changing world.
The poem uses rich, vivid language to explore the themes of awakening,
transformation, and the search for freedom.
In the poem, Okri describes a time
when people are waking up from a long sleep, representing a period of awareness
and change. This “awakening” is not just physical but also emotional and
spiritual, as people begin to realize the struggles they face and the need for
change. The poem speaks about a collective rise, where the community moves
together towards a new beginning, filled with hope and purpose.
The speaker in the poem describes
how people once lived in a state of sleep, unaware of the truth around them.
However, as they awaken, they become more aware of their surroundings and the
injustices that exist. This awakening symbolizes a break from ignorance, as
people begin to see the world for what it truly is and understand the power
they hold to make a change.
The poem also addresses the
importance of courage and resilience in times of hardship. It emphasizes that
even though the awakening process may be difficult and full of challenges, it
is necessary for progress. The awakening represents a chance for growth, a call
for people to rise above their circumstances, and to strive for a better, more
just world.
Ultimately, The Awakening
Age is a powerful poem about the power of awareness and
transformation. It encourages individuals to face their struggles, embrace
change, and work together to create a better future, symbolizing hope for a new
era of freedom and justice.
1. Imagery
Definition: Using vivid and descriptive language to create
mental pictures.
Example: The poem talks about a “new, brighter world” full of hope and
peace.
Meaning: This creates a positive image of the future in the reader’s
mind.
2. Symbolism
Definition: Using symbols to represent bigger ideas.
Example: The “awakening age” symbolizes a time of enlightenment,
unity, and change.
Meaning: It represents a fresh start for people, especially in Africa,
moving away from suffering.
3. Metaphor
Definition: Comparing two things directly without using
“like” or “as.”
Example: The poem describes life as a journey from
pain to growth.
Meaning: This metaphor shows how people can move from
hard times to better days.
4. Repetition
Definition: Repeating words or phrases for emphasis.
Example: Words related to hope, unity, and renewal may
be repeated to stress their importance.
Meaning: This helps the message of positivity and togetherness stand
out.
5. Tone
Definition: The attitude or feeling of the poem.
Example: The hopeful and inspiring tone encourages
readers to believe in a better future.
Meaning: It creates an uplifting mood, making readers
feel motivated.
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