WAEC Literature in English 2016 Theory — Question 15

Model answer

The theme of cultural clash is central to Gabriel Okara's 'Piano and Drums'. The poet draws on symbolism to achieve the theme of cultural clash. 'Piano' and 'Drums' represent the Western and the African cultures respectively. The poet uses these musical instruments to relate the theme of cultural clash. Both 'piano' and 'drums' are musical instruments that beckon attention just as the two cultures beckon the attention of the poet's persona in the poem. The poem is patterned or structured along with the poet's efforts to differentiate between the two cultures in which he is caught. As an averagely educated African, one is caught in the dilemma of choosing between the Western and the African culture. This is what the poet stands to portray in the poem. The first and the second stanzas of the poem are dedicated to the symbolic elements of the 'drums' which represent the immediate African culture of the poet. The 'drums' is presented as rhythmical and natural. 'raw like the bleeding flesh'. This represents the African culture. African culture is presented as natural, simple and raw. It is a culture that commands respect from the persona because that is the culture that defines origin. The poet portrays African culture as simple and easy. He also portrays African culture as natural and crude. This is captured in the expression 'simple paths with no innovations'. The poet paints the vivid picture of the idyllic African environment in his reference to 'green leaves' and 'wild flowers pulsing'. African culture is also said to be 'rugged' and 'fashioned with naked warmth of hurrying feet and groping heart'. This attests to the simplicity and naturalness of African culture. The Western culture on the other hand symbolized by 'piano' is characterized by complexities and equivocations. It is of note that 'piano' is a foreign musical instrument which is used by the poet to represent the foreign Western culture. The poet also treats the Western culture with disapproval as he confesses to 'hear a wailing piano' speaking of 'complex ways.' Western culture is characterized by complexities and lack of familiarity. The poet portrays it as speaking of 'far-away lands' and 'new horizons'. This intensifies the fact that the persona is alien to the Western culture. Thus Western culture is represented by those foreign and unfamiliar terms such as 'concerto,' 'coaxing diminuendo', 'crescendo,' all which refer to the tempting influence of the Western culture. The poet expresses his dilemma in the last stanza of the poem as he is unable to make a choice between the two cultures represented by the piano and the jungle drums. This expresses the theme of cultural clash in the poem.