WAEC Literature in English 2018 Theory — Question 16

Model answer

Contrast is the literary device that juxtaposes or emphasizes opposites both in idea and structure. Gabriel Okara's 'Piano and Drums' is a good example of this. The poem emphasizes both structurally and thematically the contrast between African and Western cultures. The title of the poem is symbolic and it shows the contrast between African and Western cultures. While 'piano' represents Western culture through its complexities, 'drums' represents African culture through its simplicity. The first and the second stanzas of the poem are concerned about African culture, beauty and ideals. These stanzas also record the poet's African experience. These are portrayed vividly through the use of natural and familiar images, metaphors and symbols. The naturalness and consciousness that accompany African culture are evident in natural and familiar images such as 'jungle drums', 'mystic rhythm', 'raw', 'bleeding flesh', 'panther ready to pounce', 'leopard snarling about to leap'. These represent the idyllic and natural African environment that the poet stands to portray in the poem. The second stanza of the poem tallies with the first in the sense that it is also concerned about Africa. The second stanza portrays innocence, simplicity, ease and naturalness that accompany African culture. The innocence, simplicity and naturalness of African culture are typified through familiar images such as 'walking simple path', 'paths with no innovations', 'rugged', fashioned with the naked warmth of hurrying feet and groping hearts', 'green leaves', 'wild flowers'. While the first stanza is mainly concerned about the naturalness of African culture, the second stanza is mainly concerned about the simplicity and innocence of African culture. However, the third stanza contrasts with the first two stanzas. The third stanza represents the Western culture's complexities, intricacies, sophistication, which contrast the naturalness, simplicity and innocence of African culture. The complexities and sophistication that accompany the Western culture are evident in the images: 'wailing piano', 'speaking of complex ways', 'concerto', 'diminuendo', 'crescendo'. The poet uses esoteric and alien words to typify the Western culture. This also shows the poet's disapproval of the Western culture because these expressions are derogatory in a way that typify the Western culture. Although it is recorded in the poem that the poet is in dilemma, the poet still tilts towards Africa through his presentation of the African culture.