WAEC Literature in English 2018 Theory — Question 17

Model answer

The mood of the poet is that of hopelessness. This mood pervades the entire poem. The poet expresses his hopelessness on his country with sadness and fear. The mood of hopelessness is expressed in the poem as the poet becomes very hopeless about the situation in his country. The first stanza of the poem compares the country and the people (the land) to 'the giant whale that swallows the sinker with hook, line and bait.' Specifically, 'the land' and 'the giant whale' refer to the leaders, people in authority who use power to oppress the masses. The poet's hopelessness is conveyed in the expression 'aborting dreams of a good catch.' This attests to fact that the country, through the activities of the selfish leaders and those in authority, kills people's dreams and aspirations and renders them hopeless. The leaders who use power to achieve their selfish aims and to abet evils in the country are compared to 'the giant whale'. Their positions in the political echelons have placed them upon the masses whom they oppress mercilessly. The biblical allusion to Peter in 'all Peters with petered out desires' points to the futile efforts of the masses to achieve desired success. However, the reverse is the case as they end up with 'petered out desires.' The masses become hopeless and despondent due to their inability to achieve the desired success. The mood of hopelessness is also conveyed in the fear and intimidation that accompanies the activities of the oppressive ruling class. These rulers are compared to 'the sabre-toothed tiger that cries deep in the glade.' The corrupt leaders use their power and influence to intimidate the masses. They also use their power to foment crises and insecurity in the country. This is evident in the expression: 'The land is a giant hawk that courts unceasing disaster as it hovers and hoots in space.' The mood of hopelessness is conveyed in the last stanza of the poem as the poet envisages the disappointment that awaits the good-willed dreamers and aspirants in the country. It is unfortunate that failure awaits them: 'The land lies patiently ahead awaiting in ambush those who point away from a direction towards the shore of possibilities.' The situations in the country do not allow success and for these reasons, masses end up not achieving their dreams. All efforts to scale through against all odds become abortive and the hope of success is bleak.