English Notes Latest Questions

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  1. Radhika
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    Radhika

     Alliteration- Alliteration is the repetition of consonant sounds right next to each other which creates a melodious effect. Example- "Clouds come hurrying with the wind" (Line 2). Simile- When two dissimilar things are compared using ‘like’ or ‘as’, the goal is to give the reader a better visual unRead more

    1.  Alliteration- Alliteration is the repetition of consonant sounds right next to each other which creates a melodious effect. Example- “Clouds come hurrying with the wind” (Line 2).
    2. Simile- When two dissimilar things are compared using ‘like’ or ‘as’, the goal is to give the reader a better visual understanding. Example- “Like a plague of locusts” (line 6).
    3. Personification- Personification is assigning human attributes to nonhuman things. “Clouds come hurrying with the wind.” (line 2). The clouds are said to be ‘hurrying’.

    An African Thunderstorm Summary

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  1. Daanish Malik
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    Daanish Malik

    Okri’s “An African Elegy” follows no fixed rhyme scheme. It is written in free verse. Perhaps Okri wanted to create a stronger impact by not opting to follow a conventional rhyme scheme. Maybe he wanted to show the free-spirited nature of the African tribes and how in spite of all the turmoil they hRead more

    Okri’s “An African Elegy” follows no fixed rhyme scheme. It is written in free verse. Perhaps Okri wanted to create a stronger impact by not opting to follow a conventional rhyme scheme. Maybe he wanted to show the free-spirited nature of the African tribes and how in spite of all the turmoil they have managed to break the shackles and emerge victorious. 

    An African Elegy Summary

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  1. Daanish Malik
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    Daanish Malik

    Okri’s poem revolves around the theme of African identity and one’s connection to the land. The poem serves as a beautiful exploration of African culture and history. It also points to the brave and resilient qualities of the various tribes, all thriving together in harmony in the lap of mother natuRead more

    Okri’s poem revolves around the theme of African identity and one’s connection to the land. The poem serves as a beautiful exploration of African culture and history. It also points to the brave and resilient qualities of the various tribes, all thriving together in harmony in the lap of mother nature. Okri uses words like “we” to represent the identity of these people and how in spite of being shaken up by the injustices like colonization and slavery, Africans are still deeply rooted to one another and to their land. They are not ashamed of who they are and have acknowledged their scars to emerge strong. Okri uses the image of nature and wildlife to show the bountiful life in Africa and that their identity revolves around the environment.

     

    An African Elegy Summary

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  1. Daanish Malik
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    Daanish Malik

    Metaphor: “We are the miracles that God made to taste the bitter fruit of time.”  A figure of speech to describe an object or an action by making a comparison of ideas. This line highlights that one should put trust in God, even if things look bleak at the moment. All of God’s creations are preciousRead more

    1. Metaphor: “We are the miracles that God made to taste the bitter fruit of time.”  A figure of speech to describe an object or an action by making a comparison of ideas. This line highlights that one should put trust in God, even if things look bleak at the moment. All of God’s creations are precious and they all undergo sufferings but these sufferings will be momentary. Okri urges the African natives to keep hope and optimism even during these hardships.
    2. Irony: “This life is good.” An expression to normally define something that signifies the opposite for humorous effect. It serves as an irony to the greater picture of the poem as in reality their life is filled with struggles and sufferings.
    3. Personification: “Destiny is our friend,” “It makes the air remember.” Attribution of human characteristics to something abstract or non-human. Personifying these lines help in showing the inevitable fate of human lives. Destiny is predetermined and that everyone should remember, even the nature around one is aware.
    4. Symbolism: “Bitter fruit,” “An African Elegy” A figure of speech which denotes a larger than life context. The very title of the poem gives way to faith and optimism rather than following the pattern of a mournful lament of an elegy. Even the symbol of a “bitter fruit” stands for manhood.

    An African Elegy Summary

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  1. Daanish Malik
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    Daanish Malik

    The main idea of the poem revolves around faith and destiny. The poet, Ben Okri, paints the picture of an individual’s destiny. His main message is that no matter how bleak things might be looking at the present, there is always a hope for a better tomorrow. No man has been created for suffering. SuRead more

    The main idea of the poem revolves around faith and destiny. The poet, Ben Okri, paints the picture of an individual’s destiny. His main message is that no matter how bleak things might be looking at the present, there is always a hope for a better tomorrow. No man has been created for suffering. Sufferings are a way to ensure good things are on the way. It also acts as a lesson to remain who they are; humble and gracious to what they have. Okri shows how the African individuals claim themselves to be blessed because of their surroundings in spite of living a life in constant agony. Okri praises the idea of hope and positivity and urges the readers to draw inspirations from the native tribes and be grateful and await for a better life. 

    An African Elegy Summary

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