Material Deprivation in Tanure Ojaide’s the Eagles’ Vision

Abstract

In this collection of poems the poet treats the subject of material deprivation in different ways. Deprivation is captured in the condition of school children, the dilemma faced by unemployed youths, the disasters in third world countries and the sufferings in war torn countries. It is also seen in the conditions of poor homes, refugee camps and street life. The deprived are portrayed as those that either lack good clothing or those that have none at all. The idea of material deprivation, in the third instance, is developed by memorable illustrations of pennilessness, exploitation, insolvency, low income and burdensome responsibility. The paper captures Tanure Ojaide as a poet whose thematic scope covers various conditions of poverty; despite his themes on social activism.

Key words: Tanure Ojaide, material deprivation, pennilessness, exploitation, insolvency, low income