A Critical Analysis of Some Modern Igbo Philosophical and Satirical Poems

Abstract

In recent times it has been observed that some students show little or no interest in the study of the modern Igbo poetry. While some find it difficult to identify and appreciate poetic elements in some modern Igbo poems, others complain that the figurative language and other poetic devices in some poems, especially in some philosophical and satirical poems, are not easily understood. Also, some students say that they do not like poetry because they find it obscure. Besides, some readers think that poetry is purely meant for pleasure and entertainment. Consequently, some readers are no longer motivated to dig deep and understand the major idea or theme of a particular poem. On the part of the modern Igbo literary analysts, though they have contributed immensely in the appreciation of some modern Igbo poems, it is obvious that they have not really done much in analyzing some modern Igbo poems through various literary theories. This study therefore aspires to examine and appreciate some modern Igbo philosophical and satirical poems in Uche Bu Afa and Akpa Uche respectively and to expose some meanings and poetic elements that are embedded in them. This is intended to alleviate some difficulties readers encounter while studying the modern Igbo poetry. The study adopts the literary theory of formalism also known as new criticism to analyze selected poems. This approach will help to generate new findings and add meaningfully to the existing knowledge. Some related literatures are reviewed to widen the researcher’s horizon. Most of the data collected from library works are also interpreted and analyzed. From the study, it is revealed that some principles of formalism are reflected in the selected poems. Also formalism focuses on the literariness of a literary text. Therefore, it is hoped that the study would rekindle and revive the interest of readers, students, teachers, and critics in studying and appreciating the modern Igbo poetry.