Literary Devices in ‘Makola’ by Theresa Ennin
Theresa Ennin’s poem “Makola” is a vivid and powerful depiction of life in the bustling market of Makola, Ghana. The poem highlights the struggles and hardships of everyday people, as well as the resilience and strength they display in the face of adversity. Through her use of language and imagery, Ennin captures the essence of the scene and draws the reader into the lives of those she describes. In this article, we will examine the literary devices used in “Makola” and how they contribute to the overall impact of the poem.
Literary Devices in “Makola” by Theresa Ennin
Personification
Personification is used to give human qualities to non-human things. In “Makola,” personification is used to describe the sweat running down the face of the cart pusher: “The sweat runs down his face, tiny rivulets of disappointment and fear.” The sweat is described as having emotions, which is a human quality, and is therefore an example of personification.
Symbolism
Symbols are objects or images that represent something else. In “Makola,” the battered teddy bear with an eye missing symbolizes the struggles and hardships of life. The bear is missing an eye, which represents the loss and trauma that people often experience.
Repetition
Repetition is the repeated use of a word or phrase to create emphasis. In “Makola,” repetition is used to emphasize the call of the drivers’ mates: “Move out of the way, move out, I say” This repetition underscores the urgency and annoyance of the drivers’ mates and helps to create a sense of chaos in the market.
Imagery
Imagery is the use of vivid language to create pictures in the reader’s mind. In “Makola,” imagery is used to describe the sights and sounds of the market: “He bent, rags all around the upside down plan / Picking her nose, shuffling her feet, oblivious to the bustle / and the calls of the drivers’ mates.” This description creates a vivid picture in the reader’s mind of the bustling, chaotic market scene.
Irony
Irony is when there is a discrepancy between what is expected and what actually occurs. In “Makola,” the irony is that despite the many calls of the drivers’ mates to “move out of the way,” no one seems to care about their agitation. This irony underscores the larger theme of the poem, which is the struggle of everyday people to be heard and recognized in a world that often ignores their struggles.
Conclusion
In “Makola,” Theresa Ennin uses a variety of literary devices to bring the scene to life and to convey the struggles and hardships of everyday people. Through personification, symbolism, repetition, imagery, and irony, Ennin creates a powerful and impactful poem that draws the reader into the lives of those she describes. Whether it is the cart pusher struggling with sweat, the young girl balancing a bowl of sachet water on her head, or the baby crying for his mother, Ennin’s “Makola” is a testament to the resilience and strength of the human spirit.
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