Explain the paradox in John Pepper Clark's poem "Casualties"
Answers
Answer:
Explanation:
John Pepper Clark-Bekederemo is a Nigerian poet, and the pioneer of Modern African Literature. “The Casualties” is hailed to be a more simple and down-to-earth in the poet's imagery, more visual and descriptive with a lesser complexity and more African touch.
The poem depicts the year 1966, the time of the Civil War. Unfortunately, the battle had failed, the poet asserts that the casualties that came up were not only the ones who were dead, for they were far from the devastating consequences of the war. The casualties are not only those that were wounded though they were well on the route to death, but they await a burial by installments as death is the ultimate escape.
It is not only the people who lost their property and material assets but also those who have irretrievably lost their near and dear ones. There is always an uncertainty about the cell, for few it may be a cruel place, to others it may function as a heaven.