Question

Theme of imperfection in the leader and led where does it come in the poem

Answer 1

Thematic analysis of The Leader and the led

The poem ‘The leader and the led’ depicts different kinds of politicians who fight for power and leadership positions in Nigeria and Africa. The poet presents the relationship which exists between the leaders and their followers. Niyi Osundare uses animals as characters like in a fable to present the power tussle in Nigeria and Africa. This power tussle, desperate quest for power some Africans and clench unto by some greedy and blood-thirsty African leaders have hindered Nigeria and other African nations from developing and becoming a dominating force in the world.

Niyi Osundare uses ‘The leader and the led’, to show that the claim to leadership position has been a big the greatest challenge to the development of African nations which is one of the blessed continents in the world. Africa has experienced different kinds of leaders. The consistent coup d’etat, civil wars, dictatorial rules and incomplete elections are different facets of the aggressive quest for leadership.

Niyi Osunadare also uses the poem to depict the kind of followers ‘the Led’ present in Nigeria and Africa. Some of these followers make their choice of leaders based on fear of oppression, ignorance, poverty, personal bias, political affiliation, deception and so on.

Answer 2

Theme of imperfection in the leader and led where does it come in the poem.

• The poem also explores the idea of imperfection. The poem makes the point that leadership does not require perfection. Animals that believed their powers and strengths made them deserving of inclusion are eliminated along with those who have flaws.
• Niyi Osundare addresses the concept of effective leadership in her book The Leader and the Led. A image of the ideal leader and the traits they should possess is painted in the poem. It is well known that the poet's own nation of Nigeria experiences calamities brought on by poor administration and leadership.
• The poem The Leader and the Led has twenty-four lines total, divided into twelve stanzas of two lines each, for a total of twelve couplets. A couplet is a two-line stanza, in case you forgot. You probably wouldn't forget that so quickly. In addition to its form, the poem theorises the essential characteristics of a leader.
• Professor Niyi Osundare's poem "The Leader and the Led" is an allegorical reflection on the nature of leadership in Africa and what it should include. The cat-and-mouse dynamic between African leaders and their followers is established in the poem.

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