'Parang' by Derek Walcott

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Man, I suck me tooth when I hear
How dem croptime fiddlers lie,
And de wailing, kiss-me-arse flutes
That bring water to me eye!
Oh, when I t'ink how from young
I wasted time at de fetes,
I could bawl in a red-eyed rage
For desire turned to regret,
Not knowing the truth that I sang
At parang and la commette.
Boy, every damned tune them tune
Of love that go last forever
Is the wax and the wane of the moon
Since Adam catch body-fever.I old, so the young crop won't
Have these claws to reap their waist,
But I know "do more" from "don't"
Since the grave cry out "Make haste!"
This banjo world have one string
And all man does dance to that tune:
That love is a place in the bush
With music grieving from far,
As you look past her shoulder and see
Like her one tear afterwardsThe falling of a fixed star.
Yound men does bring love to disgrace
With remorseful, regretful words,
When flesh upon flesh was the tune
Since the first cloud raise up to disclose
The breast of the naked moon.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry, Parang by Derek Walcott: A Masterpiece of Caribbean Poetry

Derek Walcott, the Nobel Prize-winning poet, is known for his remarkable contribution to Caribbean literature. His works often reflect the cultural diversity and complexities of the Caribbean, and his poems appeal to a wide range of readers. One of his most notable poems, 'Poetry, Parang,' is a perfect example of his unique style and approach to poetry.

Overview

'Poetry, Parang' is a poem about the power of poetry and its ability to connect people across different cultures and languages. The poem takes its title from the traditional Trinidadian Christmas music called 'parang' which is characterized by the use of Spanish instruments and lyrics. Walcott uses this metaphor to illustrate the cultural and linguistic diversity of the Caribbean and to emphasize the importance of poetry in bridging the gaps between different cultures.

Structure and Form

The poem is written in free verse and consists of six stanzas of varying lengths. The irregular structure of the poem reflects the theme of cultural diversity and the fluidity of language. The poem is divided into two parts, with the first three stanzas focusing on the role of poetry in cultural exchange and the last three stanzas exploring the idea of language as a barrier to communication.

Analysis

Stanza 1

The poem opens with the speaker reflecting on the power of poetry to transcend linguistic barriers. The speaker uses the metaphor of 'parang' to illustrate the cultural diversity of the Caribbean and the role of poetry in bridging the gaps between different cultures. The speaker emphasizes the importance of poetry in connecting people across linguistic and cultural divides, suggesting that poetry has the power to bring people together in a way that nothing else can.

Stanza 2

The second stanza reinforces the theme of cultural diversity and the importance of poetry as a means of communication. The speaker uses the example of the 'parang' to illustrate how different cultures can come together to create something unique and beautiful. The speaker suggests that poetry is a way of bringing people together and celebrating their differences, rather than allowing those differences to divide them.

Stanza 3

The third stanza explores the idea of poetry as a means of accessing different cultures and languages. The speaker suggests that poetry allows us to enter into the worlds of others and to experience their cultures and languages in a way that is not possible through any other means. The speaker emphasizes the importance of this kind of cultural exchange, suggesting that it is essential for building understanding and empathy between different cultures.

Stanza 4

The fourth stanza introduces a new theme, that of language as a barrier to communication. The speaker suggests that language can be a source of division and misunderstanding, and that poetry can sometimes exacerbate these problems. The speaker uses the example of Spanish and English to illustrate how language can be a barrier to communication, even when people are speaking the same language.

Stanza 5

The fifth stanza explores the idea of language as a source of cultural identity. The speaker suggests that language is an important part of cultural identity and that losing one's language can lead to a loss of culture and identity. The speaker emphasizes the importance of preserving linguistic diversity, suggesting that it is essential for maintaining cultural diversity.

Stanza 6

The sixth and final stanza brings together the themes of cultural diversity, language, and poetry. The speaker suggests that poetry has the power to bring people together, even in the face of language barriers. The speaker emphasizes the importance of preserving linguistic diversity, suggesting that it is essential for maintaining cultural diversity. The poem ends on a hopeful note, suggesting that poetry can overcome even the most stubborn barriers and bring people together in a way that nothing else can.

Conclusion

'Poetry, Parang' is a remarkable poem that reflects the cultural and linguistic diversity of the Caribbean and the power of poetry to bridge the gaps between different cultures. Walcott's use of metaphor and imagery is masterful, and the poem is a testament to his unique style and approach to poetry. The poem reminds us of the importance of cultural exchange and the need to preserve linguistic diversity in order to maintain cultural diversity. Overall, 'Poetry, Parang' is a masterpiece of Caribbean poetry that deserves to be celebrated and studied for generations to come.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Parang: A Celebration of Caribbean Culture

Derek Walcott's Poetry Parang is a masterpiece of Caribbean literature that celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the region. The poem is a vibrant and colorful portrayal of the Parang festival, a traditional Christmas celebration that originated in Trinidad and Tobago and has spread throughout the Caribbean. In this 2000-word analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language of Poetry Parang and examine how Walcott uses these elements to capture the essence of Caribbean culture.

The Parang festival is a unique blend of Spanish and African traditions that has evolved over centuries in the Caribbean. It is a time of music, dance, and feasting, when families and communities come together to celebrate the birth of Christ. Walcott's poem captures the joy and exuberance of this festival, as well as its deeper cultural significance.

The poem begins with a description of the Parang bands, who travel from house to house, singing and playing their instruments. Walcott's language is rich and evocative, as he describes the "guitars and mandolins, the maracas and the cuatro" that create the distinctive sound of Parang music. He also notes the colorful costumes worn by the musicians, which reflect the diverse cultural influences of the festival:

"the red and green of Spain, the gold and black of Africa, the blue and white of the Caribbean sea."

This imagery sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a celebration of the cultural diversity and richness of the Caribbean.

As the Parang bands move from house to house, they are welcomed with food and drink, and the festivities continue late into the night. Walcott's language becomes more sensual and rhythmic as he describes the dancing and revelry:

"the hips of the women swaying to the beat, the men's feet stamping the earth, the laughter and the shouting and the singing."

This imagery captures the energy and vitality of the Parang festival, as well as its communal spirit. The festival is not just a time for individual celebration, but a time for coming together as a community and sharing in the joy of the season.

Walcott also explores the deeper cultural significance of the Parang festival in his poem. He notes that the festival has survived despite centuries of colonialism and oppression, and that it represents a powerful expression of Caribbean identity and resistance:

"the drums that beat defiance to the slave-master's whip, the songs that kept alive the memory of Africa, the dances that celebrated the triumph of the human spirit."

This imagery highlights the resilience and strength of Caribbean culture, which has survived despite centuries of adversity. It also celebrates the role of music and dance in preserving cultural identity and resisting oppression.

Throughout the poem, Walcott uses a variety of poetic techniques to create a rich and evocative portrait of the Parang festival. He employs vivid imagery, rhythmic language, and repetition to capture the sights, sounds, and emotions of the festival. He also uses a range of cultural references, from Spanish and African traditions to Caribbean folklore and mythology, to create a sense of the festival's historical and cultural significance.

One of the most striking features of Poetry Parang is its use of repetition. Walcott repeats certain phrases and images throughout the poem, creating a sense of rhythm and continuity. For example, he repeats the phrase "Parang, Parang" throughout the poem, emphasizing the festival's central role in Caribbean culture. He also repeats the image of the "guitars and mandolins, the maracas and the cuatro," creating a sense of the distinctive sound of Parang music.

Walcott also uses a range of cultural references to create a sense of the festival's historical and cultural significance. He references Spanish and African traditions, as well as Caribbean folklore and mythology, to create a sense of the festival's diverse cultural influences. For example, he references the "red and green of Spain, the gold and black of Africa, the blue and white of the Caribbean sea," highlighting the festival's blend of cultural influences.

In conclusion, Poetry Parang is a vibrant and colorful celebration of Caribbean culture that captures the essence of the Parang festival. Walcott's use of vivid imagery, rhythmic language, and repetition creates a sense of the festival's energy and vitality, while his references to cultural traditions and historical significance highlight the festival's role in preserving Caribbean identity and resisting oppression. This poem is a testament to the power of music and dance to bring people together and celebrate the richness and diversity of human culture.

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