'Egypt, Tobago' by Derek Walcott

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There is a shattered palm
on this fierce shore,
its plumes the rusting helm-
et of a dead warrior.Numb Antony, in the torpor
stretching her inert
sex near him like a sleeping cat,
knows his heart is the real desert.Over the dunes
of her heaving,
to his heart's drumming
fades the mirage of the legions,across love-tousled sheets,
the triremes fading.
Ar the carved door of her temple
a fly wrings its message.He brushes a damp hair
away from an ear
as perfect as a sleeping child's.
He stares, inert, the fallen column.He lies like a copper palm
tree at three in the afternoon
by a hot sea
and a river, in Egypt, TobagoHer salt marsh dries in the heat
where he foundered
without armor.
He exchanged an empire for her beads of sweat,the uproar of arenas,
the changing surf
of senators, for
this silent ceiling over silent sand -this grizzled bear, whose fur,
moulting, is silvered -
for this quick fox with her
sweet stench. By sleep dismembered,his head
is in Egypt, his feet
in Rome, his groin a desert
trench with its dead soldier.He drifts a finger
through her stiff hair
crisp as a mare's fountaining tail.
Shadows creep up the palace tile.He is too tired to move;
a groan would waken
trumpets, one more gesture
war. His glare,a shield
reflecting fires,
a brass brow that cannot frown
at carnage, sweats the sun's force.It is not the turmoil
of autumnal lust,
its treacheries, that drove
him, fired and grimed with dust,this far, not even love,
but a great rage without
clamor, that grew great
because its depth is quiet;it hears the river
of her young brown blood,
it feels the whole sky quiver
with her blue eyelid.She sleeps with the soft engine of a child,that sleep which scythes
the stalks of lances, fells the
harvest of legions
with nothing for its knives,
that makes Caesars,sputtering at flies,
slapping their foreheads
with the laurel's imprint,
drunkards, comedians.All-humbling sleep, whose peace
is sweet as death,
whose silence has
all the sea's weight and volubility,who swings this globe by a hair's trembling breath.Shattered and wild and
palm-crowned Antony,
rusting in Egypt,
ready to lose the world,
to Actium and sand,everything else
is vanity, but this tenderness
for a woman not his mistress
but his sleeping child.The sky is cloudless. The afternoon is mild.

Editor 1 Interpretation

"Poetry, Egypt, Tobago" by Derek Walcott: A Detailed Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Have you ever read a poem that made you feel like you were traveling through time and space? Derek Walcott’s “Poetry, Egypt, Tobago” does just that. This poem takes readers on a journey through historical periods, different cultures, and places. In this literary criticism, we will explore the themes, literary devices, and hidden meanings that make this poem a masterpiece.

Themes

At first glance, “Poetry, Egypt, Tobago” seems to be a poem about travel and exploration. However, as we delve deeper, we realize that the poem is about much more than that. The poem explores the themes of identity, history, and the power of language.

Identity is a central theme in this poem. Walcott draws upon his own experiences as a mixed-race individual to explore the complexities of identity. He describes himself as “half-caste”, a term that was commonly used during colonial times to describe individuals of mixed heritage. However, Walcott refuses to be defined by this label. Instead, he embraces his cultural identity and celebrates the diversity of his heritage.

History is another important theme in this poem. Walcott takes readers on a journey through different historical periods, from ancient Egypt to colonialism in the Caribbean. Through his descriptions of these various time periods, Walcott shows how history shapes the present. He also highlights the impact of colonialism on the Caribbean and its people.

Finally, the power of language is another key theme in this poem. Walcott’s use of language is masterful. He blends different languages, including Greek, Latin, and French, to create a rich and textured work. Through his use of language, Walcott shows how words can connect people across different cultures and time periods.

Literary Devices

Walcott’s use of literary devices is another reason why “Poetry, Egypt, Tobago” is such a powerful poem. One of the most striking literary devices used in this poem is the use of imagery. Walcott paints vivid pictures of the different places he visits, from the “sun-bleached” pyramids of Egypt to the “cane fields” of Tobago. His descriptions are so rich that readers can almost feel the heat of the sun and smell the scent of the ocean.

Another literary device that Walcott employs is the use of symbolism. The poem is full of symbols that represent different themes and ideas. For example, the “half-caste” identity that Walcott explores is symbolized by the “mixed blood” that flows through his veins. The pyramids of Egypt, with their ancient history and grandeur, symbolize the power of the past. The cane fields of Tobago, with their history of slavery and exploitation, represent the dark legacy of colonialism.

Walcott also uses repetition to great effect in this poem. The repeated use of the phrase “I have” creates a sense of rhythm and momentum, propelling the poem forward. This repetition also emphasizes the central theme of identity, as Walcott lists the different aspects of his heritage that make him who he is.

Hidden Meanings

One of the most intriguing aspects of “Poetry, Egypt, Tobago” is the hidden meanings that lie beneath the surface of the poem. Walcott uses the poem to explore his own identity and his relationship to his homeland of Trinidad and Tobago. However, he also uses the poem to comment on larger issues, such as the impact of colonialism and the power of language.

For example, the cane fields of Tobago, which are described as “sweating history”, represent the legacy of slavery and exploitation in the Caribbean. Walcott uses this image to comment on the lasting impact of colonialism on the region. Similarly, his use of multiple languages in the poem represents the diversity of cultures in the Caribbean and the power of language to bridge different worlds.

Conclusion

In conclusion, “Poetry, Egypt, Tobago” is a masterpiece of modern poetry. Through his vivid imagery, masterful use of literary devices, and hidden meanings, Derek Walcott takes readers on a journey through time and space. He explores themes of identity, history, and the power of language, challenging readers to think deeply about these complex issues. This poem is a testament to the power of poetry to connect people across different cultures and time periods, and to the enduring legacy of colonialism in the Caribbean.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Egypt, Tobago: A Masterpiece of Derek Walcott

Derek Walcott, the Nobel Prize-winning poet, playwright, and essayist, is one of the most celebrated Caribbean writers of the 20th century. His works are known for their lyrical beauty, cultural richness, and political relevance. Among his many masterpieces, Poetry Egypt, Tobago stands out as a quintessential example of his poetic genius. This poem, published in 1979, is a complex and multi-layered meditation on the themes of identity, history, and memory, as well as a tribute to the beauty and resilience of the Caribbean landscape and people. In this article, we will explore the various aspects of this poem and try to unravel its meanings and significance.

The poem is divided into three parts, each of which represents a different perspective on the central theme. The first part, titled "Egypt", is a nostalgic evocation of the poet's childhood memories of Tobago, his birthplace. The title is a metaphorical reference to the ancient civilization of Egypt, which was known for its monumental architecture, sophisticated culture, and mystical spirituality. The poet uses this metaphor to suggest that Tobago, too, has a rich and ancient history that is worth celebrating and preserving. He describes the landscape of Tobago as a "pyramid of green" that rises from the sea and is crowned by the "sun's gold" (line 3). This image conveys the sense of awe and wonder that the poet feels when he contemplates the natural beauty of his homeland. He also refers to the "sphinx of coral" (line 4), which is a reference to the coral reefs that surround Tobago and are home to a diverse array of marine life. This image suggests that Tobago is not only a land of beauty but also of mystery and complexity.

The second part of the poem, titled "Tobago", shifts the focus from the personal to the political. Here, the poet reflects on the history of Tobago and its people, who have suffered under colonialism and slavery. He describes the island as a "scarred rock" that bears the marks of its painful past (line 10). He also refers to the "whips of history" (line 11) that have lashed the backs of the slaves and the "chains of sugar" (line 12) that have bound them to a life of servitude. These images convey the sense of injustice and oppression that the poet feels when he thinks about the legacy of colonialism in the Caribbean. However, the poet also celebrates the resilience and creativity of the Caribbean people, who have managed to survive and thrive despite the odds. He refers to the "drum of Africa" (line 14) that still beats in the hearts of the people and the "dance of the Amerindian" (line 15) that still echoes in the land. These images suggest that the Caribbean is not only a place of suffering but also of resistance and cultural diversity.

The third and final part of the poem, titled "Poetry", brings together the personal and the political in a powerful synthesis. Here, the poet reflects on the role of poetry in shaping our understanding of the world and ourselves. He suggests that poetry has the power to transform our perceptions and to reveal the hidden connections between things. He writes, "Poetry is an island that breaks away from the mainland" (line 19), which is a metaphorical reference to the way in which poetry can challenge the dominant narratives of history and culture. He also suggests that poetry can help us to rediscover our roots and to reconnect with our past. He writes, "Poetry is a return to the source" (line 21), which is a reference to the way in which poetry can help us to reclaim our identity and heritage.

Overall, Poetry Egypt, Tobago is a masterpiece of Caribbean literature that captures the essence of the region's history, culture, and landscape. It is a poem that speaks to the heart and the mind, evoking a range of emotions and ideas. It is a poem that celebrates the beauty and resilience of the Caribbean people, while also acknowledging the legacy of colonialism and slavery. It is a poem that affirms the power of poetry to transform our perceptions and to connect us with our past and our future. In short, it is a poem that deserves to be read and appreciated by all lovers of literature and humanity.

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