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1.Explicate / analyze Derek Walcott’s poem: The Spoiler’s Return
2. Compare and Contrast Derek Walcott’s poems: The Sea is History and Lorna Goodison’s poem: The Guinea Woman.
3.Annotate Jamaica Kincaid’s poem: My Mother.
4. Identify, name and give an account of the events that are depicted in the following poetic lines. +300 words, include references.
Derek Walcott’s poem “The Spoiler’s Return” is a complex and layered narrative that employs powerful imagery to explore the themes of power, exploitation, justice, and identity. The poem tells the story of an unnamed protagonist who returns home after years abroad with newfound wealth and influence. He is welcomed by his people with open arms but also faces resentment for his success. Throughout the poem, Walcott uses vivid descriptions to illustrate how various forces (societal norms, colonial influences) have shaped both the protagonist’s experiences as well as those of his community. By introducing a range of perspectives from which to view these events—both those of the characters in the poem as well as Walcott’s own—the poet reveals a nuanced understanding of power dynamics on both personal and political levels.
The poem begins with an image of hope: “grease-wood fires smudge/ The evening sky like incense before/ His spoils return.” Here, Walcott paints a picture of eager anticipation among locals excitedly awaiting their hero’s arrival and eagerly expecting him to bring good tidings with him. This sense of hopefulness quickly dissipates when it becomes clear that despite all his riches, this man has not changed; he is still resented by some members of his community because they believe he has ignored them while away or even taken advantage them during his travels: “they hated him for what/ He had done”—a sentiment made all too real due to colonialism’s legacy in many Caribbean nations where foreigners often exploited local resources without giving back anything in exchange.
Walcott then transitions into a more somber description focused on the protagonist himself: “he was limited by greed.” This line highlights how imperialism can lead to feelings of hopelessness within colonized communities who are denied access to wealth; however it also serves as a reminder that ultimately individuals must take responsibility for their actions if they wish to create meaningful change within their society. This theme is echoed again later in the poem when we see how one man’s choices can shape others’ lives: “We could hear no song but ours:/ Our lives were written down inside./ His plunder turned our dreams around.” Here it becomes clear that although societal systems may be oppressive or unfair at times, tangible changes are possible if individuals become aware enough recognize injustice and take action against it.
Finally, towards its conclusion “The Spoiler’s Return” focuses on identity—both individual and collective—as seen through these lines: “we know now who we are nothing/ To do but join together”. Ultimately this suggests that true freedom only comes when we understand our place within society; only then can we work together towards creating something better than what came before us.. In this way Derek Walcott reminds readers that although injustice may exist today—and will likely continue into tomorrow unless meaningful change is enacted–there remains potential within each person for progress if we commit ourselves fully towards achieving equality for all citizens regardless race or socioeconomic status