Observation

The question was a popular one and most candidates were able to discuss the poem as a representation of Africa.  Some, however, only gave a summary of the poem. The responses lacked textual references.
This question demands:

• Identification of the themes of Africa’s dehumanizing colonial experience.
• Explanation of metaphor.
• Metaphor associated with the colonial experience: Colonialism is described as subjugating the continent “in tearful woes” and “degrading sweat”.
• Metaphor of Africa’s present: Africa’s survival instinct is presented in the form of dreams that “bubble up”.

• The metaphor of Africa’s triumph: the vibrant soul of the continent is indomitable. In as far as the continent vibrates with life, and lives on, its components are indestructible.

Candidates’ performance in the question was good.