Module 4: Unit 1

Exercise 1. Answer the following questions.

1. Identify two or three themes you can extract from the poem. Discuss your
answer.

Theme is the central idea explored in a literary work.

The poem written by David Diop, which is entitled Africa, can be placed
under love, sorrow, and hope as its themes. Diop had given a hint of how he
loves Africa in the first stanza of the poem. He wonderfully describes how
brave the people there, how beautiful the place is, and how he’s so proud of it
even though he doesn’t know it well. The poem also shows how the author felt
sorrow for the problems brought by colonialism on the continent. He illustrates
in the poem that African natives have suffered a lot because of slavery by the
invaders. But in the last lines of the poem, he gives a message of hope to
Africa. Diop points out how the resiliency of the Africans will eventually be
fruitful and result in the independence of the continent.

2. What have you learned about Africa based on the poem?

“Africa” is a poem that certainly touches the heart and a piece that can
provide readers a short knowledge about the continent’s history. It gives a
message on how the Africans suffered from unfortunate circumstances of
slavery on their land. And by simply reading the poem, I also learned that the
people in Africa are very resilient. They endure the pain, but they are also
brave to fight for their freedom. Based on the descriptions of David Diop to the
continent at the beginning of the poem, I perceived that Africa is a beautiful
and peaceful place before the invaders came in to rule over them. Africans
also never lose their faith so simply and they can still find hope even in the
darkness.

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Exercise 2. Write a 2-3 stanza poem inspired by David Diop’sAfrica. Relate it to your
own experience and background.

Mindanao

Mindanao, my precious home 

Land of promise, as what they dub
Full of wonders from its nature, people, and culture
Mindanao, of whom I’m proud and will always love 

You are doubted by many

Others avoid your land and think you’re a pity
Scared that terrorism and crimes are your destiny
They never appreciate your worth, did not bother to see

Someday, the sun would turn at you, and people would see
You are a treasure to this island country
Peace and unity will soon prevail to thee
Until then, your people will be here to defend and show you fidelity.