Poetry
A Review of Okot P' Bitek’s ‘Song of Lawino and Song of Ocol’
Song of Lawino is an epic poem written by Ugandan poet Okot p' Bitek. First published in 1966 in Luo then translated into other languages, including English. Song of Lawino has become one of the most widely read literary works originating from sub-Saharan Africa that addresses the issues facing a liberated Africa. The poem poses a question: what kind of liberation should Africa take on? Should it honor its traditions, or should it adopt the European values that were already set in place during colonialism? Okot p'Bitek addresses this question by telling the story of Lawino, a woman whose husband, Ocol, throws her out of their home and brings home a more Europeanized woman as a wife. The story is told as a dialogue between Lawino and Ocol. The poem itself is separated into different sections or Chapters, each one detailing the social problems facing Lawino and Ocol in their marriage, their differences, and their value systems.
By Catherine Nyomenda2 years ago in Critique
The Power of Poetry
Philip Sidney’s “An Apology for Poetry” reveals the power of poetry to inspire virtue. He sees learning as a way to improve both mind and character. Poetry, for Sidney, connects feelings and will to this improvement, healing music for the soul.
By Humyra Anjum Maliha2 years ago in Critique
Harvestman?
A few months ago, I participated in the 'Dancing with Distraction' acrostic poem challenge here on Vocal. One of my submissions, "The Snapper and My Confidence," actually got Top Story, which was so very cool! Moreover, it received a lot of very kind comments.
By Hannah E. Aaron2 years ago in Critique
Analyzing Illmatic
Nas' debut album, Illmatic, holds its place in hip-hop history despite its perennial critique of brevity. Revered within hip-hop culture as a classic, the album's exceptional production roster echoes the weight of expectations carried by the young artist's inaugural masterpiece. The producers assembled are some of the all time greats.
By Brooklyn Damien2 years ago in Critique
Unforgiving- Alien Weaponry
I hate to admit that the first time I heard Unforgiving was in concert. The first time was surreal, as I stood next to my brother, who I nearly lost the previous year. Little did I know a year later, this would be my comfort song when my grandmother passed.
By Atomic Historian2 years ago in Critique
Man In The Box
Man In The Box has always been my favorite Alice In Chains song. Perhaps because I’ve often felt that I’ve been trying to escape the box that people are always trying to paint me into. Most definitely it has something to do with Layne Staley and Jerry Cantrell’s vocal styling.
By Atomic Historian2 years ago in Critique
In the Mix with YouTube
Music mix channels are some of the best parts of YouTube. They keep you company when writing or studying. They’re great for finding new music, without having to dig through tons of other channels, or Spotify. It’s often the best part of my day to put music on and write.
By Atomic Historian2 years ago in Critique
