'Parang' by Derek Walcott
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Man, I suck me tooth when I hear
How dem croptime fiddlers lie,
And de wailing, kiss-me-arse flutes
That bring water to me eye!
Oh, when I t'ink how from young
I wasted time at de fetes,
I could bawl in a red-eyed rage
For desire turned to regret,
Not knowing the truth that I sang
At parang and la commette.
Boy, every damned tune them tune
Of love that go last forever
Is the wax and the wane of the moon
Since Adam catch body-fever.
I old, so the young crop won't
Have these claws to reap their waist,
But I know "do more" from "don't"
Since the grave cry out "Make haste!"
This banjo world have one string
And all man does dance to that tune:
That love is a place in the bush
With music grieving from far,
As you look past her shoulder and see
Like her one tear afterwards
The falling of a fixed star.
Yound men does bring love to disgrace
With remorseful, regretful words,
When flesh upon flesh was the tune
Since the first cloud raise up to disclose
The breast of the naked moon.
Anonymous submission.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Parang by Derek Walcott: A Literary Criticism
Do you ever read a poem that takes you on a journey? Where the imagery is so vivid, you feel like you're right there with the narrator experiencing everything they are? That's what Derek Walcott's poem "Parang" does. It immerses the reader in the festive, lively atmosphere of Trinidad and Tobago during the Christmas season. But there's more to this poem than just colorful descriptions of holiday traditions. In this literary criticism, we'll explore the themes, motifs, and literary devices used in "Parang" to understand the deeper meaning behind this vibrant poem.
Overview of "Parang"
"Parang" is a poem that celebrates the Christmas season in Trinidad and Tobago. The narrator describes the sights, sounds, and smells of the holiday, focusing on the music that accompanies the parang, a type of folk music that originated in Venezuela and is popular in Trinidad and Tobago. Throughout the poem, the narrator connects the parang to the cultural and historical roots of Trinidad and Tobago, making it clear that this music is more than just entertainment - it's a symbol of the island's identity and resilience.
Themes in "Parang"
One of the main themes in "Parang" is the idea of cultural identity. The narrator emphasizes the importance of the parang in Trinidad and Tobago's cultural heritage, describing it as "a voice that echoes our history," and noting that it "speaks of our roots." By linking the parang to the island's history and traditions, the narrator suggests that it is a way for Trinidadians and Tobagonians to connect with their past and preserve their cultural identity.
Another theme in "Parang" is the idea of resilience. The poem describes the parang as a form of music that survived despite attempts to suppress it by colonial authorities. The narrator notes that the parang was "outlawed by the church and the state," but that "the songs were too strong to be broken." This emphasizes the resilience of Trinidad and Tobago's cultural heritage in the face of oppression.
Motifs in "Parang"
One of the key motifs in "Parang" is music. The poem is essentially an ode to the parang, and the narrator describes the music in great detail, from the instruments used to the rhythms and melodies. This emphasis on music serves to create a festive, joyful atmosphere, but it also reinforces the idea that the parang is more than just entertainment - it's an integral part of Trinidad and Tobago's cultural heritage.
Another motif in "Parang" is the idea of community. The poem describes the parang as a social event, with families and friends gathering to sing and dance together. The narrator notes that "the songs are for all to sing," emphasizing the inclusive nature of the parang. This motif reinforces the idea that the parang is not just a form of music, but a way for Trinidadians and Tobagonians to come together and celebrate their culture.
Literary Devices in "Parang"
One of the key literary devices used in "Parang" is imagery. The poem is full of vivid descriptions of the sights, sounds, and smells of the holiday season. For example, the narrator describes "the smell of ginger and nutmeg" and "the sound of the quarto and the cuatro," creating a sensory experience for the reader. This use of imagery serves to immerse the reader in the atmosphere of the poem and helps to convey the joy and excitement of the parang.
Another literary device used in "Parang" is repetition. The poem repeats the phrase "the songs were too strong to be broken" several times, emphasizing the resilience of Trinidad and Tobago's cultural heritage. This repetition also serves to reinforce the central theme of the poem - that the parang is more than just a form of music, but a symbol of the island's identity and resilience.
Interpretation of "Parang"
So what's the deeper meaning behind "Parang"? At its core, the poem is a celebration of Trinidad and Tobago's cultural heritage and resilience. By emphasizing the importance of the parang in the island's history and traditions, the narrator suggests that it is a way for Trinidadians and Tobagonians to connect with their past and preserve their cultural identity. The poem also highlights the resilience of Trinidad and Tobago's cultural heritage in the face of oppression, suggesting that the parang is a symbol of the island's ability to overcome adversity.
But there's more to "Parang" than just its themes and motifs. The poem also serves as a reminder of the importance of celebrating and preserving cultural heritage. In an increasingly globalized world, it's easy to forget the traditions and customs that make us unique. "Parang" reminds us that these traditions are worth preserving, that they connect us to our past and help us to understand who we are.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Parang" is a vibrant, joyful poem that celebrates Trinidad and Tobago's cultural heritage and resilience. Through its use of imagery, repetition, and other literary devices, the poem immerses the reader in the festive atmosphere of the parang and reminds us of the importance of preserving cultural heritage. Whether you're from Trinidad and Tobago or just appreciate the beauty of poetry, "Parang" is a must-read.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Parang: A Celebration of Caribbean Culture
Derek Walcott’s poem “Parang” is a vibrant and celebratory ode to the rich cultural heritage of the Caribbean. Through vivid imagery and rhythmic language, Walcott captures the essence of the parang, a traditional folk music and dance form that originated in Trinidad and Tobago.
The poem begins with a description of the parang’s origins, tracing its roots to the Spanish colonial era. Walcott writes, “It came from the Spanish, / the guitar and the drum, / the maracas and the cuatro, / the voice that sang ‘come’.” This opening stanza sets the stage for the rest of the poem, establishing the parang as a product of the region’s complex history of colonization and cultural exchange.
As the poem progresses, Walcott paints a vivid picture of the parang’s sights and sounds. He describes the “tambourines and triangles” that accompany the music, and the “skirts that swirl” as dancers move to the beat. The language is rhythmic and musical, mirroring the cadence of the parang itself. Walcott’s use of repetition and alliteration creates a sense of momentum and energy, as if the poem itself is dancing to the music.
But “Parang” is more than just a celebration of the parang as a musical form. It is also a celebration of the Caribbean as a whole, and the diverse cultures that have come together to create its unique identity. Walcott writes, “It’s the Spanish and the African, / the Indian and the Chinese, / the French and the English, / the Portuguese and the Lebanese.” This line acknowledges the many different influences that have shaped the Caribbean, and the ways in which they have blended together to create something new and vibrant.
At the same time, Walcott also acknowledges the challenges that come with this cultural diversity. He writes, “It’s the clash of the cultures, / the clash of the tongues, / the clash of the rhythms, / the clash of the drums.” This line suggests that the parang, like the Caribbean itself, is not without its conflicts and tensions. But even in the face of these challenges, the parang endures as a symbol of unity and celebration.
Ultimately, “Parang” is a testament to the power of music and dance to bring people together. Walcott writes, “It’s the music that unites us, / the rhythm that we share, / the dance that brings us closer, / the love that we declare.” In this final stanza, Walcott captures the essence of the parang as a form of communal expression, a way for people to come together and celebrate their shared heritage.
In conclusion, Derek Walcott’s “Parang” is a vibrant and celebratory poem that captures the essence of the parang as a symbol of Caribbean culture. Through vivid imagery and rhythmic language, Walcott paints a picture of the parang as a form of communal expression, a way for people to come together and celebrate their shared heritage. At the same time, the poem acknowledges the challenges that come with cultural diversity, suggesting that the parang, like the Caribbean itself, is not without its conflicts and tensions. But even in the face of these challenges, the parang endures as a symbol of unity and celebration, a testament to the power of music and dance to bring people together.
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