Analysis of the Poem Bass Culture by Linton Kwesi Johnson - Essay Example

English Literature 3 April Analysis of the Poem Bass Culture by Linton Kwesi Johnson Introduction Moskowitz s, “The most notable dub poet is Linton Kwesi Johnson, who began writing in dub style…Johnson writes his poetry in patois of Jamaican people and then sets it to music…Johnson launched a trend in poetry that has been followed by several others”.1 In other words Linton is considered to be one of the pioneers who introduced the trend of dub poetry in the world of literature and amalgamated the art of music with the art of writing. It is also stated, “In the wider context of cultural dynamics, dub poetry functions as a connecting link between ‘Black’ oral traditions and ‘White’ literary traditions”.2 Johnson utilizes this style of poetry to depict and demonstrate the political scenario and injustices of the government and brings forth a first hand illustration of the miseries that people suffer at the hands of their rulers. The poem Bass Culture is an apt example of Johnson’s works to analyze his style of writing and the common thematic concerns that the readers observe in his works. 2. Summary The poem reiterates the tale of unleashed violence and bloodshed that the people of this world face now. A common concern in Johnson’s poetry is the politics and consequently it is observed that the poet regards this outburst of destruction as a result of the injustices that have been done to the common public by their rulers. Since the fundamental purpose of dub poetry is also to establish a political discourse, which in somewhat simplified terms, is a discourse on the behalf of the oppressed versus the oppressor.3 Moreover he considers this destruction as a form of revolution which will ultimately lead to prosperity and create a better world however along the way people of this world will face a great deal of misery and suffering in order to attain an environment where peace and harmony will ultimately prevail. 3. Analysis of Bass Culture The text of the poem provides the readers with a variety of aspects that can be explored this not only includes the thematic concerns but also the stylistic and linguistic techniques that the poet has incorporated in this poem. 3.1. Thematic Concerns The major themes that Johnson deals with in the poem include theme of death, deterioration, chaos, unity and revolution. Johnson incorporates the theme of revolution under the context that he believes that there will come a time when the whole system and the lives of fellow beings will undergo a transformation and every injustice that has been done to mankind will be avenged. Time will come when the oppressed will revolt against the oppressor and then the circumstances will change as apparent from the line, “For di time is nigh, When passion gather high, When di beat just lash, When di wall mus smash, An di beat will shif As di culture alltah, When oppression scatah”. However in order to achieve the freedom from the shackles of tyranny they will pay the price of this liberation by sacrificing their lives. The poet deals with the theme of death in a manner that reflects that the tornado of revolution has already commenced as it is apparent from the large number of people who are sacrificing their lives in order to bring about a change. The reason for this bloodshed and revolt is that now the people have started realizing the folly of their government and they have decided not to live the life of a slave as stated in the poem, “High temperature blood, Swinging anger, Shatterin di tightened hold”. Moreover another interesting theme that Johnson explores is that unity is strength. He illustrates that the oppressed together as one entity are a force to be reckoned. He presents his readers with the idea that the unity of all the people will help them succeed in bringing about a change as he mentions in the poem, “Spirits riled, An rise an rail thunda-wise, Latent powah, in a form resemblinmadness, Like violence is di show burstin outta slave shackle”. 3.2. Stylistic and Linguistic Techniques Johnson utilizes various stylistic and linguistic techniques which are used in the poems to enhance the beauty of his expression this includes use of onomatopoeia, imagery and use of slang. Since dub poetry is an amalgamation of music and literature consequently although it has an inborn rhythm in the manner each line merges with other yet the use of onomatopoeia is an important characteristic of this form of art. Johnson also incorporates such a technique in his poem as apparent from the line, “SCATTA-MATTA- SHATTA-SHACK, What a beat!” this beat further demonstrates the collision of the two forces in the fire of revolution i.e. the oppressor and the oppressed. Moreover this beat has the resounding effect of something colliding and shattering. The use of color imagery is another technique that the poet utilizes to reflect the morbid images of death, bloodshed and revolt. Johnson uses the colors like Black and Red in his poem to project various emotions and feelings of his fellow beings. Although the color red is of blood yet it is also the color of passion and intense emotions. Consequently in the poem it reflects the anger of the oppressed that is directed towards their rulers because they are the ones who have subjected them to injustices and suffering. While on the other hand Black color reflects the darkness and destruction that surrounds them and the chaos that the imminent revolution is going to cause. This black color can also be interpreted in term that through the use of this color imagery Johnson is illustrating the blackened and heartless souls of the rulers who live a selfish life and their soul concern is their personal well fare and well being. Another unique technique that Johnson integrates in this poem is the use of slang language rather than proper English. The shortened form of the words that has been used in the verse of this poem further enhances the beauty of the poet’s depiction. Moreover his use of slang can also be perceived as his attempt to communicate with the mass public who understands simple and uncomplicated language. Hence by using slang words he attempts to make it easier for the common man to comprehend and relate to his interpretation of the current situation of political and social affairs. Also this can also be interpreted as a revolt against the conventional poetry writing that followed set writing patterns in British literature. 4. Conclusion Hence it is observed that Johnson uses his writing skills to bring in to light the prejudices of the British society and the cruel behavior of the rulers towards the Black people. Moreover he utilizes his poetry and music to instigate the courage in his readers to revolt against the authorities and transform the future. Bibliography Habekost, Christian, Verbal Riddim (Amsterdam: RODOPL, 1993). Moskowitz, Vlado, David, Caribbean Popular Music (Westport: Greenwood Press, 2006). Read More