Derek Walcott’s poem: The Spoiler’s Return

Sample Solution

    The Spoiler’s Return by Derek Walcott is a poem about how some colonizers left their mark on the Caribbean islands. The poem begins with an address to “you who came from Europe”, suggesting that this group of people are responsible for the spoiling of the Caribbean landscape and culture.

It goes on to describe how these people have brought in foreign ideas, religions, and language in order to impose their own values upon the islanders. In addition, Walcott also speaks about how these invaders were unable to fully understand or appreciate what they had changed; despite leaving behind grand monuments such as churches and government buildings, they still remain somewhat ignorant of the true beauty that existed prior to their arrival. Ultimately, the poem serves as a reminder of the lasting impact colonialism had on many Caribbean nations long after its departure. Both Derek Walcott’s The Sea is History and Lorna Goodison’s The Guinea Woman explore the legacy of colonialism in their respective works. At the most fundamental level, both poets are concerned with how colonization has affected the cultural identity of Caribbean nations. In Walcott’s poem, he speaks about the “grey vault of history” that contains memories of battles, martyrs, and other experiences that have been locked away by the sea. He views this as a way to preserve history while acknowledging its dark past. On the other hand, Goodison focuses on an individual – specifically a woman from Barbados who was taken as a slave in order to work in Jamaica – and her life story serves as an example of how colonialism has impacted individuals within those societies. Goodison emphasizes how this experience robbed her character of freedom and dignity; it is only after she dies that she can finally be free from her oppressors. Both poems effectively demonstrate how colonialism has left its mark upon Caribbean countries; however, they differ in terms of approach as one uses a broader scope while the other zeroes in on an individual story for maximum impact. Annotate Jamaica Kincaid’s poem: My Mother My mother (1) said I must always be/A lady and not forget it./She (2) said never talk when you can smile/And never lose your head when you are angry.(3) And if someone ever says something bad about me(4), /No matter where I am or what I do/(5) Then no matter what else happens/I should remember I'm still a lady too.(6). (1): The speaker's mother is providing guidance on proper behavior for women which will become increasingly important throughout the poem; (2): Addressing etiquette - even when emotions run high- is another point made by mother; (3): Here we see advice regarding self-discipline and restraint suggested by mother's words; (4): A reminder to stay true to oneself regardless of outside criticism or judgement; (5): Advice emphasizing resilience despite changing circumstances or environments ; (6): Final statement highlighting importance for young women to maintain their grace at all times - even under difficult conditions - thus demonstrating strength rather than weakness . My mother (1) said I must always be/A lady and not forget it./She (2) said never talk when you can smile/And never lose your head when you are angry.(3) And if someone ever says something bad about me(4), /No matter where I am or what I do/(5) Then no matter what else happens/I should remember I'm still a lady too.(6). (1): The speaker's mother is providing guidance on proper behavior for women which will become increasingly important throughout the poem; (2): Addressing etiquette - even when emotions run high- is another point made by mother; (3): Here we see advice regarding self-discipline and restraint suggested by mother's words; (4): A reminder to stay true to oneself regardless of outside criticism or judgement; (5): Advice emphasizing resilience despite changing circumstances or environments ; (6): Final statement highlighting importance for young women to maintain their grace at all times - even under difficult conditions - thus demonstrating strength rather than weakness. Sirs, In that grey vault . . . The sea. The sea has locked them up. The sea is ______________. Answer: The Sea is History. This line from Derek Walcott's poem, "The Sea is History," captures the impact of colonialism on Caribbean nations and their culture. In this particular passage, Walcott is pointing out that much of the history of these places has been erased due to colonization; it is as if all monuments, battles, and martyrs have been “locked away” in a “grey vault” by the sea. He suggests that despite the physical reminders left behind by colonizers - such as churches and government buildings - their true legacy lies beneath the surface in a place inaccessible to most people.