Summary of The Awakening Age by Ben Okri | Poem | Class XII English Note

The Awakening Age by Ben Okri

Summary

In ‘The Awakening Age’, Okri portrays the hardships of the African people. In addition, he makes a call for unity, peace and solidarity among human beings from different parts of the world. The poem is a hopeful vision of understanding and co-operation among the people around the world.

The speaker wishes the vision of a new world to shine within African inhabitants. They have travelled a long path of hunger, poverty, unemployment and other aspects that have made them a vulnerable community. He also wishes them to experience the glory of the awakening age. The awakening age refers to the time when African people have a recognition, realization, or coming into awareness of their condition, and the beginning of their new world.

The speaker says that his people have been driven by an unseen force, a hope that connects them together like a mountain rope. Desperate African people ascend to new heights themselves with their resources. They are eager to change their perception to show that they are more than their challenges. Also, they are hopeful to discover their talents and use their efficiency not only to suit themselves but also others.

Understanding the text

Answer the following questions.

a. Who are the people ‘who travel the meridian line’?

The people who travel the meridian line are those who have been displaced from their homes, either by war, poverty, or other factors. They are the ones who have had to leave their families, friends, and communities behind in search of a better life.

b. What does the poet mean by ‘a new world’?

By a new world the poet means the place where peace and prosperity can flourish./ By a new world the poet means a world of hope, peace, and prosperity. A world where everyone is treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their race, religion, or nationality.

c. How are people connected to each other?

People are connected to each other in hope.

d. What can we gain after our perceptions are changed?

When our perceptions are changed, we can see the world in a new way. We can gain a flowering of truth instead of pain.

e. How are we benefited by new people?

New people bring new ideas, new perspectives, and new cultures to our lives. They can help us to see the world in a new way and they can teach us about different ways of life. They can also enrich our lives with their friendship, love, and support. Thus, we are benefited by their work, wisdom and creativity. 

f. Describe the rhyme scheme of this sonnet.

The poem has seven couplets. It follows the rhyme scheme AA BB CC DD EE FF GG.

Reference beyond the text

a. What does the poet mean by ‘the awakening age’?

The awakening age refers to the time when African people have a recognition, realization, or coming into awareness of their condition, and birth of their new world. / 'The awakening age’ refers to a new era of hope and prosperity for the people who have been displaced. It is a time when they can finally put the past behind them and start a new life.

b. Why, in your view, have these people ‘lived with poverty’s rage’?

During the colonial period, the Africans was exploited by the European people in the name of utilizing the natural resources. On the other hand, African countries involved in long civil war. There was imbalance in the distribution of national wealth as a few powerful people have taken control of power. The ordinary people didn’t know there was more than their poverty. These are the reasons why African people have lived with poverty’s rage.

c. Why does the poet appeal for solidarity among the people?

The poet appeals for solidarity among the people because he believes that it is the only way to overcome the challenges they face. When people stand together, they are stronger and more resilient. They can also work together to create a better future for themselves and their children.

d. Does the poet present migration in a positive light? Why? Why not?

The poet presents migration in a positive light. Migration boosts the working-age population. Migrants arrive with skills and contribute to human capital development of receiving countries. They also support progress with new technologies.

e. Nepal is also known for its economic as well as educational migrants. Have you noticed any change in the perceptions and behaviours of these migrants when they return home from abroad?

Thousands of Nepalese youths go abroad for further studies and employment. We have noticed changes in their perceptions and behaviours when they return home. Return migration has many potential benefits. The people working abroad can increase their income, acquire new skills, and accumulate savings and assets. When they return, they bring both the financial and human capital accumulated abroad to their homeland. Benefits appear only if return migrants are successful in gaining skills, knowledge, and savings and if the home country has the appropriate policies to encourage their investment and to use their skills.

f. Relate the rhyme scheme of this sonnet to the kind of life idealized by the poet.

The poem has the rhyme scheme AA BB CC DD EE FF GG. This pair rhyme scheme indicates harmony and complete thought in the poem. Through this rhyme scheme, the poet idealizes the feeling of unity and togetherness among the African people. He says that his people have been driven by an unseen force, a hope that connects them together like a mountain rope.