Analyze the theme towards apathy towards social injustice in “Not my business”.

Question

How does the the poet use repetition and structure to emphasize the themes. Provide examples from the poem.

Answer 1

In the poem "Not my business" by Niyi Osundare, the theme of apathy towards social injustice is prominent throughout. The poem depicts a man who is not concerned about the oppression and harm happening to others until it directly affects him. The poet uses repetition and structure to emphasize this theme, as well as to highlight the consequences of ignorance and indifference.

One way the poet uses repetition is through the refrain "Not my business", which is repeated at the beginning and end of each stanza. This repetition serves to underscore the narrator's detachment and lack of concern for the suffering of others. The constant repetition drives home the idea that the narrator is only concerned with himself and his own well-being, regardless of the injustices happening around him.

Another example of repetition in the poem is the phrase "What business of mine is it ...", which is used throughout the poem to pose rhetorical questions about the narrator's lack of involvement in the suffering of others. This repetition emphasizes the narrator's refusal to take responsibility or action in the face of injustice, highlighting his apathetic attitude towards the plight of others.

The structure of the poem also contributes to the theme of apathy towards social injustice. The stanzas are short and succinct, mirroring the narrator's brief and dismissive thoughts about the suffering of others. The abruptness of the lines and stanzas reflects the lack of empathy and concern the narrator feels towards the victims of injustice.

Overall, through the use of repetition and structure, the poet effectively emphasizes the theme of apathy towards social injustice in "Not my business". The poem serves as a powerful commentary on the dangers of turning a blind eye to the suffering of others, and the consequences of remaining silent in the face of injustice.