Based on the St J. Page Yako’s poem, “The Contraction and Enclosure of the Land ’’ With close reference to the poem, write an essay of about two pages, in which you

Question

critically comment on how the persona’s tone and use of imagery capture the
dislocation and trauma of a community dispossessed of its land

Answer 1

In St J. Page Yako’s poem, “The Contraction and Enclosure of the Land,” the persona’s tone and use of vivid imagery effectively capture the dislocation and trauma experienced by a community that has been dispossessed of its land. Through the persona’s poignant voice and evocative language, the reader is immersed in the profound sense of loss and upheaval that results from the contraction and enclosure of the land.

The persona’s tone throughout the poem is one of lamentation and sorrow. The opening lines set the stage for this emotional journey, as the persona describes the once abundant land now reduced to a state of desolation. The persona’s use of the word “silence” in the phrase “Where silence rides its moon” suggests a haunting absence, a void that pervades the land. This use of silence as a symbolic representation of the community’s lost voice and agency establishes a somber tone that continues throughout the poem.

Furthermore, the persona’s vivid imagery serves to illustrate the depth of the community’s dislocation and trauma. In the lines, “Songbirds have become / faltered chords,” the use of juxtaposition between the melodic songbirds and the faltered chords symbolizes the loss of harmony and vitality in the community. The land, once pulsating with life, is now reduced to a discordant and fragmented existence. This image encapsulates the profound sense of dislocation experienced by the community, as they are forced to confront the fragmented remnants of their heritage.

The persona’s use of contrasting imagery is also significant in capturing the trauma of the dispossessed community. Throughout the poem, the persona juxtaposes images of the past with the harsh reality of the present. For instance, in the lines, “Harvested fields have become / dry tears,” the contrast between the fruitful fields of the past and the barrenness of the present highlights the magnitude of loss experienced by the community. The transformation of fertile fields into dry tears emphasizes the emotional pain and trauma inflicted upon the dispossessed community.

Moreover, the persona’s connection to the land is evident through the use of first-person narration. By positioning themselves as a witness to the community’s suffering, the persona not only conveys empathy but also a personal connection to the land. This personalization of the experience enhances the emotional impact on the reader, as they become immersed in the persona’s own sense of loss and dislocation.

In conclusion, St J. Page Yako’s poem, “The Contraction and Enclosure of the Land,” effectively captures the dislocation and trauma experienced by a community dispossessed of its land through the persona’s tone and use of imagery. The persona’s lamenting tone conveys the profound sense of loss, while the vivid imagery illustrates the depth of dislocation and trauma. By juxtaposing images of the past with the harsh reality of the present, the persona highlights the emotional impact of the community’s displacement. Ultimately, the powerful combination of tone and imagery serves to immerse the reader in the dislocation and trauma of a community dispossessed of its land.