Analysis of Grace Nichols' Poem Out of Africa

Analysis of “Out of Africa” by Grace Nichols

The poem “Out of Africa,” written in 1989 by Grace Nichols, reflects the life and heritage of the poet, who was born in Georgetown, Guyana. Before immigrating to the UK in 1977, Nichols worked as a teacher, journalist, and in government information services. Her poetry is deeply characterized by Caribbean rhythms, culture, and the influence of Guyanese and Amerindian folklore. The poem chronicles Nichols' personal journey, tracing her ancestry in Africa through her migration from the Caribbean to England.

Poetic Structure and Narrative Voice

The structure of the poem consists of three stanzas. The first and second stanzas are equal in length, while the third is slightly longer, representing the poet's current, longest-standing residence. The narrative voice adopts the perspective of the African people. The tone is notably sarcastic and mocking, particularly in phrases such as “baleful tourist glare” and “happy Creole so-called mentality.” These lines highlight the ignorance of white tourists who visit the Caribbean, expecting locals to perform happiness for their holiday experience.

Language Features and Repetition

A primary language feature is the repetition of the words “out of” and “into,” which serve to bridge the past and the present:

• “Out of…”: Used in the first stanza to describe Nichols' ancestry and origins before her time.
• “Into…”: Used in the second and third stanzas to represent her life experiences, including her move from the Caribbean to England.

Use of Personification

Personification is employed throughout the poem to evoke deep symbolic meaning:

• The Mother Figure: In the line “Out of Africa of the suckling,” the word “mother” is implied through the act of suckling, highlighting the relationship between mother and child.
• The Earth: The phrase “Out of Africa of the first rains, the first mother” personifies the earth. This imagery connects to the distant past, with the “first rains” symbolizing the origins of life and ancestry.