It is called post modern world, it is a humanities class, i have to write a 500 word essay on the poem "English girl eats her first mango" by John Agard.
(a kind of love poem)
If I did tell she
hold this gold
of sundizzy
tonguelicking juicy
mouthwater flow
ripe with love
from the tropics
she woulda tell me
trust you to be
melodramatic
so I just say
taste this mango
and I watch she hold
the smooth cheeks
of the mango
blushing yellow
and a glow
rush to she own cheeks
and she ask me
what do I know
just bite into it?
and I was tempted
to tell she
why not be a devil
and eat of the skin
of the original sin
but she woulda tell me
trust you to be
mysterious
so I would just say
it’s up to you
if you want to peel it
and I watch she feel it
as something precious
then she smile and say
looks delicious
and I tell she
don’t waste sweet words
when sweetness
in your hand
just bite it man
peel it with the teeth
that God give you
or better yet
do like me mother
used to do
and squeeze
till the flesh
turns syrup
nibble a hole
then suck the gold
like bubby
in child mouth
squeeze and tease out
every drop of spice
sounds nice
me friend tell me
and I remind she
that this ain’t
apple core
so don’t forget
the seed
suck that too
the sweetest part
the juice does run
down to you heart
man if you see
the English rose
she face was bliss
down to the pink
and when she finish
she smile
and turn to me
lend me your hanky
my fingers are all sticky
with mango juice
and I had to tell she
what hanky
you talking bout
you don’t know
when you eat mango
you hanky
is you tongue
man just lick
you finger
you call that
culture
lick you finger
you call that
culture
unless you prefer
to call it
colonization
in reverse
oh i guess i should probably ask my question.. does anyone understand what its saying, googling it got me almost no where.. but im pretty sure it is filled with sexual innuendoes for a reason. I just don't know where to formulate an essay from here
I like this -- colonization in reverse.
What do you want to say about this poem?
The sexual innuendos are details supporting the author's main idea.
i have no idea what to say on this poem, i could compare it to the west indian and english cultures, and i guess the mango is the metaphor for the west indian values won over
Sounds good.
To analyze the poem "English girl eats her first mango" by John Agard for your essay, you can follow these steps:
1. Read the poem: Start by reading and understanding the poem. Read it multiple times to grasp the overall meaning and the emotions conveyed.
2. Identify the theme: The poem explores the act of eating a mango, but it also delves into themes of love, cultural differences, and colonization.
3. Identify the poetic devices: Analyze the poem's structure and the poet's use of literary devices such as imagery, metaphors, similes, and symbolism. Note how these devices contribute to the poem's overall meaning and impact.
4. Examine the language and tone: Pay attention to the language used and the overall tone of the poem. Note the poet's choice of words, their connotation, and how they contribute to the poem's meaning and atmosphere.
5. Analyze the narrative: Consider the narrative voice and perspective. What do you understand about the relationship between the speaker and the English girl? How does the interaction between them reflect cultural differences and the exploration of love?
6. Investigate the title: Analyze the significance of the poem's title, "English girl eats her first mango." Consider how the poem revolves around this incident and what it signifies in terms of cultural experiences and personal growth.
7. Interpret the ending: The final lines of the poem hint at a reversal of the historical dynamic of colonization. Reflect on the implications and the poet's intention in concluding the poem in this manner.
8. Discuss the imagery: The poet employs vivid imagery, especially with references to colors and sensory details associated with the mango. Analyze how these descriptions enhance the reader's understanding and evoke emotions.
9. Connect with postmodernism: As this assignment is for a postmodern world humanities class, try to identify any postmodern elements within the poem. Consider how the poem challenges traditional poetic structures or conventions and explores themes of cultural diversity and identity.
10. Support your analysis: As you write your essay, support your analysis with specific examples from the poem. Quote lines or phrases that demonstrate the points you are making and provide explanations and interpretations of those excerpts.
Remember to maintain a clear and coherent structure in your essay by introducing your thesis statement, providing evidence from the poem, and analyzing it to support your arguments. A 500-word essay should be concise, so focus on the most significant aspects of the poem and your interpretation of them.