Life In Our Village
By Markwei Martie
In our little village
When elders are around,
Boys must not look at girls
And girls must not look at boys
Because the elders say
That is not good.Even when night comes
Boys must play separately,
Girls must play separately.
But humanity is weak
So boys and girls meet.The boys play hide and seek
And the girls play hide and seek.
The boys know where the girls hide
And the girls know where the boys hide
So in their hide and seek,
Boys seek girls,
And each to each sing
Songs of love.
Summary of Life in Our Village
- A Glimpse into Village Life: “Life in Our Village” by Markwei Martie is a poignant portrayal of a traditional rural community. The poem explores the strict social norms that govern interactions between boys and girls, especially in the presence of elders. Despite these rules, it celebrates the innate human desire for connection and the subtle ways in which young people navigate and sometimes subvert expectations.
- Central Idea: The poem’s core revolves around the tension between societal rules and natural human instincts. It highlights how, even in tightly controlled environments, the desire for companionship and love finds a way to flourish. The playful game of hide and seek becomes a metaphor for the quiet rebellion and budding romance that take place beneath the watchful eyes of the community.
- Noteworthy Aspects: “Life in Our Village” is admired for its simplicity and authenticity. It does not rely on complex language or elaborate imagery; instead it uses clear, direct language to convey a universal truth about human nature. The poem’s setting in a traditional village provides a specific cultural context, but its themes of love, connection, and the negotiation of social norms resonate with readers from diverse backgrounds.
Analysis of Literary Devices Used in Life in Our Village
Literary devices are the tools writers use to add depth, nuance, and beauty to their work. They allow poets to convey meaning in creative and impactful ways. Let’s explore some of the devices Markwei Martie skillfully employs in “Life in Our Village.”
- Assonance: This involves the repetition of vowel sounds within words. Notice the subtle use of assonance in lines like “In our little village,” where the repeated “i” sound creates a pleasing musicality and emphasizes the sense of place.
- Consonance: The repeated “t” sound in “must” and “not” creates a subtle rhythmic emphasis, reinforcing the stern tone of the village’s rules.
- Enjambment: Enjambment occurs when a phrase or sentence continues from one line of poetry to the next without punctuation. This creates a flowing, conversational rhythm. For example, consider the lines:
“Boys must not look at girls
And girls must not look at boys
Because the elders say
That is not good.”The thought continues seamlessly from line to line, mimicking the ongoing nature of social expectations.
- Understatement: The line “Because the elders say / That is not good” is an understatement. It downplays the weight of the rules and the potential consequences of breaking them, suggesting that the authority of the elders is taken for granted.
- Imagery: Imagery uses descriptive language to appeal to the reader’s senses. Lines like “The boys play hide and seek” and “And the girls play hide and seek” create a vivid picture of children at play.
- Parallelism: This is the use of similar grammatical structures to create a sense of balance and rhythm. Notice the parallel structure in the opening lines:
“Boys must not look at girls
And girls must not look at boys”This repetition reinforces the strictness of the rules and the symmetry of the expectations placed on both genders.
- Symbolism: The game of hide and seek itself is symbolic. It represents the children’s attempts to navigate the rules and express their feelings in a clandestine way. The act of hiding and seeking mirrors the subtle courtship and growing affection between the boys and girls.
Analysis of Poetic Devices Used in Life in Our Village
While many literary devices overlap with poetic devices, some are specifically utilized within the art of poetry to create musicality, rhythm, and heightened emotional impact. Let’s examine those present in “Life in Our Village.”
- Diction: Martie’s choice of words is simple and direct. This deliberate use of everyday language enhances the poem’s authenticity and accessibility. The clear, unadorned diction allows the poem’s message to shine through without being obscured by complex vocabulary.
- Free Verse: The poem does not adhere to a strict rhyme scheme or metrical pattern. This free‑verse structure gives the poem a conversational and natural feel, mirroring the spontaneous energy of childhood play. It allows the poem to flow organically, guided by the rhythm of thought and emotion.
- Stanza Structure: The poem is composed of three stanzas, each contributing to the narrative arc. The first stanza establishes the rules, the second hints at underlying desires, and the third reveals the quiet rebellion and blossoming romance. The structure reinforces the poem’s themes and creates a sense of progression.
Quotes to be Used
These lines from “Life in Our Village” are useful when discussing themes of social control, childhood rebellion, or the universal desire for connection.
In our little village
When elders are around,
Boys must not look at girls
And girls must not look at boys
Because the elders say
That is not good.
This opening stanza encapsulates the restrictive nature of the village rules and the unquestioned authority of the elders.