The African Beggar
By Raymond Tong
Sprawled in the dust outside the Syrian store,
a target for small children, dogs and flies,
a heap of verminous rags and matted hair,
he watches us with cunning reptile eyes,
his noiseless, small-poxed face creased in a sneer.Sometimes he shows his yellow stumps of teeth
and whines for alms, perceiving that we bear
the curse of pity; a grotesque mask of death,
with hands like claws about his begging bowl.But often he is lying all alone
within the shadow of a crumbling wall,
lost in the trackless jungle of his pain,
clutching the pitiless red earth in vain
and whimpering like a stricken animal.
Summary of The African Beggar
“The African Beggar” by Raymond Tong is a powerfully descriptive poem, first published in his Collected Poems in 1994. It presents a stark and unflinching portrait of a beggar, not simply as a figure of pity, but as a complex individual observed with a keen, and sometimes unsettling, eye. The poem explores the societal attitudes toward poverty and begs us to consider the beggar’s internal experience, hinting at a defiant pride beneath the surface of desperation.
The central idea of the poem revolves around the paradox of begging and the human response to suffering. Tong masterfully avoids sentimentalization, instead presenting a beggar who is both repulsive and pitiable, and who seems almost to expect scorn. The poem challenges readers to confront their own feelings of discomfort and judgment when encountering those less fortunate.
It is important to note that the “African” in the title does not necessarily denote the beggar’s origin, but rather acts as a symbolic marker of ‘otherness’ and marginalization and highlights the universal experience of being outcast and overlooked. The poem isn’t necessarily about a specific person or place, but a broader commentary on human dignity and societal indifference.
Analysis of Literary Devices Used in “The African Beggar”
Imagery and Sensory Detail
Tong employs vivid imagery throughout the poem, appealing to the reader’s senses and creating a visceral experience of the beggar’s plight. Consider the opening lines: “Sprawled in the dust outside the Syrian store, / a target for small children, dogs and flies.” The words “sprawled” and “dust” immediately establish a scene of degradation and neglect. The listing of “small children, dogs and flies” not only emphasizes the beggar’s low status but also suggests a sense of violation and dehumanization.
The imagery extends to the beggar’s physical appearance: “a heap of verminous rags and matted hair, / he watches us with cunning reptile eyes, / his noiseless, small-poxed face creased in a sneer.” These details are intentionally unsettling, creating a picture of someone who is both repulsive and strangely formidable. The use of “reptile eyes” is particularly striking, suggesting a coldness and cunning that defies easy sympathy.
Metaphor and Simile
The poem utilizes metaphor and simile to deepen its exploration of the beggar’s inner life. The beggar is described as “a grotesque mask of death,” a metaphor that suggests a living death, a state of utter despair and hopelessness. This isn’t simply a description of physical decay; it’s a commentary on the loss of identity and the erosion of the human spirit.
The final lines of the poem employ a simile: “and whimpering like a stricken animal.” This comparison is particularly effective because it evokes a sense of vulnerability and helplessness. The beggar is reduced to a creature driven by instinct, devoid of language or agency. The simile reinforces the poem’s central theme of dehumanization.
Diction and Tone
Tong’s carefully chosen diction contributes significantly to the poem’s overall tone. Words such as “verminous,” “noiseless,” “grotesque,” and “stricken” create a sense of bleakness and despair. The language is deliberately harsh and unflinching, refusing to soften the reality of the beggar’s situation.
The tone of the poem is complex and ambiguous. It is not simply a sentimental plea for pity. There is a detachment and even a hint of disdain in the speaker’s observations. This ambiguity forces the reader to confront their own biases and assumptions about poverty and suffering.
Analysis of Poetic Devices Used in “The African Beggar”
Enjambment and Rhythm
Tong skillfully employs enjambment, the continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line to the next, to create a sense of fluidity and momentum. For example, consider these lines: “Sometimes he shows his yellow stumps of teeth / and whines for alms, perceiving that we bear / the curse of pity.” The enjambment creates a conversational rhythm and draws the reader forward.
The poem does not adhere to a strict metrical pattern, but it does exhibit a subtle, underlying rhythm. The use of short, clipped lines contribute to the poem’s sense of urgency and immediacy.
Sound Devices: Assonance, Consonance, and Alliteration
Tong uses sound devices to enhance the poem’s musicality and create a sense of atmosphere. Assonance, the repetition of vowel sounds, can be seen in phrases like “small children” and “dogs and flies.” Consonance, the repetition of consonant sounds, occurs in lines such as “he watches us with cunning reptile eyes.” Alliteration, the repetition of initial consonant sounds, appears in phrases such as “begging bowl.” These sound devices subtly contribute to the poem’s overall impact.
The Power of Observation
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its detached, almost clinical, tone. The speaker isn’t necessarily expressing sympathy or condemnation; they are simply observing. This allows the reader to draw their own conclusions about the beggar and the societal forces that have shaped his life.
Quotes to be Used
The following lines from “The African Beggar” are particularly evocative and can be used to illustrate themes of poverty, marginalization, and human dignity:
“But often he is lying all alone
within the shadow of a crumbling wall,
lost in the trackless jungle of his pain,
clutching the pitiless red earth in vain
and whimpering like a stricken animal.”
These lines powerfully convey the beggar’s isolation, despair, and vulnerability. They serve as a stark reminder of the human cost of poverty and the importance of compassion and understanding.
“The African Beggar” is a challenging and thought-provoking poem that demands careful attention and reflection. By employing vivid imagery, evocative language, and subtle poetic devices, Raymond Tong has created a lasting portrait of a marginalized individual and a powerful commentary on the human condition.