AFRICAN POETRY

How does J.P. Clark present the theme of Cultural alienation in Agbor Dancer?

Explanation

The dance symbolizes the poet’s yearning to be identified with his roots. He regrets his inability to take part in this particular cultural dance as he has been, in his own words “early sequestered from my tribe”.

The poet is fascinated with this aspect of his culture which engages the dancer in an act “intervolving earth, sky and flesh”. This is expressed in his powerful description of the dancer as she wriggles her body in complete abandon. He describes the dance as a “magic maze” of music with its “intricate pattern rippling crest after crest”.

The dancer contrasts sharply with the poet as the dance signifies her deep knowledge of, and involvement in, her culture. The poet’s cultural alienation manifests itself in his inability to participate in such an infectious dance. His level of involvement is restricted only to admiration. He could feel the “communal call” but is unable to respond to it. Thus we see his frustration conveyed at the end of the poem, when he could only wish to be part of the dance.