AN ANALYSIS OF THE THEME OF BEAUTY IN LEOPOLD SENGHOR’S POEM “BLACK WOMAN”
Leopold Senghor’s poem Black Woman is considered a negritude poem that celebrates the beauty of the African woman. The poem could also be described as an ode to the African woman, who in a larger sense symbolizes the African continent. As it is characteristic of Negritude’s poets, they aim to project Africa in a positive light, debunking all the hitherto unpleasant narratives presented to the outside world about Africa. This piece sets out to delineate the various means through which the poet projects or highlights African beauty.
The poem black woman centers on the theme of blackness as a subject of beauty. It also draws attention to the theme of African land as a woman with glorious prospects. The central idea of the poem seeks to eulogize the unadulterated beauty of the African woman. In effect, the poem brings to focus the combination of qualities such as shape, color, or form that pleases the aesthetic senses, especially sight.
From the outset, the poet stresses the adorable and lovely black woman who is clothed with “colour which is life“. This brings to focus the beauty of the black woman. The poet further focuses his attention on the black woman’s figure, in its natural state, which is “naked”. In effect, its nakedness allows for better appreciation of the naturalness of her beauty. After appreciable adoration of the naked woman, black woman’s beauty of Africa, he endorses her “form “as the representation of beauty. It is also identifiable in the first stanza that the persona emphasizes the beauty of Africa which he calls “my promised land “. The persona ends the stanza with a simile that seeks to eulogise the beauty of the black woman and by extension Africa. This is vividly captured in the line….. And beauty that strikes me to the heart like the flash of an to eagle”.
The second stanza also begins with the refrain “naked woman, dark woman, which brings to the fore another shade of the black woman. Here, the dark woman which by extension refers to Africa is “firm- fleshed”. Metaphorically, the firm- flashed of the black woman is compared to a “ripe fruit”. It is again compared to the“ somber raptures of black wine”. Suggestively, the African woman is clothed with her completely dark which is another shade of black that looks like wine. With yet another comparison that further emphasizes the African woman’s beauty, the persona juxtaposes her to the savannah. The savannah is said to be “shuddering beneath the East winds anger caresses”.
The African woman’s beauty is here being compared to the vast savannah that trembles romantically under the enthusiastic caresses of the East wind “. The stanza finally compares the African woman’s beauty to tight, well-carved “tom-tom”. The African woman’s beauty transcends her form to her ”solemn contralto voice“ which is compared to the “spiritual song of the beloved” possibly suggesting a love bond between the persona and the Black Woman.
It could be adduced from the poem that the persona ascribes prominence to the glorification and admiration of the natural beauty concealed in the Black Woman and by extension the African continent. Through the effective usage of devices such as a striking visual imagery and diction such as ” the promised land, ripe fruit, Savannah, oil and gazelle the poet presents a pleasant and striking beauty that is encapsulated in the African woman.
An examination of the theme of beauty in the poem Black Woman
Leopold Senghor’s poem “Black Woman” stands as a classic example of Negritude poetry, which celebrates the intrinsic beauty and significance of the African woman. Within the poem, the African woman serves not only as an individual but also as a symbol representing the essence of the entire African continent. As is customary in Negritude literature, Senghor aims to counter the prevailing negative portrayals of Africa by showcasing its inherent splendour through the lens of African womanhood.
The central theme of the poem revolves around the concept of blackness as a source of beauty. Senghor meticulously explores the aesthetic qualities of the African woman, emphasizing her natural allure and grace. From the outset, the poet extols the captivating beauty of the black woman, describing her as adorned with the “colour which is life.” This imagery highlights the vibrant essence of African beauty. Furthermore, Senghor emphasizes the raw, unadorned, and unadulterated beauty of the African woman’s figure, praising her “naked” form as a testament to her inherent attractiveness.
Throughout the poem, Senghor employs vivid visual imagery and metaphorical language to exalt the beauty of the African woman. He compares her firm-fleshed physique to a “ripe fruit” and likens her dark complexion to the “somber raptures of black wine,” evoking a sense of richness and sensuality. Additionally, the poet draws parallels between the African woman and the vast savannah, depicting her as a symbol of resilience and vitality amidst the elements.
It is quite interesting to note that Senghor extends his admiration beyond the physical attributes of the African woman to encompass her spiritual essence. He describes her voice as a “solemn contralto,” likening it to the “spiritual song of the beloved.” This portrayal suggests a profound connection between the persona and the Black Woman, transcending mere physical admiration to imply a deep emotional and spiritual bond.
“Black Woman” serves as a captivating ode to the multifaceted beauty of the African woman and by extension, the African continent. Through Senghor’s skillful use of imagery and appropriate diction, he succeeds in projecting a compelling portrayal of African beauty that challenges the negative narratives about Africa and celebrates the richness of African culture and identity.
Contributed by:
Mohammed Gariba
mohammedmaahi7@gmail.com
Gertude Obubah
Corresponding author: obubahgertude@gmail.com