The Song Of The Banana Man Poem Analysis
The Song of the Banana Man is a poem written by Jamaican poet, Evan Jones. The piece chronicles the life and experiences of a Jamaican banana farmer. The Banana Man, as he is affectionately called, is a working-class man who toils in the fields all day to provide for his family. The poem explores themes of labor, identity, and class struggles against a backdrop of the Jamaican landscape.
The Narrator and Poetic Style
The poem is written from the perspective of an anonymous narrator who describes the life of the Banana Man in vivid detail. The language used in the poem is colloquial and has a conversational tone. Jones uses Jamaican Creole in some of the lines, adding to the authenticity of the piece. This style of writing helps to create a vivid picture of the life of the Banana Man and his struggles.
The Banana Man
The Banana Man is the protagonist of the poem. He is a hardworking Jamaican banana farmer who spends his days working in the fields to provide for his family. The poem describes the Banana Man as a man who is deeply connected to the land and the work that he does. The Banana Man takes pride in his work and is dedicated to his craft.
The poem also explores the class struggles that the Banana Man faces. Despite his hard work and dedication, he is still a working-class man who struggles to make ends meet. He is at the mercy of the plantation owners who control the prices of his crops. Jones uses the Banana Man's story to highlight the economic struggles faced by many Jamaicans who are trapped in poverty.
The Jamaican Landscape
The Song of the Banana Man takes place against the backdrop of the Jamaican landscape. The poem describes the lush greenery, the sound of the river, and the vibrant colors of the flowers. The landscape is an essential part of the poem and is used to create a sense of place and atmosphere.
The use of vivid imagery helps to bring the landscape to life in the reader's mind. Jones uses the landscape to create a sense of connection between the Banana Man and the land that he works on. It is a reminder that the Banana Man's work is not just a job, but a way of life.
Conclusion
The Song of the Banana Man is not just a poem, but a powerful commentary on the struggles faced by the working-class in Jamaica. Jones uses the story of the Banana Man to highlight the economic struggles that many Jamaicans face. The poem is also a celebration of the Jamaican landscape and the working-class people who call it home.
