Song Of Lawino by Okot P'Bitek
- 1. Song of Lawino is a seminal work by the Ugandan poet Okot P'Bitek, written in the 1960s, and is celebrated as one of the foremost pieces of African literature in the modern era. This epic poem is presented as a dramatic monologue from the perspective of Lawino, a woman from the Acholi ethnic group, who laments the cultural disconnection caused by colonial influences and the westernization of her husband, Ocol. Lawino's heartfelt verses give voice to the struggles of maintaining cultural identity and traditional values in the face of modernization and societal change. Through her eyes, P'Bitek explores themes of love, cultural pride, and the tensions between tradition and contemporary life, vividly illustrating the rich cultural heritage of the Acholi people while also critiquing the impact of colonialism on African societies. The poem combines lyrical beauty with powerful social commentary, making it a poignant reflection on identity, belonging, and the complexities of post-colonial life in Africa. Lawino's passionate and expressive language resonates with readers, inviting them into her world of rich imagery and deep emotional truths, ultimately serving as a clarion call for cultural preservation and self-awareness.
Who is the author of 'Song of Lawino'?
A) Ngugi wa Thiong'o
B) Wole Soyinka
C) Chinua Achebe
D) Okot P'Bitek
- 2. What is the primary theme of 'Song of Lawino'?
A) Cultural identity
B) War and conflict
C) Economic development
D) Love and romance
- 3. In 'Song of Lawino', who is Lawino addressing?
A) The audience
B) The community
C) Her mother
D) Ocol
- 4. What type of poem is 'Song of Lawino' considered?
A) Epic poem
B) Lyric poem
C) Haiku
D) Narrative poem
- 5. The poem is set in which country?
A) Uganda
B) Rwanda
C) Tanzania
D) Kenya
- 6. What does Lawino use to express her views?
A) Songs
B) Essays
C) Stories
D) Letters
- 7. What societal issue is explored in 'Song of Lawino'?
A) Environmentalism
B) Colonial oppression
C) Economic disparity
D) Gender roles
- 8. What is a significant message Lawino conveys?
A) The inevitability of change
B) The value of tradition
C) The power of technology
D) The importance of wealth
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