Prayer To Masks -Leopold Sedar Senghor Flashcards
(22 cards)
Briefly explain the connotations of the words “Prayer” and “masks” as used in the title. (3)
prayers- appeal to a higher power / ancestors - positive connotation. ‘masks’ - traditional masks as worn in African culture / to hide real emotions/hide true intentions. The title implies a ‘thank you’ to those who have been wearing the masks and to the masks themselves for being able to hide true feelings. Definite link to the various ancestors.)
- Why does the speaker greet the masks “in silence”? (2)
Words are unnecessary in this instance - a slight gesture will suffice. Prayers are not always spoken aloud.
- Why does the speaker use the first person “I”? (2)
It adds a personal, intimate and sincere element to the poem. It is subjective.
- How could an ancestor be “lionheaded” (line 4)?
This could refer to a traditional African mask in the shape of a lion’s dead. It could also be symbolic of strength, boldness and bravery. The Senegalese national anthem is also entitled “The Red Lion”. Senghor’s father’s name also translates to ‘lion’. A father is the first link between son and the ancestors.
- Refer to line 7: Explain why the masks are ‘markless, free from dimples and wrinkles’. (3)
‘markless’ - without blemishes and scars - they (the ancestors) are no longer fighting or at war. They are ‘free from dimples and wrinkles’ - worries and stress. Their troubles are over. They are also in the afterlife where their Th appearance does not change and is without any flaws.
- Discuss the choice in diction in metaphor “altar of white paper” (line 8). (3)
white paper could refer to bureaucracy - it takes an immense amount of paperwork to create laws/set up political alliances etc. The ‘altar’ suggests that something is being worshipped/praised. Could also mean the actual poem being written.
- Identify the tone in “In the name of your image, listen to me!” (1)
A pleading, desperate tone. Or a respectful command filled with authority.
- What does the speaker mean when he states that Europe and Africa are “connected through the navel”? (3)
This image reminds the reader of the connection of Africa to Europe, much like a baby is connected to its mother via the umbilical cord-nourishment, blood flow etc. The colonial powers in Europe were referred to as the ‘mother country’. However, this connection is a negative one - Europe colonised many countries in Africa. There was mass exploitation of people, resources and land. Greed and corruption by the colonisers left Africa damaged. The severing of the connection is necessary but difficult. Colonisers would not want to sever this connection-then they lose their wealth/resources/land/labour force etc.
- Identify the figure of speech and explain the effectiveness thereof in the phrase “rebirth of the world” (line 14). (3)
Personification- now that the colonisers have left/have no more power over the country, it has the chance to be reborn, to start afresh. It can now create its own government/future.)
- How has the world “died of machines and cannons”? (2)
(Our over-reliance on technology and machinery has caused the spiritual soul to wither and die. The world has lost its ability to feel deeply and give expression to joy. As the poem was written after WW II, it could also allude to the many people who died in warfare.
- Is there any optimism in this poem? Quote in support of your answer. (2)
“world that has died” - shows that the old reality is gone/dead. There is a semblance of hope (“ton hope”) despite the damage, destruction and violence.
- Discuss the effectiveness of the last two lines of the poem as a conclusion. (3)
These lines are emphatic and strongly connected to the earth. The people are involved in a traditional dance, and they appear strong and resilient. This dance symbolises their new-found freedom and how they will regain their identity and take pride in their culture. They will share this culture and pride with the rest of the world.
13.1 Account for the use of the word, ‘ancestor’, in line 4.
The speaker acknowledges, with respect, the role of the previous generations. The word ‘ancestor’ denotes spiritual/traditional belief system and historical significance. A lionhead mask is also most revered, therefore addressed separately
13.2 Refer to line 7: ‘Masks of markless faces, free from dimples and wrinkles.’ Explain why the masks are described in this manner.
(2)
Although symbolising ancestors, the masks are carved/inanimate and as such are free from the effects of time and ageing. The masks are expressionless/stoic, depicting a revered/unemotive engagement with the living world
13.4.1 Identify the figure of speech in line 14. (1)
Metaphor
13.4.2 Comment on the effectiveness of this image in lines 14-15. (2)
‘leaven’ is yeast and needed for bread to rise. The comparison is effective as it shows that African pride/culture/character is the thing to add life to an otherwise bland, foreign culture
13.4 Refer to lines 20-23: ‘They call us… the hard soil.’ Critically discuss how these lines reinforce the central message of the poem. (3)
Africans are belittled and stereotyped according to labour provided. YET, Africans are grounded/connected to the earth and gain vigour/vibrancy through hardship. They can celebrate in their ability to overcome. African culture/society must reclaim lost pride and autonomy, as this society provides colour and life in comparison to the oppressive and bland system of colonialism.
14.1 What does the word ‘prayer’ in the title suggest about ‘masks’? (2)
Prayer’ suggests that the speaker makes a passionate plea to a higher power or his ancestors for guidance and inspiration in restoring African culture and pride after a tumultuous period of colonisation
14.2 Refer to line 9: ‘In the name… listen to me!”
Identify and discuss the tone of the speaker.(2)
There is a pleading/desperate tone, or a respectful tone filled with authority. The speaker is asking the ancestors to help them gain strength so that they can gain freedom from the colonists.
14.3 Refer to lines 10-11: “Now while the… through the navel.’
14.3.1 Identify the figure of speech in these lines.
Personification/Metaphor
14.3 Refer to lines 10-11: “Now while the… through the navel.’
14.3.2 Comment on the effectiveness of this image.
(2)
The image of the umbilical cord (‘connected through the navel’) us the connection of Africa to Europe, like a baby to its mother. This suggests that the European conquest has nourished a new Africa soon to be born, but one that will eventually have to sever its ties with its European ‘mother country’ if it is to live, grow and become independent. The severing of the connection is necessary for Africa but difficult for the colonisers as they would lose their wealth/resources/land/labour force. Alternatively, the ‘pitiable princess’ symbolises the nobility of traditional Africa and her death represents both the general suffering and decline of traditional African culture and the loss of political power.
14.4 Refer to line 20: ‘But we are the hard soil.’
Critically discuss how these lines contribute to the central message of the poem. (3)
These lines provide an optimistic message; they are emphatic and strongly connected to the earth. The people are involved in a traditional dance, and they appear strong and resilient. This dance symbolises their new-found freedom and how they will regain their identity and take pride in their culture. They will share this culture and pride with the rest of the world. Despite hardships and prejudice, the African people are strong and capable.
