Literary Devices in “Not My Business”, by Niyi Osundare
This article analyzes the literary devices in “Not My Business”, a poem by the Nigerian poet Niyi Osundare.
An Analysis of “Not My Business”, a Poem by Niyi Osundare
Analysis of Themes in “Not My Business”, by Niyi Osundare
Literary Devices in “Not My Business”
Here are some literary devices used in Niyi Osundare’s “Not My Business”.
1. Refrain
In the poem “Not My Business”, the refrain is repeated in the first, second, and third stanzas. Refrain adds emphasis, and in this case, it resounds the speaker’s indifference and unwillingness to speak up in the face of injustice and oppression as he believes he has what he wants, “the yam”. The suffering of others did not affect him. The writer used the refrain to emphasize this deluded way of thinking.
“What business of mine is it
So long they don’t take the yam
From my savouring mouth?”
2. Simile
An example of a simile is found in the expression “soft like clay”, used in stanza 1, line 2. This simile provides a vivid description of the brutality inflicted on Akanni, the victim. It suggests that the victim was beaten to a formless state or until he was unable to stand without support.
3. Metaphor
Example 1:
“And stuffed him down the belly
Of a waiting jeep”
(stanza 1, lines 3-4)
This metaphor shows the jeep as predatory and capable of devouring victims. Whoever goes down the belly of the jeep may never return.
Example 2:
“So long they don’t take the yam
From my savouring mouth?”
(Lines 6-7, 13-14, 20-21)
The juxtaposition of having the tasty yam in his mouth and the fear that it might be taken away identifies “yam” as not only a tasty meal but also a symbol of freedom and a mark of the vulnerability of the speaker’s position.
4. Personification
In stanza 4, the jeep and the lawn were given human attributes. The “jeep” is said to be “waiting” while the “lawn” is “bewildered”.
In stanza 1, the jeep is described as having a ‘belly’ where Akanni was “stuffed down”.
Niyi Osundare uses these descriptions to add depth to the poem, emphasizing the harsh and antagonistic nature of oppression and the speaker’s belief in the turn of events as he suddenly realizes the consequence of being indifferent when others are oppressed.
5. Enjambment
The run-on lines used in the poem keep it going and interesting. This is one of the most prominent literary devices in the poem. Here are some examples of enjambment in the poem, “Not My Business”.
Example 1:
“They came one night
Booted the whole house awake
And dragged Danladi out,”
(Stanza 2, Lines 8-10)
Example 2:
“Chinwe went to work one day
Only to find her job was gone:”
(Stanza 3, Lines 15-16)
6. Symbolism
Example 1:
“They” symbolize those in power.
Example 2:
“Akanni” represents the masses.
Example 3:
The “jeep” is a symbol of class, power, and oppression. (Stanza 1). The description of how Akanni was “stuffed down the belly” of the jeep highlights the violence and brutality that come with those riding the jeep.
Example 4:
Akanni, Danladi, and Chinwe represent the three major ethnic groups in Nigeria, suggesting that the oppression is nationwide.
Example 5:
“Yam” repeated throughout the poem in the refrain represents nourishment, benefits, and personal well-being. The speaker is focused on his comfort and prioritizes himself over the suffering of others.
7. Imagery
The reader can imagine the scenes described based on the choice of words used by the writer.
Example 1:
Osundare in stanza 1 carefully selects the words and phrases like “picked”, “beat”, “stuffed”, “soft as clay”, and jeep to paint the situation, creating vivid images in the minds of the reader.
Example 2:
In stanza 2, the writer uses the expression “booted the whole house awake” to show that the oppressors are probably the military or people with such training. They hit with their boots, suggesting physical violence and power. It also shows that they have strong physiques and do not care that they disrupt the peace of the people with their actions.
To further depict the oppressive regime, the writer describes their lack of care for how their actions affect even the people around their victims. Words and expressions like “booted the whole house awake”, “dragged”, and “to a lengthy silence” show how far they are willing to go.
Furthermore, Osundare’s choices of words and phrases create visual, auditory, and tactile imagery. Here are some examples:
- Visual imagery – “booted the whole house awake” (line 9). This creates a strong image of a forceful entry into Danladi’s home.
- Auditory imagery – “A knock on the door froze my hungry hand” (line 24). This shows the speaker’s sense of fear and growing anxiety.
- Tactile imagery – “beat him soft like clay” (line 2). This creates a visceral image of the violence meted to the victim.
8. Alliteration
Alliteration in the poem “Not My Business” creates a lyrical effect, lending a stronger impact. Here are some examples:
Example 1:
The consonant sound /w/ is repeated in ‘went’ and ‘work’ in line 15, stanza 3.
Example 2:
The consonant sound /s/ is repeated in ‘stainless’ and ‘sack’ in line 18, stanza 3.
Example 3:
The consonant sound /b/ is repeated in ‘beat’ and ‘belly’ in lines 2-3, stanza 1.
Example 4:
The consonant sound /h/ is repeated in ‘hungry’ and ‘hand’ in line 24, stanza 4.
9. Transferred Epithet
This is when an adjective that will logically describe one noun is applied to another in the same phrase or sentence. This is seen in stanza 4,
Line 24,
“A knock at the door froze my hungry hand.”
And line 25
“The jeep was waiting on my bewildered lawn”.
10. Rhetorical Question
In Niyi Osundare’s “Not My Business, the rhetorical question, “What business of mine is it?”, recurs in stanzas 1, 2, and 3. The speaker was speaking to no one. Rather, he was affirming to himself that his choice not to care and remain detached from the oppression of the people around him is what he should do. The question is more like the speaker’s response to the why of his inaction. Furthermore, it shows the speaker’s belief that he is not obligated to interfere, intervene, or take responsibility relative to the oppression and injustice going on around him.
Did you identify any other literary device in “Not My Business”? Let us know in the comment section.
If you found this article on literary devices in “Not My Business” useful, please give us a rating and leave a comment. Thanks
Read also:
Literary Devices and Themes in “Night” by Wole Soyinka
Literary Devices in “New Tongue” by Elizabeth L. A. Kamara
Literary devices in “Once Upon a Time” by Gabriel Okara
Literary Devices in “Hearty Garlands” by S.O.H. Afriyie-Vidza