WALLS

Oswald Mbuyiseni Mtshali's Poem "Walls"

Overview of the Poem

  • Theme of Isolation: The poem uses the imagery of walls to explore the barriers that prevent human connection.

    • Courage and Openness: We should start each day with courage, openness, and love.

    • Inspiration from History: Draws inspiration from the South African poet Oswald Mtshali, who recognizes both literal and figurative barriers that divide humanity.

    • Physical vs. Invisible Walls: While structures like the Berlin Wall symbolize physical separation, the poem highlights invisible walls built from fear, prejudice, and misunderstanding that lead to spiritual and emotional isolation.

    • Challenge to the Reader: The poem encourages readers to reject fear-based division, illustrated by the line: "We build too many walls and not enough bridges."

Background and Context

  • Biographical Information:

    • Birth: Mbuyiseni Oswald Mtshali was born in 1940 in Kwabhanya (Vryheid), KwaZulu-Natal.

    • Education: Initially aimed to study social work in Soweto, but apartheid laws hindered his enrollment. He completed a diploma in journalism and authorship via correspondence with a school affiliated with London University.

    • Political Context: Mtshali's poetry is rooted in the socio-political climate of apartheid South Africa, reflecting the struggles and complexities of black South Africans living in a divided society.

Analysis of the Poem "Walls"

  • Metaphor:

    • Walls serve as a reflection of both seen and unseen barriers created by humans.

  • Figurative Language:

    • "Man is the great wall builder": Indicates that humans create both tangible and intangible barriers.

    • References to Historical Walls:

    • The Berlin Wall: A real barrier that divided East and West Germany, symbolizing separation and control.

    • The Wailing Wall of Jerusalem: Represents spiritual significance; a site of prayer for multiple religions, highlighting how walls can also symbolize a division in faith and provoke conflict.

Symbolism and Imagery

  • Impenetrable Wall:

    • Described as "most impregnable," signifying psychological or emotional defenses, not just physical ones.

  • Moat of Fear:

    • A metaphor for additional barriers people create due to fear, suggesting that fear can be overwhelming and isolating.

  • Descriptive Elements:

    • "A wall without windows": Indicates emotional and spiritual suffocation.

    • "A wall without a door for love to walk in": Emphasizes that these barriers not only keep negativity out but also hinder positive connections.

Emotional and Psychological Implications

  • Emotional Isolation: Individuals may create emotional walls out of fear, resulting in more discomfort and loneliness.

  • Narrow Thinking: Constructing barriers in the mind leads to restricted learning and engagement with diversity.

  • Existential Reflection: The poem prompts the reader to consider the implications of fear and the separation it creates.

Universal Message

  • Human Connection: Essential for human existence; it requires vulnerability and trust to overcome barriers.

  • Consequences of Isolation: Emotional and spiritual connections are necessary to find meaning in life, and isolation can stem from both physical constructs and psychological barriers.

  • Call to Action: The poem emphasizes the need to build bridges instead of walls, fostering understanding and compassion.

Thought Provocations

  • Questions for Reflection:

    • What causes strife in relationships, like in "Romeo and Juliet"?

    • Why couldn't Shmuel and Bruno pursue their friendship?

    • How do fears of the unknown manifest in personal relationships?

Closing Challenge

  • Final Line: "Let us connect. BUILD BRIDGES NOT WALLS." This is a clarion call for readers to seek connection and understanding amidst the barriers they face in life.