What are the literary devices used in coolie mother by david dabydeen?

"Coolie Mother" by David Dabydeen is a powerful poem that uses a range of literary devices to evoke its themes of colonialism, displacement, and the enduring strength of the immigrant experience. Here are some of the key literary devices employed:

Imagery: Dabydeen paints vivid pictures with his words, creating a visceral experience for the reader. For instance, the opening lines, "Her hands were earth, / the colour of her face, / the sun’s reflection in her eyes," instantly establishes the mother's connection to the land and her resilience under the harsh sun. The poem is full of imagery that evokes the harsh realities of life as an indentured laborer, such as "the cane-fields, / their green blades like swords" and "the sweat of her body, / the salt of her tears."

Metaphor and Symbolism: The poem is rife with metaphors that carry symbolic weight. The "coolie mother" herself represents the resilience and strength of the immigrant experience, her "hands" being a metaphor for the hard labor she endured. The "cane-fields" are symbolic of the colonial plantation system, their "green blades" being a metaphor for the exploitation and hardship faced by the indentured laborers.

Personification: The poem gives human qualities to the cane fields, describing them as "green blades like swords," which further reinforces the idea of the plantation system as a brutal and unforgiving entity.

Juxtaposition: Dabydeen uses the contrast between the mother's internal strength and the harshness of her external environment to create a powerful sense of resilience. The poem juxtaposes the "sun’s reflection in her eyes" with the "salt of her tears," highlighting the duality of her experience.

Repetition: The repetition of the phrase "coolie mother" emphasizes her identity and the weight of her experience. It also creates a sense of rhythm and reinforces the poem's central theme.

Structure: The poem's structure reflects the cyclical nature of the immigrant experience. The use of free verse allows for a natural flow of thought, mirroring the way the mother's memories and experiences unfold.

Tone: The poem's tone shifts between sadness and hope. While there is a clear sense of loss and hardship in the portrayal of the mother's experience, there is also a feeling of defiance and strength that emerges from her resilience.

Overall, "Coolie Mother" is a complex and moving poem that uses a variety of literary devices to explore the multifaceted nature of the immigrant experience. Through its powerful imagery, symbolism, and emotive language, Dabydeen creates a poignant and unforgettable portrait of a woman who, despite facing immense adversity, continues to embody strength and hope.