What is the imagery in the poem limbo?

Answer 1

The whole poem 'Limbo' by Edward Kamau Brathwaite is a bi-extended metaphor- thus the each side of the metaphor uses imagery to show the contrast against the other side.

-One side of the metaphor is the slave ship on which the slaves are being transported (historical context: probably as part of a slave triangle from Africa, to Europe and then on to the Caribbean where they would probably work on plantations) 'Limbo' is a type of hell. (one side of the metaphor). imagery is used here "long dark deck and the silence is over me"-this creates an IMAGE in the reader's mind of the slaves in a crowded dark ship, no room to stand up (silence is over them). It could also symbolically represent the way in which the slaves' freedom has been crushed, or indeed that the journey has finally crushed their spirits. This is the darker side of the metaphor.

HOWEVER..

-The other side of the metaphor is that limbo could also mean the limbo dance. This is the lighter side of the metaphor-IMAGERY used here to create the positive image of the dance being their only lifeline away from the suffering and boredom of the slaves, the words 'limbo like me' interrupt the flow of the poem regularly to show that the dance interrupts their suffering. Whenever the limbo music is mentioned, tones immediately becomes lighter: "drummers PRAISING", "music SAVING". This is the lightest side of the metaphor.

Answer 2

In the poem "Limbo" by Seamus Heaney, the imagery includes vivid descriptions of the bog landscape, such as "the dark, peat-stained water" and the "coiling roots of the sods" that evoke a sense of claustrophobia and entrapment. The poem also uses sensory details like the "cold glitter" of the frogs' eyes and the "gargled" sound they make, creating a haunting and eerie atmosphere.

Answer 3

There is no stucture. That is intentional. It is in free verse and gives a sense of call and response. It is sond-like in its choruses etc. and relates to the music at the end of the song.