Gabriel Okara's Poem: ''Once Upon a Time: Revision

 

Extensive Responses to Exam Questions on Gabriel Okara's "Once Upon a Time"

 

1. Explore the theme of nostalgia in "Once Upon a Time." How does the speaker’s longing for the past shape the tone of the poem?

Answer:

In "Once Upon a Time", the theme of nostalgia is central to understanding the speaker's emotional state and the overall tone of the poem. The speaker, who is likely an older individual, looks back on a time when people were more genuine, more emotionally connected, and more sincere. The repetition of the phrase “Once upon a time” at the beginning of each stanza evokes a fairy-tale-like feeling, emphasizing the speaker’s longing for an idealized past. This nostalgic look back contrasts sharply with the present, where superficiality and disconnection have replaced the emotional warmth and authenticity of the past.

The speaker laments that, in the past, people used to laugh with their hearts and eyes, which indicates true joy and emotion. However, the present has changed, and now people "laugh with their teeth," meaning their laughter is hollow and insincere. Similarly, handshakes, once a sign of genuine greeting, are now done without heart, signifying a loss of warmth and sincerity. Through these contrasts, the speaker’s nostalgia for the past is clearly shaped by a sense of loss and disappointment in the present.

The speaker’s yearning for the past shapes the tone of the poem by creating a sense of melancholy and regret. This tone is evident in the way the speaker describes the changes in human interactions. The contrast between the heartfelt laughter of the past and the empty, performative laughter of the present deepens the sense of disillusionment. The speaker wishes to reclaim the lost authenticity of his youth, as shown in lines such as “I want to unlearn all these muting things”, indicating a desire to return to a time of genuine emotional expression. The nostalgic longing for a simpler, more heartfelt way of life permeates the poem, making it not just a personal lament but also a critique of societal changes that have led to emotional disconnect.

 

2. Discuss how the use of free verse contributes to the tone and overall effectiveness of the poem.

Answer:

The use of free verse in "Once Upon a Time" plays a significant role in shaping both the tone and overall effectiveness of the poem. Free verse is a form of poetry that does not adhere to a regular meter or rhyme scheme. This lack of structural constraints mirrors the chaotic emotional state of the speaker, whose thoughts and reflections are not confined to a rigid structure. The poem’s free-flowing nature allows the speaker to express his discontent and longing in a fluid and unrestricted manner, reflecting the emotional turbulence of his inner world.

The absence of a fixed rhyme scheme or meter gives the poem a conversational quality, making it feel personal and introspective. This structure allows the speaker to address his son directly, as if in a moment of intimate reflection, without the artificial barriers that a more structured form might impose. The speaker’s voice is thus more authentic and relatable, as though he is thinking aloud, lamenting the loss of something precious—genuine human connection.

In terms of tone, the use of free verse helps convey a sense of confusion and disillusionment. The poem lacks the balance and regularity that often convey order and stability in structured verse. Instead, the irregularity of the form mirrors the speaker’s feeling of emotional instability and confusion about the present. The poem's disjointed structure reflects the fragmented nature of the speaker’s thoughts as he moves from one reflection to another, expressing frustration with the world around him.

Moreover, the freedom inherent in free verse allows Okara to shift between different emotional states—from nostalgia and sorrow to a more intense desire to return to the past. The lack of constraints allows for a more dynamic exploration of the theme of change. The poem, though focused on the speaker's internal emotional conflict, becomes an unconstrained space for him to explore both personal and societal grief, making the poem’s reflections feel even more urgent and poignant.

In conclusion, free verse not only complements the tone of emotional disillusionment and personal yearning, but also enhances the effectiveness of the poem by allowing Okara to express complex, fragmented thoughts in an organic and relatable way. The freedom of form underscores the speaker’s loss of emotional structure in his world, making the poem's central themes of nostalgia, loss, and emotional disconnection more impactful and visceral.

 

Conclusion

These responses explore how nostalgia and free verse function as central elements of Gabriel Okara's "Once Upon a Time", contributing to the tone of melancholy and disillusionment. The free verse structure emphasizes the speaker's fragmented emotional state and the nostalgic longing for the past, reinforcing the poem’s critique of modern societal detachment.