A VIEW ON WOMAN IN THE SOCIETY-FATE OF A MANGO FRUIT

FATE OF A MANGO FRUIT

Finally it fell down

But nobody noticed it

It started a decaying process

They noticed, but it was late

Its beauty become a stench

Decomposition was not optional

What would it have done?

To hang loose on its mother and still decompose?

Or fall to the ground and still decompose?

What is its fate?

Was it to be plucked, sucked

Or left to fall and decay?

 

Written by:

MORDI IFEANYI APEX

Writer/Educator/Tutor

University of Benin

Department of English

 

 

 

STRUCTURAL REVIEW

FATE OF A MANGO FRUIT is a poem that tends to justify the mystery of fate. Fate extends its mysterious manipulation on the mango fruit.

 

LINE 1-Finally it fell down

Here the poems tells us that the  mango fruit finally fell down.

LINE 2-But nobody noticed it

This line tells us that nobody noticed it.

In this line the poet MORDI IFEANYI APEX uses symbolic expression of line 1 and 2 to portray a given life situation of the fate of a maiden who is ready and mature to mingle or even marry in case any man is ready

Line 2 of the poem tells us nobody noticed it. The poet uses it to mean the young maiden.

LINE 3-It started a decaying process

It started decaying process: Age and time is no longer a friend to this young maiden. A question is then put across thus: Is fate truly a blessing or a curse to this maiden. All these manipulation by fate, is it worth it? What is the actual plan of fate on all gifted young maiden, apart from ripening and falling, will this mango fruit be useful even after decomposition?

Most society/communities do not show value and respect for a woman who is long due for marriage and yet remain single. These women are sometimes abused by their fathers, brothers and sometimes their employers. Some communities see marriage as rare and highly privilege opportunity for a woman rather than men.

According to feminist scholars such as Al-Sa’ adawi(1990), Al-Marneisi(1997);Banani(1995) and Sharabi(1987), woman are connected to one single fine thread that unites them in one image; they feel subordinate and inferior to men.

This is why most women take marriage seriously like in African, a beautiful woman in her late 40’s who is not working and not educated and still single is often portrayed as been fully be witched or oppressed by “OBANJE” spirit .So for some young beautiful maidens, their uttermost desire is early marriage to avoid the stigma of being labelled a taboo.

The poet demystifies the mysteries of fate by reflecting on the working of fate on this maiden in the poem. To avoid being labelled a cursed woman or because she is a naturally subordinate being. She must attain marriage status. The poet understands that not everyone is allowed the fate of a marriage status. Time and age is no longer on the side of this maiden. At last she was nocticed and she finally got married. The poem tells us it was late.

LINE 4- They noticed, but it was late:

This was the fate of a beautiful maiden who got a late marriage. The late, marriage and even her age as the poet uses decomposition as when all things have an expiring date affect this young maiden marriage. Decomposition use by the poet portrays menopause and aging beauty which affect this young maiden.

 

LINE 5– Its beauty become a stench

Here the poet reveals how beauty was wasted and not utilized on the part of this young maiden. Will you blame the maiden for being a beauty not found and not utilized? This young maiden must have shown some effort to attract suitor as line 7-9 express thus:

“What would it have done?

To hang loose on its mother and still decompose?

Or fall to the ground and still decompose? “

 

Finally, the poet hails the omnipotent nature of fate and the several options fate has for a young unmarried woman as line 10-12 express:

What is its fate?

Was it to be plucked, sucked

Or left to fall and decay?

 

REFERENCE

Al-Sa’ adawi(1990) studies about the women and men in the Arab society Beirut,Labanon

Arab Institution for studies and publishing.

 

Al-Marneisi F (1997); Behide the veil. Translate by: Ahmed Saleh Damascus: Dar Huran for publishing and distribution.

 

Here is a question for my fellow bloggers and readers:

1. What are you contribution,opinion  and views about the poem?

2. What are the views about women in the society?

Please let me know all your reactions, views and insights in the comment box below!

 

Credited to :

Women who fight very much to be self independent and to all feminist