Themes
What is the loss of sincerity or authenticity in the poem?
This central theme in the poem shows how people have become fake and insecure in their reactions with others.
What is reflective or remorseful?
The tone of the poem can best be described as this.
What poem also displays a father-son relationship?
“Little Boy Crying” by Mervyn Morris
Which country in Africa was Gabriel Okara born in?
Nigeria
Give an example of a simile in the poem?
“ I have learned to wear many faces like dresses”
What is the desire for redemption or return or innocence?
The father’s desire to learn how to “ laugh with his heart” reveals the important theme about returning to one’s genuine self.
What in the poem depicts hope or longing for change?
While the poem begins with nostalgia, it ends with this hopeful feeling as the father turns to his son for guidance.
What poem explores cultural and social expectations versus individual feelings much like Once Upon A Time?
“A Lesson For This Sunday” by Derek Walcott
What year was Gabriel Okara born?
1921
What is an example of repetition in the poem?
The repeated phrases “ laugh with their hearts” and “ laugh with their eyes” show repetition, it highlights contrast between past and present behavior.
What is the contrast between innocence and experience?
The father’s wish to relearn sincerity from his son reflects this major theme about the purity of childhood versus the corruption of adulthood.
What in the poem shows optimism or renewal?
The mood of the poem moves from sadness and guilt to a more uplifting emotion as the father hopes for change.
What other poem depicts emotional repression and a generation gap?
“My Parents” by Stephen Spender
Okara won what award in 1952 and 1979 respectively?
1952- British Councils short story competition
1979- Commonwealth Poetry Prize
What alliteration and metaphor / visual imagery appears in the poem?
The poem lists “home face, office face, street face, host face, cocktail face” to show insincerity through this combination of sound and imagery, creating a visual of multiple masks.