Comparing three poems from different cultures :: English Literature

Comparing three poems from different culturesIntroductionThe three poems that I will be comparing are Presents from my auntsin Pakistan by Moniza Alvi, Half-caste by John Agard and IslandMan by Grace Nichols. All of these poets have mixed-race backgroundsand all of these poems are linked in with the difficulties arisingfrom having different cultural backgrounds.Story/themePresents from my aunts in Pakistan is reflective of Moniza Alvischildhood and her experiences of being from two different backgroundsglass circles, recall the story how the three of us sailed to England.She tells the reader about her experiences in Pakistan, the jauntfrom Pakistan to England and about being in England. This shows thatalthough she is confused about her background, she rememberseverything from both cultures.Half-Caste, however, is a very confrontational poem and John Agardaddresses the reader personally. Excuse meexplain yuselfyu mustinesscome back Agard addresses the reader personally and confronts themabout their opinions or beliefs of Half-caste people. He asks them totell him what they mean by the phrase half-caste, then gives variousscenarios about what they whitethorn mean which are incongruous. This putshis point across and makes people think about or change their beliefs.Conversely, Island Man is the story of a man that used to kick the bucket on anisland, possibly the Caribbean, and then moved to London. This poemdescribes his feelings as he wakes up for the first day back in LondonComes backto subdued North Circular Road This poem also shows that hewould much prefer to live on his emerald island than in London. Thisshows that the man has made a cognizant decision about which part ofhis background he prefers and which part of his life he would like tofulfil.Emotions expressedPresents from my aunts in Pakistan is a very sensitive poem and manyemotions are expressed throughout the poem. In the first stanza,Moniza Alvi expresses excitement as she lists all of the wond erfulthings that her aunts have sent her from Pakistan. In the secondstanza, she seems good deal heartened about everything and says, never beas lovely as those clothes. For the rest of the poem she seemsconfused about her background and indecisive about which backgroundshe prefers.Half-Caste, however, expresses a feeling of confrontation throughoutthe poem and it always seems as if John Agard wants the readers torespond to what he says but because of his hectoring tone the readerbelieves that they cannot.On the contrary, Island Man has a pessimistic feel to the poemthroughout. It seems as though the island man is constantly