Lokoja By Niyi Osundare English Literature Jss 2 Third Term
Subject : English Grammar
Class : JSS 2
Term : Third Term
Week : Week 5
Topic:
“Lokoja” by Niyi Osundare – Fair of Fishes
Introduction:
– Introduce the poem “Lokoja” by Niyi Osundare, a renowned Nigerian poet.
– Explain that the poem describes the city of Lokoja and its significance as the meeting point of two rivers, the Niger and the Benue.
– Emphasize that the poem portrays Lokoja as a place of natural beauty and cultural importance.
Main Points:
1. Rich in Nature:
– Lokoja is described as a place rich in natural resources.
– The city is situated on the banks of the Niger River, which is vast and majestic.
– The land is abundant in sandy beaches and sounds that create a unique environment.
2. Diverse Wildlife:
– Lokoja is known as the land of the antelope, symbolizing the presence of diverse wildlife.
– The proud savannah grass represents the natural habitat of various animals.
– The poem suggests that Lokoja is home to tall and brave men, signifying strength and courage.
3. Beauty of Women:
– The poem also mentions the allure of women in Lokoja.
– “Alluring women” suggests that Lokoja is a place where beauty and grace are highly valued.
4. The Meeting of Rivers:
– Lokoja is special because it is the point where the Niger and Benue rivers meet.
– The Niger and Benue rivers are personified as a couple who fell in love.
– They merge their waters and flow towards the sea, becoming larger and stronger as they progress.
Conclusion:
– Summarize the main points discussed in the poem “Lokoja” by Niyi Osundare.
– Highlight the beauty of Lokoja’s natural environment, its diverse wildlife, and the significance of the Niger and Benue rivers.
– Encourage students to appreciate the beauty of their own surroundings and understand the importance of nature in our lives.
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Summary of the poem
The poem “Lokoja” by Niyi Osundare describes the city of Lokoja as a place rich in natural beauty and cultural significance. The poem highlights several key aspects of Lokoja:
1. Natural Riches: Lokoja is portrayed as a city with a bank rich in sand and sound, emphasizing its natural wealth. The presence of the Niger River and the buxom Benue River adds to the city’s natural splendor.
2. Wildlife and Environment: Lokoja is referred to as the land of the antelope, indicating the presence of diverse wildlife. The proud savannah grass represents the natural habitat of various animals. The poem also mentions tall brave men, suggesting the strength and courage associated with the environment.
3. Alluring Women: Lokoja is depicted as a place where women possess allure and charm. This highlights the importance of beauty and grace in the cultural context of Lokoja.
4. Meeting of Rivers: The poem focuses on the meeting of the Niger and Benue rivers in Lokoja. The rivers are personified as entities that fell in love and merged their waters. This union makes the rivers flow towards the sea, becoming larger and stronger as they progress.
Overall, the poem captures the natural beauty, cultural significance, and the meeting of the rivers as key elements of Lokoja, inviting readers to appreciate the city’s enchanting qualities.
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Poetic Devices and Figures of Speech in the poem “Lokoja” by Niyi Osundare:
1. Personification:
– The poet personifies the Niger and Benue rivers, referring to them as “the lordly Niger” and “the buxom Benue.” This gives human qualities to the rivers, as if they are capable of falling in love and forming a relationship.
2. Metaphor:
– The phrase “bank so rich with sand and sound” uses metaphor to describe the abundance and richness of the surroundings. The sand and sound represent the natural resources and vibrant environment of Lokoja.
3. Alliteration:
– The poet employs alliteration in the phrase “Tall brave men,” where the repetition of the “t” sound creates a rhythmic effect and emphasizes the strength and bravery of the men.
4. Imagery:
– The poet uses vivid imagery to paint a picture of Lokoja’s natural beauty. The description of the “land of the antelope” and the “proud savannah grass” appeals to our senses and helps us visualize the rich wildlife and lush surroundings.
5. Symbolism:
– The antelope represents the diverse wildlife found in Lokoja. It serves as a symbol of the city’s natural abundance and vitality.
– The meeting of the Niger and Benue rivers symbolizes unity, harmony, and the coming together of different elements.
6. Hyperbole:
– The phrase “larger and stronger” exaggerates the growth and power of the rivers as they flow towards the sea. It emphasizes their significance and impact.
7. Rhyme and Rhythm:
– The poem follows a rhyming pattern and has a rhythmic flow, enhancing its musicality and making it pleasing to read or listen to.
8. Repetition:
– The repetition of the phrase “The Niger flowed into the Benue, The Benue flowed into the Niger” emphasizes the cyclical nature of the rivers’ movement and reinforces the union between them.
These poetic devices and figures of speech add depth, imagery, and musicality to the poem, enhancing the overall experience and conveying the beauty and significance of Lokoja.
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Poetic Theme in the poem “Lokoja” by Niyi Osundare:
1. Nature’s Beauty: The poem explores the theme of nature’s beauty, emphasizing the richness and allure of the environment in Lokoja. Through vivid descriptions of the sandy banks, sounds, savannah grass, and diverse wildlife, the poet highlights the natural splendor of the city.
2. Cultural Significance: The poem also touches upon the cultural significance of Lokoja. It portrays the city as a place where tall brave men and alluring women reside, suggesting the importance of strength, courage, and beauty in the cultural fabric of Lokoja.
3. Union and Harmony: The meeting of the Niger and Benue rivers serves as a central theme in the poem. The union of these rivers symbolizes unity, harmony, and the coming together of different elements. It reflects the idea that when diverse forces unite, they become stronger and progress towards a common goal.
4. Love and Connection: The poem presents the meeting of the rivers as an act of love. By personifying the rivers and stating that they “fell in love” and merged their waters, the poet conveys a sense of connection and affection. This theme highlights the power of love and the natural bonds that exist in the world.
5. Natural Cycles: The poem also explores the theme of natural cycles and movement. The flow of the rivers towards the sea, becoming larger and stronger, suggests the continuity and transformative power of nature. It symbolizes the constant change and progression that occur in the world.
6. Appreciation of Environment: A subtle theme in the poem is the importance of appreciating and valuing the natural environment. The poet’s vivid descriptions of Lokoja’s natural beauty and wildlife encourage readers to recognize the significance of the natural world and to preserve and protect it.
The poetic theme of “Lokoja” encompasses the beauty of nature, cultural significance, unity, love, natural cycles, and environmental appreciation. Through these themes, the poem invites readers to appreciate the wonders of the natural world and the connections that exist within it.
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Ten fill-in-the-blank questions based on the poem “Lokoja” by Niyi Osundare:
1. Lokoja is described as the ______ of the antelope.
a) land
b) city
c) kingdom
2. The meeting point of the Niger and Benue rivers is in ______.
a) Lagos
b) Lokoja
c) Abuja
3. The Niger and Benue rivers are personified as a ______.
a) loving couple
b) majestic waterfall
c) powerful force
4. Lokoja is known for its rich natural resources, including ______ and sound.
a) sand
b) gold
c) trees
5. The phrase “bank so rich with sand and sound” uses ______.
a) metaphor
b) simile
c) personification
6. The rivers flow towards the ______.
a) mountains
b) sea
c) desert
7. The poem suggests that Lokoja is home to ______ men.
a) tall and brave
b) wealthy and wise
c) young and energetic
8. The alluring women in Lokoja are associated with ______.
a) strength
b) beauty
c) intelligence
9. The phrase “larger and stronger” is an example of ______.
a) hyperbole
b) alliteration
c) personification
10. The theme of the poem “Lokoja” includes the appreciation of ______.
a) culture
b) nature
c) technology
Please note that the answers to the questions are as follows: 1) a, 2) b, 3) a, 4) a, 5) a, 6) b, 7) a, 8) b, 9) a, 10) b.
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Lesson Plan Presentation: “Exploring ‘Lokoja’ by Niyi Osundare – A Poetic Journey”
Grade Level: JSS 2 (Junior Secondary School 2)
Subject: English Language
Topic: Exploring the poem “Lokoja” by Niyi Osundare
Duration: 60 minutes
Objectives:
– To introduce students to the poem “Lokoja” by Niyi Osundare.
– To analyze the poem’s theme, poetic devices, and figures of speech.
– To encourage critical thinking and interpretation of the poem.
– To enhance students’ appreciation for nature and cultural significance through poetry.
Materials:
– Whiteboard or chart paper
– Markers
– Copies of the poem “Lokoja” by Niyi Osundare (one per student)
– Handout with fill-in-the-blank questions (prepared in advance)
Procedure:
1. Introduction (5 minutes):
– Greet the students and briefly explain the objectives of the lesson.
– Begin by asking students if they are familiar with the poem “Lokoja” or the poet Niyi Osundare. Encourage them to share any prior knowledge they may have.
2. Pre-Reading Activity (10 minutes):
– Distribute copies of the poem “Lokoja” to each student.
– Ask students to read the poem silently and underline any unfamiliar words or phrases.
– Engage the class in a brief discussion about the title, “Lokoja,” and ask students to make predictions about the poem based on the title.
3. Poem Analysis (20 minutes):
– Display the poem on the board or chart paper for easy reference.
– Lead a guided analysis of the poem, covering the following points:
a) Read the poem aloud to the class, emphasizing the rhythm and flow of the words.
b) Discuss the theme of the poem, focusing on nature’s beauty, cultural significance, unity, and love.
c) Identify and explain the poetic devices used in the poem, such as personification, metaphor, alliteration, imagery, symbolism, hyperbole, rhyme, rhythm, and repetition.
d) Encourage students to share their interpretations of specific lines or phrases from the poem.
e) Analyze the structure and form of the poem, discussing the impact of the rhyming pattern and the overall musicality of the poem.
4. Fill-in-the-Blank Activity (15 minutes):
– Distribute the handout with the fill-in-the-blank questions related to the poem.
– Instruct students to complete the activity individually, choosing the correct options (a, b, or c) for each question.
– Allow sufficient time for students to complete the activity.
– Collect the handouts and provide immediate feedback by reviewing the correct answers together as a class.
5. Group Discussion and Reflection (10 minutes):
– Divide the class into small groups and assign each group a specific theme or poetic device from the poem.
– Instruct the groups to discuss and brainstorm examples of the assigned theme or poetic device found in the poem.
– After a few minutes, ask each group to share their findings with the class.
– Facilitate a class discussion on the significance and impact of the identified themes and poetic devices in the poem.
6. Conclusion and Wrap-Up (5 minutes):
– Summarize the main points covered in the lesson, emphasizing the poem’s theme, poetic devices, and figures of speech.
– Encourage students to appreciate the beauty of nature, cultural diversity, and the power of poetry in conveying emotions and messages.
– Provide an opportunity for students to ask questions or share their thoughts about the poem.
– Continue by sharing additional information or anecdotes about the poet, Niyi Osundare, if time permits. Highlight his contributions to Nigerian literature and his significance as a renowned poet.
7. Extension Activities (if time allows):
– If there is extra time available, engage students in extension activities to deepen their understanding of the poem:
a) Ask students to write a short reflection on the poem, expressing their personal thoughts and feelings about the themes and imagery.
b) Encourage students to create their own poems inspired by the theme of nature’s beauty or cultural significance. They can use the poetic devices and figures of speech discussed in the lesson.
c) Organize a mini-recitation session where students can share their original poems or recite favorite lines from “Lokoja.”
Assessment:
– Assess students’ understanding through their participation in class discussions and group activities.
– Evaluate their comprehension of the poem by reviewing their answers to the fill-in-the-blank questions.
– Consider their engagement and creativity in the extension activities as additional forms of assessment.
Homework:
– Assign students to research and find other works by Niyi Osundare or explore other Nigerian poets. They can write a short summary or review of a chosen poem for the next class.
Note:
– This lesson plan can be modified based on the available time and the specific needs of the students.
– Encourage an inclusive and supportive environment where students feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and interpretations of the poem.
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Weekly Assessment /Test
1. Lokoja is described as the meeting point of the ______ and ______ rivers.
a) Niger and Benue
b) Nile and Zambezi
c) Mississippi and Amazon
2. The antelope represents the ______ found in Lokoja.
a) wildlife
b) flowers
c) rivers
3. The phrase “bank so rich with sand and sound” is an example of ______.
a) alliteration
b) simile
c) metaphor
4. Lokoja is known as the land of tall and ______ men.
a) brave
b) intelligent
c) wealthy
5. The Niger and Benue rivers ______ into each other in Lokoja.
a) flow
b) evaporate
c) freeze
6. The poem “Lokoja” explores themes of ______ and cultural significance.
a) nature’s beauty
b) technology’s influence
c) urban development
7. The phrase “larger and stronger” refers to the rivers as they flow towards the ______.
a) ocean
b) desert
c) mountains
8. The alluring women in Lokoja symbolize ______ and grace.
a) beauty
b) strength
c) intelligence
9. The poem “Lokoja” uses the poetic device of ______ to describe the Niger and Benue rivers.
a) personification
b) hyperbole
c) onomatopoeia
10. The meeting of the Niger and Benue rivers symbolizes ______ and unity.
a) love
b) separation
c) conflict
11. The poem suggests that Lokoja is abundant in ______ resources.
a) natural
b) human
c) technological
12. The phrase “land of the antelope” highlights Lokoja’s ______.
a) wildlife
b) architecture
c) history
13. The poet Niyi Osundare is renowned for his contributions to ______ literature.
a) Nigerian
b) American
c) British
14. The poem “Lokoja” encourages readers to appreciate the ______ of their surroundings.
a) beauty
b) chaos
c) monotony
15. The Niger and Benue rivers merge their waters and flow towards the ______.
a) sea
b) sky
c) forest
16. The poem “Lokoja” uses ______ to create vivid images of the city.
a) imagery
b) symbolism
c) repetition
17. The meeting of the rivers in Lokoja represents a ______ between natural elements.
a) union
b) conflict
c) separation
18. The poem celebrates the cultural significance of ______ in Lokoja.
a) women
b) children
c) animals
19. The phrase “bank so rich with sand and sound” appeals to our ______.
a) senses
b) emotions
c) memories
20. The poem “Lokoja” invites readers to reflect on the ______ of nature and unity.
a) beauty
b) power
c) destruction
Please note that the correct answers for these questions are as follows:
1) a, 2) a, 3) c, 4) a, 5) a, 6) a, 7) a, 8) a, 9) a, 10) a, 11) a, 12) a, 13) a, 14) a, 15) a, 16) a, 17) a, 18) a, 19) a, 20) a.
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