THE NATIONALISTICS TENDENCY IN “THOUGHT IN RETREAT”

THE NATIONALISTIC TENDENCY IN “THOUGHT IN RETREAT”

(A POEM BY NNAMDI AZIKIWE)

AN ANALYSIS BY NWANI UCHENNA WILLIAMS

          

         In the poem “Thought in Retreat” by Zik, the sense of ‘nationalism’ forms the principal theme. The patriotism in his psyche is evidently seen. Nationalism is understood to be an ideology that gives a nation a sense of unity by imposing on them the same set of identities. It is marked by a feeling of patriotic love, loyalty principles, efforts, and pride of superiority over other countries.

            In one of his poems “Land of the Rising Sun”, Zik proclaimed his love for his country, and his eagerness to fight for and defend his country. He was placed at the core of the political struggle of his people who saw their survival directly at stake. He wrote:

                                    “Land of the Rising sun, I love and cherish the

                                    Beloved home land of our brave heroes

                                    We should protect our loves or we perish

                                    We must preserve our hearts from all our foes

                                    But if the price is death for all we hold dear

                                    Then let us die without a shred of fear.”

            Furthermore, in his poem “Leadership”, nationalism and patriotism are captured. The qualities of a good leader were pointed out. His nationalistic and patriotic spirits runs down from the first to the last stanza. The end stanza reads:

                                     “Steady leader, face the music
                                       once you’re convinced that you’re waging war
                                       to save the gullible weak
                                     from the bluff tales that are staging.”

            In the above poem, Zik is portrayed as a sterling leader who wages diplomatic war to save the weak members of the society he is leading.

            He also rendered an inspiring and bold patriotic spirit to his fellow comrades and all in his poem: “Fortitude”:

                                   “Muster courage, fellow comrade…

                                    Face the foe without complaining

                                    You’re as good as he is claiming

                                    Hit him hard by demonstrating

                                    How your prowess can be taming.”

            Summing up, “Thoughts in Retreat” and others such as “courage”, “True leadership”, “Liberty”, “Benevolence” et al portrays Zik as an excellent nationalist who championed and struggled for his country’s freedom.