The Significance of the Title “Live Burial”
The Significance of the Title “Live Burial” Introduction Wole Soyinka’s poem "Live Burial" is a powerful critique of oppression, political imprisonment, and the silencing of truth. The title itself, "Live Burial" , is highly symbolic. It refers to both literal burial while still alive and the metaphorical burial of one’s voice, freedom, and identity under oppressive regimes. Soyinka, a Nigerian writer and activist, was imprisoned for 27 months during the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1969) for speaking against the government. His experiences deeply influenced his writing, including this poem. Through strong imagery and references to Greek tragedies, historical figures, and political resistance, Soyinka exposes the horrors of being silenced by those in power. About the Author: Wole Soyinka Full Name: Akinwande Oluwole Babatunde Soyinka Born: July 13, 1934, in Abeokuta, Nigeria Achievements: First African to win the Nobel Prize in Literature (1986) Political ac...