The Call of the River Nun

I hear your call!

I hear it far away;
I hear it break the circle of these crouching hills.

I want to view your face again and feel your cold embrace;
or at your brim to set myself and inhale your breath;
or like the trees, to watch my mirrored self unfold and span my days with song from the lips of dawn.
I hear your lapping call!
I hear it coming through; invoking the ghost of a child listening, where river birds hail your silver-
surfaced flow.

My river’s calling too!

Its ceaseless flow impels my found’ring canoe down its inevitable course.
And each dying year brings near the sea-bird call, the final call that stills the crested waves and breaks in
two the curtain of silence of my upturned canoe.
O incomprehensible God!
Shall my pilot be my inborn stars to that final call to Thee.
O my river’s complex course?

LINE-BY-LINE ANALYSIS OF THE CALL OF THE RIVER NUN BY GABRIEL OKARA

Gabriel Okara’s The Call of the River Nun is a deeply reflective and symbolic poem that explores themes
of nostalgia, destiny, the passage of time, and the inevitability of death. The poem is rich in imagery,
sound, and emotion, as the speaker responds to the call of the river, which represents both memory and
fate. Below is a detailed line-by-line analysis.

Stanza 1: A Distant Call

"I hear your call!"

The poem opens with a direct and exclamatory statement, emphasizing the river’s powerful pull on the
speaker.

The second-person pronoun "your" suggests a close relationship between the speaker and the river.

"I hear it far away;"

The repetition of "I hear" intensifies the longing and nostalgia.

The distance between the speaker and the river could symbolize time passing or a separation from
nature and childhood.
"I hear it break the circle of these crouching hills."

The river’s call is powerful enough to break through the surrounding hills, which might represent
barriers or limitations in life.

"Crouching hills" suggests something closed-in or confining, emphasizing the contrast between the
vastness of the river and the restricted land.

Stanza 2: Longing for the River

"I want to view your face again and feel your cold embrace;"

The speaker personifies the river, referring to it as having a "face" and an "embrace", suggesting a
personal, almost romantic connection.

"Cold embrace" conveys a sense of both comfort and danger, as water can be soothing yet
overwhelming.

"or at your brim to set myself and inhale your breath;"

The speaker desires to be close to the river, showing a deep connection between human life and nature.

"Inhale your breath" suggests a spiritual or life-giving force within the river.

"or like the trees, to watch my mirrored self unfold"

The speaker compares himself to trees, which stand by the river, reflecting in its waters.

"Mirrored self" symbolizes self-reflection, identity, or memory.

"and span my days with song from the lips of dawn."

"Span my days" refers to the passage of time.

"Song from the lips of dawn" suggests renewal, hope, or the start of something new, but could also hint
at the fleeting nature of time.

Stanza 3: The Call of the River and Memory

"I hear your lapping call!"

"Lapping" refers to the sound of water, making the river’s call more vivid and sensory.
The use of exclamation shows excitement or urgency.

"I hear it coming through; invoking the ghost of a child listening,"

The river’s call awakens memories of childhood, which is described as a "ghost"—something distant yet
haunting.

"Listening" implies innocence and attentiveness, showing how the speaker once felt deeply connected
to nature.

"where river birds hail your silver-surfaced flow."

The presence of birds suggests a natural harmony, reinforcing the beauty of the river.

"Silver-surfaced" emphasizes the river’s reflective and changing nature.

Stanza 4: The Journey and Fate

"My river’s calling too!"

The shift from "your call" to "my river’s calling" suggests a more personal connection.

The river represents destiny or the inevitable journey of life.

"Its ceaseless flow impels my found’ring canoe down its inevitable course."

"Ceaseless flow" suggests the unstoppable passage of time.

"Found’ring canoe" (meaning sinking or struggling canoe) symbolizes the speaker’s life journey, which is
fragile and vulnerable.

"Inevitable course" suggests that life has a predetermined path leading to an unavoidable end.

Stanza 5: The Final Call – Death and the Divine

"And each dying year brings near the sea-bird call,"

"Dying year" symbolizes the passing of time and approaching death.

"Sea-bird call" could represent a final message or the transition to another stage of existence.
"the final call that stills the crested waves"

"Final call" strongly suggests death.

"Stills the crested waves" implies the end of movement, struggle, and life itself.

"and breaks in two the curtain of silence of my upturned canoe."

"Breaks in two" suggests a dramatic and final transformation.

"Curtain of silence" could symbolize the barrier between life and death.

"Upturned canoe" reinforces the idea of the journey ending, possibly symbolizing a peaceful surrender
to fate.

Final Stanza: The Search for Guidance

"O incomprehensible God!"

The speaker directly addresses God, expressing awe, confusion, or helplessness in the face of fate and
death.

"Shall my pilot be my inborn stars to that final call to Thee."

"Pilot" suggests guidance, possibly asking if his fate is already written in the stars.

"Final call to Thee" reinforces the idea of death as a return to God.

"O my river’s complex course?"

The speaker ends by reflecting on the mystery and unpredictability of life’s journey, suggesting both
acceptance and wonder at the path he must follow.

Conclusion: Meaning and Themes

Gabriel Okara’s The Call of the River Nun is a powerful meditation on life, memory, destiny, and death.
Through rich natural imagery, personification, and symbolism, the poet explores:

The nostalgic longing for childhood and the past

The inevitability of fate and the passage of time

The relationship between nature, identity, and self-reflection

The uncertainty of life’s journey and the search for meaning

The river serves as both a literal and symbolic force, representing both personal memories and the
inevitable flow of life toward its final destination. The poem’s ending leaves readers with a profound
question about whether life’s course is predetermined or guided by something greater.

ANALYSIS OF FORM AND STRUCTURE IN THE CALL OF THE RIVER NUN BY GABRIEL OKARA

Gabriel Okara’s The Call of the River Nun is a deeply reflective poem that explores nostalgia, destiny, and
the inevitability of death. The poet’s choice of form and structure plays a crucial role in shaping the
poem’s meaning and effects. Below is a detailed analysis of how these elements contribute to the
poem’s impact.

1. Free Verse Form and Its Effects

The poem is written in free verse, meaning it does not follow a strict rhyme scheme or metrical pattern.
This choice allows Okara to:

Create a natural, flowing rhythm, mirroring the movement of the river.

Express deep emotions freely, without the restrictions of a rigid form.

Reflect the unpredictability of life and the river’s journey, reinforcing the theme of destiny.

The lack of rhyme and meter gives the poem a conversational and meditative tone, making it feel like
the speaker’s inner thoughts rather than a structured, formal poem.

2. Irregular Stanza Structure and Its Meaning

The poem consists of five stanzas of varying lengths, which contribute to different effects:

1. First stanza (3 lines) – A brief and urgent opening expressing the speaker’s immediate response to the
river’s call. The short length creates a sense of longing and immediacy.

2. Second stanza (6 lines) – A more expansive reflection, where the speaker recalls his deep connection
with the river. The longer length allows for imagery and personal emotion to develop.

3. Third stanza (5 lines) – Introduces the theme of memory and childhood, as the speaker recalls the
past. The slightly shorter length compared to the second stanza signals a shift from nostalgia to
reflection.
4. Fourth stanza (6 lines) – The longest stanza, emphasizing the power of the river as a force of destiny.
The increasing length builds intensity, leading up to the speaker’s contemplation of death.

5. Final stanza (3 lines) – The poem ends with a short, questioning stanza, creating an unresolved, open-
ended effect. The brevity mirrors the suddenness and mystery of death.

By using varying stanza lengths, Okara mirrors the unpredictability of the river’s flow and life’s journey,
reinforcing the poem’s central themes.

3. Repetition and Its Effects

Okara uses repetition to emphasize key ideas and emotions:

"I hear your call!" (line 1) and "I hear your lapping call!" (line 8) – The repetition of "I hear" highlights the
intensity of the river’s pull on the speaker.

"My river’s calling too!" (line 11) – The speaker acknowledges that his own life is moving toward an
inevitable end, paralleling the river’s flow.

"Final call" (line 15) – The phrase reinforces the idea of death as the ultimate destination.

The repetition of calls throughout the poem suggests an unavoidable destiny, making the river’s voice
symbolic of fate and time.

4. Enjambment and Flow

Many lines flow into the next without punctuation, a technique called enjambment. This creates:

A smooth, flowing movement, mimicking the river’s continuous flow.

A sense of inevitability, making it feel as if the poem—and life itself—must keep moving forward.

Emphasis on emotions, as ideas spill over from one line to the next without pause.

For example:
"I hear it coming through; invoking the ghost of a child listening, where river birds hail your silver-
surfaced flow."

The lack of a full stop makes the sentence feel ongoing, much like the river and life itself.
5. Contrast Between Short and Long Sentences

Okara alternates between short, forceful sentences and long, flowing lines:

"I hear your call!" (line 1) – The short, exclamatory line creates immediacy and impact.

"And each dying year brings near the sea-bird call, the final call that stills the crested waves and breaks
in two the curtain of silence of my upturned canoe." (lines 14-16) – This long, winding sentence mirrors
the river’s unending flow and the speaker’s journey toward death.

This contrast helps to control pacing, drawing attention to key moments of realization and transition.

6. Shift from Past to Present to Future

The structure also reflects a temporal journey:

Stanzas 1-3 – Focus on memory and nostalgia, where the speaker recalls his childhood connection to the
river.

Stanza 4 – Represents the present, where the speaker acknowledges his journey through life.

Stanza 5 – Looks to the future, where the speaker contemplates his ultimate fate and connection with
God.

This movement from past to present to future enhances the poem’s philosophical and existential depth.

7. Open-Ended Conclusion

The poem ends with a question:

"O my river’s complex course?"

The lack of a definitive answer mirrors life’s uncertainty.

The questioning tone suggests the speaker is still seeking understanding about fate, destiny, and the
meaning of life.

The final words leave the poem open for interpretation, reinforcing its reflective and meditative nature.
Conclusion: How Form and Structure Shape Meaning

Okara’s use of free verse, irregular stanzas, repetition, enjambment, sentence variation, and an open-
ended conclusion creates a fluid, reflective, and deeply philosophical poem. These structural choices
enhance the poem’s themes of nostalgia, destiny, and mortality, making the river a powerful metaphor
for life’s inevitable journey.

By shaping the poem in this way, Okara immerses the reader in the speaker’s emotional experience,
making The Call of the River Nun a moving meditation on the passage of time and the mystery of
existence.

ANALYSIS OF LANGUAGE IN THE CALL OF THE RIVER NUN BY GABRIEL OKARA

Gabriel Okara’s poem The Call of the River Nun is deeply symbolic, using rich, evocative language to
explore themes of nostalgia, destiny, and the journey of life toward death. The poet’s choice of words,
imagery, symbolism, and sound devices significantly shapes the poem’s meaning and emotional impact.
Below is a detailed analysis of how these elements contribute to the poem’s effects.

1. Repetition and Its Emotional Effect

Okara repeatedly emphasizes the river’s call, which symbolizes the speaker’s longing and the
inevitability of destiny:

"I hear your call! I hear it far away;" (line 1)

"I hear your lapping call! I hear it coming through;" (line 8)

"My river’s calling too!" (line 11)

The repetition of "I hear" conveys an inescapable pull, reinforcing the idea that the speaker is being
drawn toward the river, both physically and spiritually. The phrase "lapping call" suggests a gentle yet
persistent force, much like time moving forward and urging the speaker toward fate.

Similarly, the repetition of ‘call’ connects the river to something beyond itself—perhaps a metaphor for
life’s purpose, memory, or even death.

2. Personification: Giving the River a Voice

The poet personifies the river, making it feel like a living entity that actively communicates with the
speaker:

"I hear your call!" – The river is given a voice, creating a mystical presence that beckons the speaker.

"I want to view your face again and feel your cold embrace;" – The river has a face and arms, making it
seem almost human, reinforcing the speaker’s deep emotional connection with it.
"Or at your brim to set myself and inhale your breath;" – The river is described as having breath, making
it appear alive and capable of sustaining the speaker’s existence.

These choices intensify the emotional pull of the river, making it more than just a body of water—it
becomes a symbol of memory, longing, and destiny.

3. Metaphors: The River as a Symbol of Life’s Journey

The river in the poem symbolizes the passage of time, destiny, and the journey toward death. This is
evident in lines such as:

"Its ceaseless flow impels my found’ring canoe down its inevitable course." (line 12)

The "ceaseless flow" of the river mirrors the unstoppable nature of time.

The "found’ring canoe" (sinking canoe) suggests the fragility of human life and the helplessness of the
speaker in the face of fate.

"Inevitable course" reinforces the idea that life has a predetermined path, much like a river flowing
toward the sea (which may symbolize death).

"And each dying year brings near the sea-bird call, the final call that stills the crested waves and breaks
in two the curtain of silence of my upturned canoe." (lines 14-16)

"Each dying year" suggests the speaker is growing older and approaching the end of his journey.

"The final call" introduces the idea of death, portraying it as an unavoidable destination.

"Upturned canoe" could symbolize death or surrender, as if the speaker’s journey will end when his
canoe capsizes.

The extended metaphor of the river as life’s path gives the poem a philosophical and existential depth,
inviting readers to reflect on their own journeys.

4. Contrast Between Childhood and Adulthood

The poet contrasts the innocence of childhood with the awareness of aging and death:

"Invoking the ghost of a child listening, where river birds hail your silver-surfaced flow." (lines 9-10)

The "ghost of a child" suggests the speaker is haunted by memories of youth.

"River birds hail your silver-surfaced flow" presents a nostalgic image of nature’s harmony, where
everything seemed magical and full of wonder.

This contrast between youthful innocence and the inevitability of aging deepens the emotional weight
of the poem.

5. Religious and Existential Language

Toward the end, the speaker shifts from the river to God, reflecting on his final destiny:

"O incomprehensible God! Shall my pilot be my inborn stars to that final call to Thee." (lines 17-18)

"O incomprehensible God!" suggests the speaker is seeking divine guidance, perhaps unsure of what
awaits beyond death.

"Shall my pilot be my inborn stars" – Here, "pilot" refers to a guiding force, and "inborn stars" could
symbolize fate or inner wisdom.

The "final call to Thee" connects the river’s call to the ultimate call of God, reinforcing the theme of
death as a spiritual journey.

This shift in language elevates the poem from personal reflection to a universal meditation on life,
destiny, and the divine.

6. Sound Devices: Alliteration and Assonance Create a Flowing Effect

Okara uses alliteration (repetition of consonant sounds) and assonance (repetition of vowel sounds) to
create a smooth, flowing rhythm, mirroring the movement of the river.

Examples of alliteration:

"Ceaseless flow" (line 12) – The repeated "s" sound mimics the sound of water moving continuously.

"Silver-surfaced flow" (line 10) – The "s" sound gives a gentle, calming effect, reflecting the river’s
beauty.

Examples of assonance:

"My river’s calling too! Its ceaseless flow impels my found’ring canoe." (lines 11-12) – The repeated "o"
sounds create a soothing, wave-like rhythm.
"Each dying year brings near the sea-bird call" (line 14) – The repeated "ea" sound gives a melancholic,
fading effect, reinforcing the passage of time.

These sound devices enhance the poem’s musical quality, making the language feel fluid and immersive,
much like the river itself.

---

Conclusion: How Language Shapes Meaning and Effect

Through repetition, personification, metaphor, contrast, religious imagery, and sound devices, Okara
creates a deeply reflective poem that explores the inescapable journey of life toward death. The river’s
call is both a nostalgic reminder of childhood and a summons toward an unknown fate, making it a
powerful symbol of time, destiny, and the divine.

By using evocative and fluid language, Okara immerses the reader in the speaker’s emotions, making
The Call of the River Nun a profound meditation on life’s transience and the search for meaning.

EVALUATION OF OPINION
Varying Interpretations of the Call of the River Nun by Gabriel Okara

Gabriel Okara’s The Call of the River Nun is a deeply evocative poem that invites multiple
interpretations. While some see it as a nostalgic reflection on childhood, others view it as a meditation
on the passage of time, the inevitability of death, or even a spiritual journey toward God. Below, I
discuss and evaluate these varying interpretations.

1. The Poem as a Nostalgic Reflection on Childhood

Interpretation

One common interpretation is that the speaker longs for his childhood memories associated with the
River Nun. The phrase "invoking the ghost of a child listening" suggests that the river is not just a
physical presence but a reminder of a past self, a younger and perhaps more innocent version of the
speaker.

Critics who support this interpretation point to the gentle, affectionate language used to describe the
river:

"I want to view your face again and feel your cold embrace" – This suggests a deep emotional
connection, as though the river was once a source of comfort and familiarity.

"Or like the trees, to watch my mirrored self unfold" – The river acted as a mirror to the speaker’s
younger self, allowing him to reflect on his past.
Evaluation

This reading is supported by the tone of longing and reminiscence in the poem. The speaker’s repeated
desire to see the river again suggests a yearning for a lost time. However, the poem’s darker, existential
themes (such as death and destiny) suggest that this is only one layer of the poem’s meaning.

2. The River as a Metaphor for Life and the Passage of Time

Interpretation

Another widely accepted interpretation is that the river represents the unstoppable flow of time and the
speaker’s journey through life. This is evident in lines like:

"Its ceaseless flow impels my found’ring canoe down its inevitable course."

Here, the "found’ring canoe" represents the speaker’s fragile existence, while the "inevitable course" of
the river symbolizes the unstoppable march of time.

"Each dying year brings near the sea-bird call, the final call."

The phrase "each dying year" reinforces the idea of time slowly slipping away.

Evaluation

This interpretation aligns well with the poem’s use of water as a recurring metaphor for time and fate.
The speaker’s passive role in the canoe, simply being carried along, suggests that human beings have
little control over the passage of time. However, this view does not fully explain the spiritual tone in the
final stanza, where the speaker questions the role of God in his journey.

3. The Poem as a Meditation on Death and the Afterlife

Interpretation

Some readers interpret the poem as a reflection on mortality and the transition from life to death. This
is evident in the way the poem gradually moves from describing youthful memories to confronting the
final journey:

"And each dying year brings near the sea-bird call, the final call that stills the crested waves"

The "final call" could represent death, and the sea-bird call may symbolize a soul being summoned to its
final destination.
"Breaks in two the curtain of silence of my upturned canoe."

The "upturned canoe" is often interpreted as a symbol of death or surrender, indicating that the speaker
has reached the end of his journey.

"O incomprehensible God! Shall my pilot be my inborn stars to that final call to Thee."

The speaker now turns to God, questioning whether fate, destiny, or divine guidance will lead him to the
afterlife.

Evaluation

This interpretation is strengthened by the spiritual tone in the final stanza, where the speaker directly
addresses God. The river is no longer just a childhood memory or a symbol of time—it becomes a
passage into the unknown, toward death and possibly the afterlife. However, the poem does not
provide a definitive answer about what lies beyond, leaving room for ambiguity.

4. The Poem as a Representation of African Spirituality and the Natural World

Interpretation

Some scholars, especially those focused on postcolonial African literature, view the poem as a reflection
of traditional African beliefs about nature, ancestors, and destiny. The River Nun is not just a personal
memory—it represents a spiritual force that connects the speaker to his past and to the larger forces of
the universe.

The river’s “call” could symbolize the speaker being drawn back to his cultural roots.

The "ghost of a child listening" might refer to ancestral spirits, a common theme in African oral
traditions.

Evaluation

This reading highlights the connection between humans, nature, and spirituality in African thought.
However, the poem’s reference to "O incomprehensible God!" suggests an engagement with Christian
ideas of fate and divine guidance, which adds complexity to this interpretation.
Final Thoughts: A Multifaceted Poem

Gabriel Okara’s The Call of the River Nun is rich in meaning and open to multiple interpretations. While
some see it as a poem about childhood nostalgia, others interpret it as a meditation on time, death, and
spiritual destiny.

Which interpretation is most convincing?

The most comprehensive reading combines elements of all the interpretations:

The poem begins with nostalgia for childhood (Interpretation 1).

It transitions into a reflection on the passage of time (Interpretation 2).

The final stanzas focus on mortality and the afterlife (Interpretation 3).

The connection between the river, fate, and divine guidance ties in African spiritual and religious
elements (Interpretation 4).

Ultimately, Okara’s poem is deeply personal yet universal, exploring the human journey through
memory, time, and the unknown future. The ambiguity in its language and symbolism allows for a
variety of meaningful interpretations, making it a powerful and thought-provoking work.