Blog 2: “XIV”

           In the poem “XIV,” Derek Walcott, recounts an experience from his childhood that revolves around an elderly woman who told stories to him and his brother. This poem, however, partakes in the concept of ‘coming of age.’ Through similes, imagery, personification and symbolism the Caribbean writer was able to properly take readers along his journey. Throughout this poem, the author keeps an informal tone to suggest the rapid appearances he encounters, in the process developing the setting as the poem progresses. In relation to the title, XIV—standing for the roman numeral fourteen—readers can infer that this was the age in which this event has occurred. The elderly women described towards the end of the poem, not only acts as a mesmerizing tactic, but she also shows how easily manipulated children are. Her stories— although not much information is provided about them— sets the ground for what the two boys believe.

             Starting off the poem, Walcott uses imagery to help set the setting. Through his descriptions, one can infer that this experience took place in the forest, later on, we see this to be true— “reentered the forest.” Snake, an animal the writer encounters at the very beginning of his journey, possibly suggests rebirth and healing as the reptile was shedding when the two boys approached it. This concept plays a significant role in the writer’s shift from the beginning to end; this shift being adventurous to enthrall. Playing on the mesmerization of the boys seen at the end of the poem specifically, the snake shows their overall growth from this experience. Throughout the poem, the writer’s diction adds on to the ongoing imagery, using this to his advantage to further implicate the conditions he faces along the way. By describing two tropical plants: dasheen and mimosa, the writer further touches upon the setting. As the reader and his brother approach the house, they are greeted by a sunset, which indicates the darkness that is going to consume them shortly, this also is seen as a form of ‘higher power’ in many religious aspects. Ironically, this darkness could be adjacent to the elderly woman who they were visiting. Through the use of simile and personification, readers are given a glimpse of the woman’s house— “the shutters closing like the eyelids of that mimosa.” ‘Ti-Marie’ the name of the mimosa, religiously affiliated with Mary, devises the symbolical importance of the snake seen earlier in the poem. In one part of the poem, the writer overlaps ‘childhood’ and ‘childhood aftermaths.’ Experiences in a sense, shape who we are; building our character and tolerance for certain things. To further indicate the dark, the writer recounts the elderly woman remembering her tale at the “minute of fireflies.” This woman didn’t just play an immense role in the two boy’s lives, but also many others in the Caribbean— “her leaves were the libraries of the Caribbean.” Instead of actually going to a library, many people came to her instead to hear stories. Oddly, in one part, the writer decides to use an exclamation part near the phrase ‘fragrant origins!” Possibly, to evoke a sense of sarcasm or embrace the pleasant scent.  At the end of the poem, the writer uses synonymous tactics to describe the elderly woman to a lamplight. Seemingly touching bases with the ‘nature’ of moths, he emphasizes him and his brother’s fascination with the stories.

           Through these elements, the author was able to show the significance of the elderly woman and their adventure to get to her. An experience as great as this one, ‘sticks’ as it affects the life of the writer greatly. As kids, we tend to believe anything, especially if it comes from the mouth of an adult. Despite, the seemingly positive atmosphere, the writer uses subtle hints of darkness to show the comparison of light and dark; light being the woman, and dark showing the boy’s sense of astray. After seeing the woman, the boy’s are brought to light again.