Chinua Achebe’s “Refugee Mother and
Child”
(Summary
by Dr Suresh Frederick)
Introduction
Chinua Achebe’s “Refugee Mother and Child” paints a stark and heart-breaking
portrait of the devastating impact of war on the most vulnerable members of
society. Through vivid imagery and restrained language, Achebe captures the
horrific realities of displacement, starvation, and loss, focusing on the
poignant relationship between a mother and her dying child. The poem transcends
mere observation, becoming a powerful indictment of the human cost of conflict.
The poet implies that the affection of the refugee mother surpasses even
what Madonna (Mother of Jesus) could accomplish. This draws a comparison
between the relationship between a mother and her deceased child and that of
the Madonna and infant Jesus. The reader is given a dramatic opening because it
suggests that the reality is more real and heart-breaking than a potent
depiction of ultimate love. When a line flows into the next without
punctuation, it is called enjambment, and it encourages the reader to read
quickly rather than pausing. As the line turns into dots, momentum builds and
then diminishes.
The language shifts into a ghost-smile held between her teeth,
suggesting that her life has moved far away from normalcy and into the darker
realms of survival. She only has a memory of a mother’s pride in her eyes,
which is another clue as to the state she is in. Nevertheless, despite all the
hardships she’s been through, despite excessive physical weakness, she has
managed to bathe her child with her own hands, a last-ditch effort to clean up
her child, a very moving act of devotion. The contrasts are stark and clear:
refugee life versus normal life. Combining her son's hair was once a morning
ritual, part of the daily preparation for school, but this is the last time
she's going to do so. This is readiness for the grave, the little soul prepared
for a different existence.
The poem’s power lies in its simplicity. Achebe avoids sentimentalizing
the tragedy, instead presenting the reader with unflinching descriptions of the
child's suffering. The poem's setting, a refugee camp, further emphasizes the
dehumanizing effects of war. The camp is a place of despair and deprivation,
where basic human needs are unmet. The lack of food, clean water, and medical
care creates a breeding ground for disease and death. The child's providence is
sealed within this environment, highlighting the vulnerability of displaced
populations.
Despite the bleakness of the situation, Achebe also portrays the
enduring strength of the human spirit. The mother’s unwavering love for her
child is evident throughout the poem. Even in the face of unimaginable
suffering, she continues to hold and comfort him. This act of love, however
small, becomes a powerful symbol of resilience and hope amidst despair.
Conclusion
While “Refugee Mother and Child” focuses on a specific instance of
suffering, it speaks to the broader human experience of loss and resilience in
the face of adversity. The poem’s universality lies in its ability to evoke
empathy and understanding for the victims of war, regardless of their specific
circumstances. It serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of conflict
and the urgent need for peace and compassion.
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