Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
EGYPT, TOBAGO
Patricia Li
Practice Questions
EGYPT, TOBAGO
Patricia Li
Practice Questions
EGYPT, TOBAGO
Patricia Li
The central paradox of Egypt, Tobago, is about the two nations of Egypt and Rome. These
contradicting countries are repeatedly juxtaposed by Walcott to emphasise the love the father has
for his child. His head is in Egypt, his feet in Rome is a seemingly impossible act. However, the
contrasting concept highlights how far-reaching the tenderness for his daughter is; it is so
passionate that it can cross over the world. The disparity between the nations is again used in the
lines over the dunes fades the mirage of the legions. This is suggesting that the barricades of
fatherhood, as problematic as Roman army divisions, are perishable to the fervent affection he has
for his daughter.
Q6. What observations does the poet make about sexuality and women as construct? Include at
least 2 quotations and explanations. 1/2 page.
(6 marks - 1 marks for intro sentence
2 marks for each quote
2 marks for each explanation)
Walcott makes an evident statement about the construct of women in society and in poetry in his
poem Egypt, Tobago. The sexuality of women is observed in this text, with the daughter originally
being illustrated as a mistress sleeping next to her lover. The plot twist revealed towards the end
supports the notion that everything else is vanity. This direct rhetoric is a moral message
communicated by Walcott, who indicates that women are too often thought of as sexual objects,
and not as somebodys sibling, daughter or mother. The reader is urged to reconsider their
misconception and think about the relationship between the essence of their views on women and
their interpretation of the opening lines. Walcott also employs metaphors, with the father watching
the carved door of her temple and staring at the fallen column. The architectural elements of
her face are not literal, but figurative. The visual imagery of this gives prominence to the concept of
sexuality, and its role in society as a construct. The views of women are built upon and developed,
but are fallen to the weights of their immorality. Walcott successfully observes sexuality and women
as construct in Egypt, Tobago.