No vision of exotic southern countries,
No dancing women, supple, brown and tall
Whirling from out their falling draperies
To melodies that beat a fierce mad call;
No sound of songs that from the hot blood rise,
No langorous, stretching, dusky, velvet maids
Flashing like gleaming weapon their bright eyes,
No swift, wild thrill the quickening blood pervades.
Only mouths widening with a still broad smile
Of comprehension, a strange knowing leer
At white men, at their vanity and guile,
An understanding that fills one with fear.
The beasts in cages much more loyal are,
Restlessly pacing, pacing to and fro,
Dreaming of countries beckoning from afar,
Lands where they roamed in days of long ago.
They burn with an unquenched and smothered fire
Consumed by longings over which they brood,
Oblivious of time, without desire,
Alone and lost in their great solitude.
Poem Analysis:
Rainer Maria Rilke's poem "The Ashantee" offers a stark and introspective portrayal of colonial encounters and the complexities of cultural exchange. Through vivid imagery and nuanced language, Rilke delves into themes of exoticism, colonialism, and the alienation of both colonizers and the colonized.
Absence of Exoticism: Unlike traditional portrayals of colonial encounters that romanticize exotic cultures and landscapes, Rilke's poem rejects such idealized depictions. There are no images of "exotic southern countries" or "dancing women" in vibrant attire. Instead, Rilke strips away the romantic veneer to reveal a more sobering reality.
Disillusionment and Understanding: The poem captures a sense of disillusionment and mutual misunderstanding between the colonizers and the colonized. The "strange knowing leer" directed at the white men suggests a deep-seated awareness and skepticism among the Ashantee people regarding the intentions and actions of their European counterparts.
Themes of Alienation: Rilke juxtaposes the colonizers' sense of alienation with the captivity of the wild animals. The caged beasts, symbolic of the colonized peoples, are portrayed as restless and longing for freedom. In contrast, the colonizers are depicted as disconnected from their surroundings, consumed by their own vanity and guile.
Reflection on Longing and Solitude: The poem delves into themes of longing and solitude, both among the colonizers and the colonized. The caged beasts, reminiscent of their distant homelands, yearn for freedom and roam in the solitude of their captivity. Similarly, the colonizers, despite their material comforts, are portrayed as spiritually adrift and disconnected from their own humanity.
Critique of Colonialism: Through its portrayal of disillusionment, alienation, and longing, "The Ashantee" serves as a critique of colonialism and its dehumanizing effects on both colonizers and the colonized. Rilke highlights the inherent power dynamics and cultural tensions that define colonial encounters, challenging the romanticized narratives often associated with imperialism.
In conclusion, "The Ashantee" by Rainer Maria Rilke is a poignant exploration of colonialism, cultural exchange, and the complexities of human experience. Through its evocative imagery and introspective tone, the poem invites readers to confront the harsh realities of colonial encounters and reflect on the enduring legacy of imperialism in shaping the modern world. Rilke's masterful use of language and symbolism illuminates the profound impact of colonization on individuals and societies, offering a sobering reminder of the human cost of conquest and exploitation.