Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Léopold Sédar Senghor's poem "I Will Pronounce Your Name" is a lush and evocative celebration of a woman named Naett, whom the speaker exalts through a series of richly sensory and symbolic images. The poem intertwines themes of love, admiration, and cultural pride, as Senghor uses vivid descriptions that draw deeply from the natural world and African heritage to honor and immortalize Naett.

The poem opens with a powerful declaration: "I will pronounce your name, Naett, I will declaim you, Naett!" This repetition underscores the speaker's reverence and passion, emphasizing the importance of Naett's name, not just as an identifier, but as a symbol of her essence. By announcing his intention to "declaim" her, the speaker elevates her name to the level of poetry, something to be celebrated and revered in public recitation.

Senghor then delves into a series of comparisons that highlight the beauty and sweetness of Naett's name: "Naett, your name is mild like cinnamon, it is the fragrance in which the lemon grove sleeps." These lines suggest that Naett's name embodies a gentle, yet deeply pleasing presence, much like the warm, inviting scent of cinnamon or the soothing aroma of a lemon grove at rest. The association of her name with "the sugared clarity of blooming coffee trees" further evokes a sense of purity and sweetness, as well as a connection to the land, as coffee trees are deeply rooted in African agriculture and culture.

The poem continues to draw connections between Naett's name and the natural world, as it "resembles the savannah, that blossoms forth under the masculine ardor of the midday sun." Here, the savannah symbolizes strength, resilience, and vitality—qualities that are mirrored in Naett's name. The "masculine ardor" of the sun suggests a powerful, life-giving force, further emphasizing the idea that Naett's name carries with it a sense of generative energy and dynamism.

Senghor then shifts to describe Naett's name as "the dry tornado, the hard clap of lightning," introducing a contrast to the earlier, gentler imagery. These lines evoke the intensity and power that Naett's name also possesses, suggesting that she is a force to be reckoned with—unpredictable, strong, and capable of commanding attention. The poem’s oscillation between images of softness and strength reflects the multifaceted nature of Naett’s identity as perceived by the speaker.

The line "Naett, coin of gold, shining coal, you my night, my sun!" captures the duality of Naett's character, likening her to both light and darkness, warmth and coolness. The "coin of gold" and "shining coal" symbolize value and beauty, whether in the light of day or the darkness of night. By calling her "my night, my sun," the speaker acknowledges the totality of her influence over him—she is his entire world, both the comfort of night and the energy of day.

As the poem progresses, the speaker takes on the role of a "hero" and a "sorcerer," declaring his power to "pronounce your names." This transformation suggests that Naett's influence has bestowed upon him a newfound strength and purpose. By becoming a "sorcerer," the speaker implies that he has gained a deeper, almost magical understanding of Naett and her significance. Pronouncing her names becomes an act of invocation, a way of bringing her essence into the world and honoring her presence.

The final lines of the poem introduce a historical and cultural dimension: "Princess of Elissa, banished from Futa on the fateful day." This reference to Elissa (often identified with Dido, the legendary founder and queen of Carthage) and Futa (likely referring to Futa Toro, a region in Senegal) grounds Naett within a larger narrative of African history and identity. By aligning her with a "princess" who has been "banished," Senghor suggests a noble, yet tragic, aspect to her story, invoking themes of exile and displacement that resonate with the broader experiences of African peoples.

"I Will Pronounce Your Name" is a masterful ode that blends the personal with the cultural, the natural with the historical. Senghor's use of vivid, sensory imagery and symbolic language elevates Naett to an almost mythical status, while also celebrating the richness and beauty of African identity. Through the poem, Senghor not only honors Naett but also reflects on the power of language, memory, and cultural heritage in shaping our understanding of love and identity. The poem stands as a testament to the enduring influence of those we admire and the ways in which they become woven into the fabric of our lives, our landscapes, and our history.

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