Throughout history, the quest for power has dominated the world. Wars have been fought, sometimes even on a global scale, that have ultimately led to where we are today. However, it isn't just humans that seek to gain power. In the animal kingdom, many species fight to gain control of certain areas, and to prove their prowess; often, the weak are cast off or simply left to die. In the poems 'Nothing's Changed' by Tatamkhulu Afrika and 'Vultures' by Chinua Achebe, this theme is thoroughly explored, as well as showing the impact it can have on others. In 'Nothing's Changed', a dark, sinister tone is used to convey the fear that the black and coloured people had in South Africa during and after the apartheid, as shown in the line "Hands burn for a stone, as bomb, to shiver down the glass. Nothing's changed." In addition, the same dark and sinister tone is used in 'Vultures' to show the lives of the animals being preyed on. This accurately portrays the emotions felt by many people in South Africa, whilst also showing that the power holders were very disrespectful and arrogant, not caring about the wellbeing of the people they were harming. .
'Nothing's Changed' focuses on the point of view of the black and coloured people (who are being preyed on) whereas in 'Vultures', the focus is on the predators. This gives both poems a slightly different feel, with 'Vultures' focusing more on how, just because someone is evil, it doesn't mean that they can't love. It gives an overarching sense of sadness to 'Nothing's Changed', as even though the apartheid has ended, the poet believes that discrimination against certain groups in society will still continue. This shows how hard it is for people who once had power to relinquish it. .
One thing that 'Nothing's Changed' and 'Vultures' have in common is their use of imagery to show the lives of those who are affected by the people who seek power.
It is the reoccurring theme that makes the poem intense. ... The "foul mouthed birds" (7) bring to mind the pictures of vultures. ... Irony is the use of words to change the meaning of something. ... Reed uses irony to talk about war and how nature has nothing to do with things such as war. ... She uses "We Real Cool" (1) to show power and self-reliance. ...
As time went on many changes were made in the primitive ideas and explanations of man. ... Despite the changes that took place as mankind developed advanced societies, the most profound change would not occur until the advent of large-scale city life. ... Aeschylus presents an extremely Christian theme in his story of Prometheus and Io. ... As punishment, Zeus ties him to a mountain where a vulture eats his regenerating liver daily. ... Saddened by Io's pain which sounded worse than his he could do nothing but comfort her and direct her to the Nile where she might be whole one more. ...
Preceding her birth, there had been some vast economical changes and advancements. ... During her time, the first Model T Ford was produced along with the first power flight. ... Her boldness and fearlessness reminds me of the way I am, and that enabled me to be more appreciative of all the eroticism she used in a time when nothing of the sort was spoken of publicly. ...
Although their original relationship with each other is one of respect and love, the situation soon changes. ... The distinction between right and wrong in Poe's stories is a very powerful theme, ever present in his horrific accounts. ... As the narrator begins to recount the occurrences that "...have terrified--have tortured--have destroyed [him]," (p.11) he reminds the reader that maybe "...some intellect more calm, more logical, and far less excitable than [his] own," (p.11) will perceive "...nothing more than an ordinary succession of very natural causes and effects," (p.11) contrar...
The streets were filled with joy, as all through Russia artists embraced the Revolution, calling for a change. ... Energized for change, the avant-garde awaited the moment when they could prove to their countrymen their alliance with the new government. ... In 1918 Lenin and the Bolsheviks were in full control; they had won the revolution and now had the ability to erect momentous statues and buildings to celebrate a Revolution that would change the entire world forever. ...
