This blog is part of a thinking activity assigned by Dr. Dilip Barad sir , in which we analyze the poem using I.A. Richards’ ideas on figurative language. The task encourages us to look beyond the literal meaning and explore deeper symbols, metaphors, and political messages. It helps us think critically and understand how literature reflects real-life ideas like independence and freedom.
A MYSTERIOUS MARRIAGE
Once upon a time
A boy and girl were
Forced to leave their home
By armed robbers.
The boy was Independence
The girl was Freedom.
While fighting back, they got married.
After the big war they went back home.
Everybody prepared for the wedding.
Drinks and food abounded,
Even the disabled felt able.
The whole village gathered waiting,
Freedom and Independence
Were more popular than Jesus.
Independence came
But Freedom was not there.
An old woman saw Freedom’s shadow passing
Through the crowd, leaving by the gate.
All the same, they celebrated Independence.
Independence is now a senior bachelor.
Some people still talk about him,
Others take no notice.
A lot still say it was a fake marriage.
You can’t be a husband without a wife.
Fruitless and barren, Independence staggers to old age.
Leaving her shadow behind,
Freedom has never returned
This video provides an overview of the blog.
My Personal Reflection on the Poem
To me, this poem shows the painful difference between what people expect after independence and what they actually receive. The poet uses independence and Freedom as if they are two real people to show how closely they are connected in our minds. We believe that when a nation becomes independent, freedom will automatically follow. But the poem challenges that belief.
I feel that the marriage in the poem represents the dream of a perfect future after a long struggle. The villagers preparing for the wedding symbolize the citizens who hope for better lives. However, when Freedom does not arrive, it shows that the expectations of the people are not fulfilled. Independence without Freedom feels incomplete—like a marriage without a bride.
In my view, the poem suggests that independence is only the first step. True change happens when people gain rights, opportunities, justice, and dignity—not just a new flag, anthem, or holiday. The celebration without Freedom reflects how governments often pretend everything has changed, even when the ordinary people still face the same problems like poverty, discrimination, or lack of voice.
The ending, where Independence becomes old and “fruitless,” shows the emptiness of political freedom that does not bring real improvements to human life. Even if a nation is independent on paper, it can remain unfree in its reality. The shadow of Freedom that passes by represents only promises, speeches, and hopes not actual transformation.
.png)
Applying I.A. Richards’ Four Kinds of Meaning
Sense
On the surface, the poem narrates a simple story:
A boy named Independence and a girl named Freedom are forced away from their home by armed robbers. They fight back, “get married,” and return after a war. The villagers prepare for a grand wedding, but only Independence shows up. Freedom vanishes. The celebration still takes place, but the marriage remains incomplete. Independence grows old and lonely, while Freedom never comes back.
Tone
The tone of the poem shifts throughout, reflecting the complexity of independence and freedom. It begins hopeful as Independence and Freedom return from war, creating anticipation. The villagers’ preparations bring a celebratory mood full of joy and festivity. Irony emerges when Freedom is absent, turning the tone bitter and disappointed. Through these shifts, Nyamubaya critiques hollow celebrations that value independence without true liberty.
Feeling
The poem evokes a mixture of emotions, drawing readers into the struggles of post-colonial societies. There is sympathy for the incomplete union of Independence and Freedom. Frustration arises at political hypocrisy and superficial celebrations, while sadness reflects a society settling for symbolic victories. The poem captures the pain and irony of fighting for freedom only to encounter hollow independence. It makes readers reflect on the true cost of liberty and justice.
Intention
Nyamubaya intends to show that independence is meaningless without freedom. True liberty must include political, social, and economic dimensions. He criticizes governments and citizens who celebrate independence superficially while oppression continues. The poem warns that political freedom alone does not guarantee justice or equality. Ultimately, it is a call to achieve genuine and holistic freedom for all.
Figurative Language in the Poem
The poem relies heavily on figurative language to communicate deeper political and social messages beyond the literal storyline. Through personification, irony, symbolism, and metaphor, the poet transforms political ideas into living characters and everyday events, making the theme more relatable and emotionally impactful.
Personification
Independence and Freedom are presented as human beings.
By giving abstract political concepts human qualities, the poet shows how society treats these ideals as if they are capable of relationships, promises, and failures. The “marriage” between them symbolizes how people expect independence to naturally bring freedom, just as a groom is expected to be joined by a bride.
Irony
A wedding without a bride is celebrated.
This moment is deeply ironic because it exposes the emptiness of political independence without real freedom. The villagers celebrate even though Freedom is missing, highlighting the hypocrisy and pretence found in many nations where leaders declare independence yet ignore the rights of the people.
Symbolism
“Armed robbers” symbolize colonizers, dictators, or oppressive regimes.
They represent the forces that displace a nation and steal its dignity, land, and authority.
The “shadow” of Freedom represents illusion and false hope.
Freedom is glimpsed but not realized—promised but not delivered. It shows that although freedom is spoken about in speeches and constitutions, it may not exist in everyday life.
Metaphor
The “marriage” symbolizes political unity after a struggle for liberation.
It signifies the expectation that independence and freedom should naturally belong together.
The “village” symbolizes the nation or its citizens.
Their preparation reflects the hopes and dreams of the public, while their blind celebration reflects misplaced trust and collective disappointment.
Misunderstandings of the Poem from I.A. Richards’ Perspective
Literal Misunderstanding
A reader may think the poem is merely about:
a real boy and girl,
a real marriage,
and villagers preparing for a wedding.
They may read it like a simple story and fail to see the deeper political symbolism. According to Richards, this is a misreading of the sense meaning because the poem is not literally about a wedding but uses it as a metaphor.
Misunderstanding the Tone
Some readers might assume that the poet celebrates independence joyfully.
However, Richards would argue that the tone is ironic and critical, showing disappointment rather than celebration.
Ignoring tone leads to misunderstanding the poet’s attitude.
Emotional Misreading
Readers may sympathize with the boy (Independence) as if he is a tragic lover abandoned by Freedom.
Richards would say this emotional response is misplaced if it ignores the political reality beneath the metaphor.
The poem is not about heartbreak in love—but heartbreak in national politics.
Misunderstanding the Intention
A common misunderstanding is thinking the poem praises national independence.
In reality, the poet is criticizing:
hollow independence,
failed promises,
incomplete liberation.
Richards would say misunderstanding intention leads readers to believe the poem is patriotic, when it is actually satirical and critical.
Misunderstanding Figurative Language
Readers may miss that:
Independence and Freedom are personifications,
the marriage is symbolic,
the village represents a nation.
Without recognizing figurative language, readers believe the marriage is real and fail to understand the metaphor.
Reference :
https://blog.dilipbarad.com/2015/09/just-poems.html
