Colonization in Reverse

By Louise Bennett (1919-2006)

Context

• Louise Bennett was a highly influential Jamaican poet and performer, committed to using Jamaican Creole in her writing. This language, now called 'Nation Language,' was crucial in helping Jamaica develop its sense of national identity. Bennett's poem "Colonization in Reverse" is about the Windrush generation, who migrated to Britain from the Caribbean after World War II. The poem humorously highlights how Jamaicans, who were once colonised by Britain, are now moving to the 'motherland' in large numbers. While the poem has a joyful and upbeat tone, Bennett also hints at possible challenges that might arise from this migration.

The Poem

Colonization in Reverse

What a joyful news, Miss Mattie,

Ah feel like me heart gwine burs –

Jamaica people colonizin

Englan in reverse.

← Irony

By de hundred, by de tousan

From country and from town,

By de ship-load, by de plane-load,

Jamaica is Englan boun.

Dem a pour out o' Jamaica,

Everybody future plan

Is fi get a big-time job

An settle in de mother lan.

← Irony

What a islan! What a people!

Man an woman, old and young

Jus a pack dem bag an baggage

← Colloquialism

An turn history upside dung!

Some people doan like travel,

But fe show dem loyalty

Dem all a open up cheap-fare

To-Englan agency.

An week by week dem shippin off

Dem countryman like fire,

Fe immigrate an populate

← Irony and juxtaposition.

De seat o' de Empire.

Oonoo see how life is funny,

← Colloquialism and irony.

Oonoo see de tunabout?

Jamaica live fe box bread

Out a English people mout'.

For wen dem ketch a Englan,

An start play dem different role,

Some will settle down to work

An some will settle fe de dole.

Jane say de dole is not too bad

Because dey payin she

Two pounds a week fe seek a job

Dat suit her dignity.

Me say Jane will never fine work

At de rate how she dah look,

For all day she stay popn star

An shine up shop window.

But I proud me proud o' me people,

I proud o' me country,

An I proud seh dat Jamaica

Colonizin Englan in reverse.

5 Quotes + Analysis to Achieve a Grade 9

1. Language device = Irony. "Colonizin Englan in reverse" Analysis: This short phrase sums up the main idea of the poem. Bennett uses it to show the irony of Jamaicans now moving to England, which once colonised them. The phrase "in reverse" highlights how history is being flipped around, with Jamaicans now playing a new and important role in Britain. This makes us think about how things have changed and how the people who were once controlled are now influencing the 'motherland'.

2. Language device = Irony. "De mother lan" Analysis: Calling England "de mother lan" is ironic because England was the coloniser, not a nurturing mother. Bennett uses this term to show how Jamaicans are moving to a place that had a huge impact on their history. It also makes us think about the complex relationship between Britain and its former colonies, and how Jamaicans are now seeking opportunities in a country that once exploited them.

3. Language device = Colloquialism. "Turn history upside dung!" Analysis: This colloquial phrase paints a vivid picture of how the usual order of things has been completely flipped. "Upside dung" (down) suggests that the Jamaicans' move to Britain is so significant that it's almost as if history itself is being turned on its head. The lively and informal tone of this phrase reflects the energy and determination of the Jamaican people as they take control of their own destiny.

4. Language device = Irony and juxtaposition. "Fe immigrate an populate / De seat o' de Empire" Analysis: Here, Bennett is highlighting the irony of Jamaicans moving to the very heart of the British Empire. The word "populate" suggests that Jamaicans are now filling up and settling in Britain, reversing the roles of coloniser and colonised. This line makes us think about the impact of migration on British society and how the people from former colonies are now shaping the future of the Empire.

5. Language device = Colloquialism and irony. "Oonoo see how life is funny" Analysis: This line captures the playful and ironic tone of the poem. Bennett is pointing out the unexpected twists in life, where those who were once colonised are now in a position of power in Britain. The humour in this line helps to make a serious point more relatable and easier to understand, showing that life is full of surprising changes.

Form & Structure Points to Mention for Top Grades

• Rhyme Scheme:
  • The poem follows a regular rhyme scheme, giving it a rhythmic, musical quality that reflects the Jamaican cultural influence and makes the poem lively and engaging.
• Use of Jamaican Creole:
  • Bennett's use of Jamaican Creole throughout the poem highlights the pride in Jamaican culture and challenges the dominance of Standard English, making the poem feel authentic and connected to its roots.
• Repetition:
  • The repeated words, like "proud" in the final stanza, emphasise the speaker's pride in Jamaican people and culture, reinforcing the theme of national identity and empowerment.
• Colloquial Language:
  • The informal and conversational style of the poem makes it feel personal and direct, allowing the reader to easily connect with the speaker's message and the experiences of the Jamaican migrants.

Example Paragraph for a Grade 9 Answer:

In "Colonization in Reverse," Bennett explores power by showing how Jamaicans are now taking charge of their lives in Britain. The phrase "Colonizin Englan in reverse" captures this change, as it flips the usual idea of colonisation. Calling England "De mother lan" is also ironic, because it shows how the colonised people are now going to the country that once ruled over them. Bennett's use of Jamaican Creole throughout the poem highlights the importance of cultural identity and makes the reader think about how power has shifted over time. This contrasts with…