Poem Analysis - Entombed Warriors

Initial Impression and Tone

Oodgeroo Noonuccal's "Entombed Warriors" presents a vivid and somewhat somber narrative about the burial of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China. The poem begins with a detailed and almost clinical description of the emperor's elaborate burial preparations, shifting to a more reflective and revealing tone as it concludes. The initial tone is one of meticulous planning and grandeur, but it transitions to one of exposure and vulnerability, highlighting the emperor's hidden fears and insecurities.

Historical and Cultural Context

Oodgeroo Noonuccal, an Indigenous Australian poet, brings a unique perspective to this poem. Her background as an Indigenous Australian may influence her interpretation of power, legacy, and the impermanence of human achievements. The poem reflects on the historical figure of Qin Shi Huang, known for his unification of China and his tyrannical rule. The discovery of his terracotta army in 1974 is a significant archaeological find, revealing not just the emperor's military might but also his desire for immortality and control beyond death.

Themes of Power and Mortality

The poem explores the theme of power through the detailed description of Qin Shi Huang's elaborate burial preparations. The emperor's command over his artists and the creation of an entire army of clay warriors symbolizes his desire for eternal power and control. However, the poem also delves into the theme of mortality, as the emperor's efforts to cheat death are ultimately revealed as futile. The discovery of his tomb exposes his fear and insecurity, underscoring the inevitability of death and the transience of human ambition.

Themes of Secrecy and Exposure

Another prominent theme is the contrast between secrecy and exposure. The emperor's burial is described as a carefully guarded secret, intended to remain hidden for eternity. However, the poem highlights the irony of this secrecy being shattered by chance, with a pick and shovel revealing the emperor's hidden fears. This theme underscores the idea that secrets, especially those related to power and control, often have a way of being exposed, regardless of the efforts to conceal them.

Symbolism and Imagery

The poem is rich in vivid imagery, particularly the detailed descriptions of the clay warriors and the burial preparations. These images serve as symbols of the emperor's power and his desire for immortality. The "Earth Mother" nurturing the emperor for 2,000 years is a powerful image that contrasts with the sudden exposure of his tomb. This imagery suggests a natural cycle of life and death, where even the most powerful figures are subject to the forces of time and chance. The "pick and shovel" that reveal the secret can be seen as symbols of the unpredictable nature of discovery and the fragility of human control.

Conclusion

In "Entombed Warriors," Oodgeroo Noonuccal uses the historical figure of Qin Shi Huang to explore themes of power, mortality, and the inevitability of exposure. The poem's vivid imagery and symbolic language highlight the emperor's futile attempts to control his legacy and cheat death. Ultimately, the poem serves as a reminder of the transience of human ambition and the power of natural forces to reveal what is hidden. The discovery of the emperor's tomb exposes not just his military might but also his deepest fears and insecurities, offering a poignant reflection on the human condition.