Poem Analysis - Understand Old One

Initial Impressions and Tone

Oodgeroo Noonuccal's poem Understand Old One presents a vivid contrast between the past and the present, evoking a sense of wonder and bewilderment. The tone is reflective and somewhat melancholic, as the speaker imagines an ancestor returning to a familiar place now transformed by modernity. The poem shifts from a peaceful, nostalgic mood to one of astonishment and perhaps even dismay at the rapid changes brought by urbanization and technology.

Historical and Cultural Context

Oodgeroo Noonuccal, an Indigenous Australian poet, draws from her cultural heritage to explore the impact of colonialism and modernization on traditional ways of life. Her work often reflects the tension between the old and the new, the natural and the man-made. This poem likely reflects the experiences of many Indigenous Australians who have witnessed the dramatic changes to their ancestral lands and lifestyles.

Themes of Change and Displacement

The primary theme of Understand Old One is the profound change and displacement experienced by Indigenous peoples. The poem contrasts the old peaceful camping place with the new city roaring, highlighting the stark differences between traditional and modern life. The use of the word gunyas, which refers to traditional shelters, juxtaposed with towering stone buildings, emphasizes the loss of traditional ways of living. The imagery of planes in the sky and swarms of cars further underscores the rapid and overwhelming nature of these changes.

Themes of Wonder and Alienation

The poem also explores themes of wonder and alienation. The speaker imagines the old one's astonishment at the new world, suggesting a sense of alienation from the familiar. The phrases immense, incredible, and frantic in flight convey a sense of awe mixed with confusion and perhaps fear. This wonder is not celebratory but rather a poignant reflection on the loss of a simpler, more connected way of life.

Themes of Memory and Identity

Memory and identity are central to the poem's themes. The old one's return to a place now unrecognizable raises questions about the preservation of cultural memory and identity. The quiet water and red fires represent a past that is both cherished and irretrievable. The poem suggests that the old one's wonder is a reflection of the speaker's own struggle to reconcile the past with the present, highlighting the enduring impact of cultural displacement.

Symbolism and Imagery

The poem is rich in symbolism and vivid imagery. The red fires along the quiet water symbolize a peaceful, communal way of life. In contrast, the towering stone gunyas and swarms of cars represent the impersonal and chaotic nature of modern urban life. The planes in the sky can be seen as a symbol of progress and technology, but also of the distance and disconnection that modernity brings. The use of the word frantic in flight suggests a sense of urgency and disorientation, reinforcing the theme of alienation.

Conclusion

Understand Old One is a poignant exploration of the changes brought by modernity to traditional ways of life. Through vivid imagery and symbolic language, Oodgeroo Noonuccal captures the sense of wonder and alienation experienced by those who have witnessed the transformation of their ancestral lands. The poem serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of cultural displacement and the importance of preserving cultural memory and identity in the face of rapid change. The final insight is that the poem invites readers to reflect on the costs of progress and the value of preserving the past in the present.