The poem begins with an elaborate description of what appears to be a female figure lying down. The unidentified speaker describes this figure in the past tense, as if telling a story. The various references to female anatomy—from hair to feet to breasts—initially convince the reader that the speaker is indeed speaking of a woman. However, the geographical references intertwined with these human characteristics quickly make it clear that the speaker is describing Africa. The continent is merely personified as a beautiful woman. The sugar cane fields, deserts, mountains, and rivers of the continent are described rapturously—the continent is as enchanting as a beautiful woman. However, the Nile River is depicted as the woman’s tears—in all its loveliness, Africa is suffering.
The second stanza elaborates on this struggle. Brigands, or bandits, are described as sailing to the continent on icy seas. Their demeanor is likewise icy, and they are rough brutes. These bandits are the white Europeans who arrived in Africa and enslaved the natives. They are described as taking—or raping—the young women, and selling the men into slavery. Many Africans were also killed. The Africans were further subjected to imposed Christian practices, losing their religious freedom. At this point, Africa is not depicted as lying down peacefully. Rather, she is lying down in pain, beaten to the ground by her oppressors.
The last stanza, however, shows the resilience of the African people. The tone is both passionate and hopeful. The speaker recounts that Africa in the present is no longer lying down and succumbing to the oppressors. She has lifted herself up and is rising above the pain. The speaker recalls the horrors the continent experienced and appeals to the listener to remember these terrible acts. The poem concludes on a triumphant note: Africa has risen again, and she is walking with confidence. The African people are resisting their oppressors; they are ready to take back their power and thrive once more.
