Quiz
Answer the following questions in 2-3 sentences each.

1. What is the central theme explored in the “PATRIOTISM” section of First Creation?
2. Identify two contrasting emotions or experiences explored in the “MATTERS OF HEARTS” section.
3. In the poem “THE STORY OF AFRICA,” how does the author depict the impact of colonialism?
4. What is the speaker’s primary feeling or state of mind conveyed in the poem “SAVE ME”?
5. What does the poem “FRIENDSHIP” emphasize about the nature of true friendship?
6. Explain the significance of the title First Creation in the context of the provided excerpts.
7. In “MODERN YOU,” how has the speaker’s perception of the subject changed over time?
8. What central message or regret is conveyed in the poem “BRING A ROSE”?
9. How does the author define poetry in the “FIRST CREATION” section and the “Epilogue”?
10. What is the overall tone and message of the poems in the “PASSION AND SELF-LOVE” section?

Quiz Answer Key
1. The “PATRIOTISM” section primarily explores the complex history and enduring spirit of Africa, encompassing themes of love for the land, the pain of its past, and a persistent hope for the future. It highlights both the beauty and the struggles faced by the continent and its people.
2. The “MATTERS OF HEARTS” section explores contrasting emotions such as longing and regret in “BRING A ROSE,” and the bittersweet reunion tinged with past hurt in “MODERN YOU.” It also touches upon the pain of separation and lost love in “KISS YOU GOODBYE” alongside the steadfastness of platonic connection in “FRIENDSHIP.”
3. In “THE STORY OF AFRICA,” the author depicts colonialism as a period of loss, exploitation, and cultural disruption, where land was taken, traditions were undermined, and a foreign ideology was imposed. However, the poem also emphasizes the resilience and enduring spirit of the African people in the face of these challenges.
4. The speaker in “SAVE ME” conveys a profound sense of inner turmoil, loneliness, and a desperate cry for help despite appearing to function outwardly. The feeling transcends simple loneliness or depression, suggesting a deeper, unnamed emotional struggle.
5. The poem “FRIENDSHIP” emphasizes the importance of compassion, commitment, patience, and enduring love as the foundational elements of a strong and lasting friendship. It portrays true friends as sources of light and unwavering support through life’s difficulties.
6. The title First Creation signifies this collection as the author Sandra Nadege’s debut into the world of published poetry, representing the initial outpouring of her thoughts and emotions in verse. It marks the beginning of her journey as a poet and her first offering to the reading public.
7. In “MODERN YOU,” the speaker’s perception of the subject shifts from viewing them as a quiet, somewhat odd classmate to recognizing their inner strength, unconventional path, and eventual transformation into someone admired by many. The speaker also reflects on their past missed opportunities with this person.
8. The central message in “BRING A ROSE” is the profound regret of unspoken love and missed opportunities, particularly the lament of waiting too long to express one’s true feelings. The speaker reflects on a past love and wishes for a final connection before passing away.
9. In the “FIRST CREATION” section and the “Epilogue,” the author defines poetry as more than just words; it is a raw, heartfelt expression of deep emotions, a fragment of the soul, and a lived experience. It is seen as a powerful tool for connection, reflection, and the exploration of life’s complexities.
10. The poems in the “PASSION AND SELF-LOVE” section convey a tone of yearning for deep connection, a celebration of inner strength and resilience (“POET IN A WARRIOR”), and a passionate drive to create and share one’s inner world through poetry. They emphasize self-acceptance and the pursuit of heartfelt desires.

Essay Format Questions
1. Analyze the portrayal of Africa in the “PATRIOTISM” section of First Creation. Discuss the various aspects of the continent depicted and the overall message conveyed about its history and future.
2. Explore the theme of love as presented in the “MATTERS OF HEARTS” and “LOVE, LIFE AND LIES” sections of First Creation. Compare and contrast the different facets of love explored, such as romantic longing, lost love, and the nature of true connection.
3. Discuss the significance of vulnerability and self-expression in Sandra Nadege’s First Creation, drawing evidence from the “Prologue,” the poems themselves, and the “Afterword.” How does the author invite readers to connect with their own emotions?
4. Analyze the use of imagery and figurative language in selected poems from First Creation to explore the themes of resilience and hope in the face of adversity. Provide specific examples to support your analysis.
5. Consider the author’s reflections on her journey as a young writer in the “Afterword” in relation to the content and themes of the poems in First Creation. How do her personal experiences and perspectives shape the collection?

Glossary of Key Terms
*Anthology: A published collection of writings, especially poems, short stories, or essays, by different authors or by one author.
*Prologue: An introductory section of a literary work.
*Epilogue: A concluding section at the end of a literary work that often provides further insight or resolution.
*Patriotism: Love of and loyalty to one’s country.
*Colonialism: The policy or practice of acquiring full or partial political control over another country, occupying it with settlers, and exploiting it economically.
*Resilience: The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.
*Novelty: The quality of being new, original, or unusual.
*Uncanny: Strange or mysterious, especially in an unsettling way.
*Tawny: Of an orange-brown or yellowish-brown color.
*Strife: Angry or bitter disagreement over fundamental issues; conflict.
*Reminisce: Indulge in enjoyable recollection of past events.
*Transient: Lasting only for a short time; impermanent.
*Slander: The action or crime of making a false spoken statement damaging to a person’s reputation.
*Ecstasy: An overwhelming feeling of great happiness or joyful excitement.
*Vulnerability: The quality or state of being exposed to the possibility of being attacked or harmed, either physically or emotionally.
*Self-love: Regard for one’s own well-being and happiness.
*Infinite: Limitless or endless in space, extent, or size; impossible to measure or calculate.
*Acquiescent: Ready to accept something without protest, or to do what someone else wants.
*Tumultuous: Making a loud, confused noise; uproarious; also, full of confusion or disorder.
*Ideology: A system of ideas and ideals, especially one which forms the basis of economic or political theory and policy.
*Tautology: A statement in which you say the same thing twice in different words or ideas.
*Ophthalmology: The branch of medicine concerned with the study and treatment of disorders and diseases of the eye.
*Phonology: The system of relationships among the speech sounds that constitute the fundamental components of a language.

1. What are the primary themes explored in Sandra Nadege’s poetry collection, “First Creation”?

“First Creation” delves into a wide range of human experiences and emotions. The collection is broadly divided into themes of patriotism, particularly concerning Africa; matters of the heart, including love, rejection, and heartbreak; the complexities of love, life, and perceived lies; and finally, passion and self-love. Within these sections, Nadege explores identity, resilience, the beauty and struggles of Africa, the multifaceted nature of love (both found and lost), the importance of friendship, the sting of reality, inner turmoil, the search for meaning, and the power of self-expression and self-acceptance. The epilogue further emphasizes themes of resilience, the enduring nature of emotions, and the search for meaning.

2. How does Sandra Nadege portray Africa in the “PATRIOTISM” section of her poetry?

Nadege presents a complex and deeply felt portrayal of Africa. She depicts its natural beauty and the strong sense of community and tradition (“hands and hearts, holding tight”). However, she also acknowledges the continent’s history of suffering, including the impact of colonialism (“They watched as their lands were taken away”) and internal struggles. Despite these hardships, her poems emphasize the resilience, strength, and enduring spirit of the African people, holding onto hope for a brighter future (“Together, they rise for unity’s sake”). The poems express a profound love for the homeland, a place of belonging and comfort (“It’s home, where I’m never alone”).

3. What perspectives on love and relationships are presented in the “MATTERS OF HEARTS” and “LOVE, LIFE AND LIES” sections?

These sections explore a diverse spectrum of romantic experiences. “MODERN YOU” touches on themes of unnoticed admiration and the potential for rekindled connections after significant time has passed. “BRING A ROSE” delves into the regret of unspoken love and the longing for a final connection in the face of mortality, emphasizing the danger of waiting too long to express one’s feelings. “KISS YOU GOODBYE” portrays the pain and confusion of sudden departure and unexpressed emotions, yet ultimately holds onto a glimmer of hope. The “LOVE, LIFE AND LIES” section further examines the intensity and potential fragility of love (“YOUR LOVE REMINDS ME…”, “I DON’T REMEMBER WHEN…”), the harshness of reality in contrast to idealized romance (“SLAP OF REALITY”), the bitterness of lost love and betrayal (“THE MONSTER”), and the profound depths of loneliness and the yearning for connection (“SAVE ME”, “LOST AND NEVER FOUND”).

4. How does the collection address themes of inner struggle, loneliness, and the search for meaning, particularly in poems like “SAVE ME” and “INFINITE LOOP”?

Poems like “SAVE ME” poignantly capture the feeling of being isolated even in the midst of others, a sense of detachment from reality, and a deep inner ache that is difficult to articulate. The speaker grapples with feelings of depression and loneliness, seeking an escape from overwhelming emotions and questioning their place in the world. “INFINITE LOOP” presents a more philosophical perspective on the repetitive and often contradictory nature of human existence and the vastness of the universe, leading to a sense of existential uncertainty. Both poems highlight the internal battles individuals face in trying to find meaning, connection, and solace in a complex and often overwhelming world.

5. What is the significance of poetry and writing as portrayed in the “PASSION AND SELF-LOVE” section, especially in poems like “FALL IN LOVE WITH POETRY” and “FIRST CREATION”?

In this section, poetry and writing are depicted as powerful forms of self-expression, emotional release, and connection. “FALL IN LOVE WITH POETRY” emphasizes the raw, heartfelt nature of poetic creation, driven by passion and a desire to share one’s inner world, even if it means vulnerability. The poem suggests a hope that readers will be moved and connect deeply with the emotions conveyed. “FIRST CREATION” highlights the personal journey of the poet, seeing her work as a tangible piece of her thoughts and emotions, a way to navigate and understand the mysteries of life. The afterword reinforces this idea, describing poetry as a way to pour out one’s essence and explore the complexities of the human experience.

6. How does Sandra Nadege characterize strength and resilience throughout the collection?

Resilience and strength are recurring motifs across various sections of “First Creation.” In the “PATRIOTISM” section, these qualities are attributed to the African people in the face of historical and ongoing challenges. In “AFRICAN CHILD,” there is a direct call for the younger generation to be bold, bright, and resilient despite hardship. Even in the face of heartbreak and loss in the “MATTERS OF HEARTS” and “LOVE, LIFE AND LIES” sections, there are undertones of perseverance and a refusal to be completely defeated. The “POET IN A WARRIOR” poem explicitly celebrates a woman who embodies both vulnerability and inner strength. The epilogue summarizes this theme by noting the collection as a “testimony of resilience” and the “eternal search for meaning” in the face of life’s difficulties.

7. What is the author’s stated intention and hope for readers of “First Creation,” as expressed in the prologue, epilogue, and afterword?

Nadege expresses a desire for her poetry to connect with readers on a deeply emotional level, to evoke recognition of shared human experiences (“my soul, your soul”). She hopes the words will resonate, stir memories, and provide comfort or understanding. The prologue invites readers to immerse themselves in the raw honesty of the poems, while the epilogue wishes for the emotions within the poems to stay with the reader and offer solace when needed. The afterword emphasizes the author’s personal journey of self-discovery through writing and expresses a genuine hope that readers will find joy and inspiration within the collection, inviting them to join her in embracing vulnerability and the power of expression.

8. How does the author’s background as a young writer from Kigali, Rwanda, potentially influence the themes and perspectives found in “First Creation”?

While the poems cover universal themes of love, loss, and self-discovery, Nadege’s Rwandan background likely informs the strong sense of patriotism and the focus on the history and resilience of Africa present in the first section. Her perspective as a young writer navigating life’s complexities is evident in the vulnerable and introspective nature of many of the poems, as highlighted in the afterword where she reflects on her ongoing journey and the evolving nature of her voice. The inclusion of specific cultural references, even subtle ones, and the passionate portrayal of her homeland suggest a deep connection to her roots and a desire to share that perspective with a wider audience.

This timeline is constructed based on the thematic progressions and implied narratives within the poems, as the work is fictional and not presented as a historical account.

Early History & Heritage (The Story of Africa, African Child, Need for Novelty):

1. A Time of Traditional African Life: Implied existence of close-knit communities, traditional practices (communal eating, storytelling, music, shearing sheep), and a connection to the land.

2. Colonial Era: The arrival of “whites” who introduce new concepts (“Christmas,” “Christendom”), technologies, and ideologies. This leads to the taking of lands, conflict (“battlefields, spears were killing, guns were firing”), and a loss of traditional ways and freedom.

3. Post-Colonial Challenges: The aftermath of colonialism is depicted with themes of broken bonds, stolen light, and a struggle for identity. There are mentions of discordant leadership and the challenges of nation-building.

4. Present-Day Africa (as perceived in the poems): A complex reality with both beauty and hardship (poverty, hunger, struggle). There is a strong sense of patriotism, resilience, and a desire for progress and a brighter future, moving beyond past suffering. The younger generation expresses a need for change and self-determination.

Matters of Hearts – Romantic Relationships (Modern You, Bring a Rose, Kiss You Goodbye):

1. Childhood/Adolescence (Modern You): The narrator observes a quiet, seemingly aloof individual in their shared neighborhood and school. The narrator harbors a secret admiration.

2. Unrequited Feelings (Modern You, Bring a Rose): The narrator experiences unexpressed romantic feelings for someone who seems distant or unattainable during their youth. In “Bring a Rose,” the narrator regrets not confessing their love.

3. Lost Opportunities (Modern You, Bring a Rose): In “Modern You,” there’s a missed opportunity at prom. “Bring a Rose” reflects on a lifetime of regret for a love left unspoken.

4. A Past Relationship and its End (Kiss You Goodbye, The Monster): The narrator experiences a deep and loving relationship that suddenly ends when their partner leaves without explanation. This causes significant pain and leaves the narrator questioning what went wrong.

5. Reappearance and a Second Chance? (Modern You): After ten years, the object of the narrator’s youthful affection returns, claiming to have always loved them, leaving the narrator in a state of surprise and contemplation about the possibility of a future together.

6. Reflection on Lost Love and Mortality (Bring a Rose): An older narrator, facing declining health, writes a letter to a long-lost love, expressing regret for unspoken feelings and a wish for a final meeting.

Love, Life and Lies – Reflections on Existence (Your Love Reminds Me…, I Don’t Remember When…, Slap of Reality, The Monster, Save Me, Lost and Never Found, Infinite Loop):

1. Experience of Deep Love (Your Love Reminds Me…, I Don’t Remember When…): The narrator describes profound and fulfilling love, feeling deeply connected, cherished, and free.

2. Confrontation with Reality (Slap of Reality): Acknowledgment that life is not always easy and that setbacks and mistakes are part of the journey. The importance of resilience and learning from adversity is emphasized.

3. Dealing with Betrayal and Hurt (The Monster): The narrator reflects on a relationship where they felt emotionally drained and hurt by their partner. They express hope that the former partner will face the consequences of their actions.

4. Struggles with Loneliness and Existential Despair (Save Me): The narrator expresses deep feelings of loneliness, detachment, and a sense of being lost, even within a crowd. They grapple with the meaning of life and experience a desire for escape or even an end to their suffering.

5. Past Feelings of Inadequacy and Unseen Existence (Lost and Never Found): The narrator reflects on a time when they felt invisible, unnoticed, and longed for things beyond their reach. They describe a gradual inner resilience and hope despite feeling lost.

6. Observations on the Nature of Life and the Universe (Infinite Loop): Philosophical reflections on the cyclical nature of life, human contradictions, and the vastness and mystery of the universe. The narrator expresses a desire to find peace within this infinite cycle.

Passion and Self-Love (Another Heart, Fountain of Ecstasy, Fall in Love with Poetry, Poet in a Warrior, First Creation):

1. Yearning for a Deep Connection (Another Heart): The narrator expresses a desire for a pure, unconditional, and understanding love with another kindred spirit.

2. Finding Joy and Purpose in Different Pursuits (Fountain of Ecstasy): Exploration of the passions and sources of “ecstasy” for different types of people (soldiers, singers, writers, poets), ultimately connecting this to the creation of the world and human potential.

3. The Passion for Poetry (Fall in Love with Poetry, First Creation): The narrator describes an intense and almost compulsive drive to write poetry, viewing it as a deeply personal and essential part of their being, not necessarily for fame but for the love of the art and the desire to connect with others’ emotions.

4. Embracing Inner Strength and Sensitivity (Poet in a Warrior): An admiration for a woman who embodies both strength and vulnerability, able to navigate hardship with resilience and maintain a loving and perceptive heart.

5. Embracing the Journey of Self-Discovery (First Creation): Acknowledgment of the ongoing and infinite nature of life and the author’s own journey of expressing their thoughts and emotions through their “first creation” of poetry.

Cast of Characters and Brief Bios:

1. Sandra Nadege: The author and poetess of “First Creation.” Born and raised in Kigali, Rwanda. Enjoys writing various forms, with “First Creation” being her first published poetry collection. A member of writing and reading groups with an interest in poems, thrillers, and romances. The poems are presented as an outpouring of her “innermost reflections.”

2. The Narrator (in various poems): The voice and perspective through which many of the poems are expressed. This is likely the author, Sandra Nadege, sharing personal feelings and observations. Key aspects revealed through the poems:
*Has experienced deep love and also heartbreak and loss.
*Reflects on themes of patriotism, heritage, and the complexities of modern Africa.
*Grapples with feelings of loneliness, inadequacy, and existential questions.
*Possesses a strong passion for poetry and self-expression.
*Yearns for genuine connection and understanding.
*Demonstrates resilience and a desire for hope despite difficulties.

3. “You” (in various romantic poems like “Modern You,” “Bring a Rose,” “Kiss You Goodbye”): The often unnamed recipient of the narrator’s romantic feelings or the partner in a past relationship.
*In “Modern You,” this character was initially perceived as quiet and unconventional but later becomes successful and admired. They reappear after a long absence, claiming past love.
*In “Bring a Rose,” this is a lost love from the narrator’s past, regretted for not confessing feelings to. Their current circumstances are speculated upon by the aging narrator.
*In “Kiss You Goodbye,” this is a former partner who left abruptly and silently, causing the narrator significant emotional pain and confusion.

4. Mama (in “The Story of Africa”): Represents the comforting and nurturing aspect of home and the narrator’s connection to their roots. Her call to eat signifies a place of security and love.

5. Elders (in “Need for Novelty”): Represent the previous generations and their traditional way of life, remembered in the context of present-day challenges like poverty.

6. Leaders (in “The Story of Africa”): Figures who guided battles in the past, depicted with “discordant and loud” voices during times of conflict and loss of land.

7. The “Whites” (in “The Story of Africa”): Represent the colonizers who arrived in Africa, bringing new beliefs and technologies but also leading to conflict, loss of freedom, and cultural disruption.

8. Friend (in “Friendship”): A close confidante with whom the narrator shares a deep bond of compassion, commitment, patience, and love. The poem emphasizes mutual support and trust.

9. Lost Lover (in “Bring a Rose”): Another term for the “You” in that specific poem, highlighting the theme of a love that was lost and is now reflected upon with regret.

10. Guardian Angel (in “Lost and Never Found”): A metaphorical representation of inner hope, belief, and comfort that supported the narrator during a time of feeling lost and inadequate.

It is important to remember that this is a fictional work, and these “characters” within the poems serve to explore various emotional and thematic landscapes. The primary voice and unifying presence throughout the collection is that of the author, Sandra Nadege.