"Civil Lies" by Benjamin Zephaniah is a powerful poem that offers a counter-narrative to the often white-washed historical teaching of civilization. The poem, written in the form of a letter from 'Mr Africa,' rebuts the idea that Africa was discovered by Columbus. Instead, it....
Civil Lies - Class 8 New Voices Literature - Summary, Extra Questions, Quiz & Video
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Back Questions - Civil Lies | New Voices Literature | Literature | English | Class 8
What were the achievements of the Ethiopians?
The Ethiopians' achievements include launching civilization symbolized by their sailing down the Nile and establishing universities for knowledge cultivation. Their international credentials were cemented through voyages with Asians and Americans. They excelled in nation-building through trading and fostered harmony by ensuring animals lived with humans. With a unique thirteen-month calendar and provision of social services, they entrenched their distinct cultural practices. Their enduring cities attest to their architectural excellence. These accomplishments highlight the richness of Ethiopian history before modern developmental concepts were introduced.
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What do you think the poet means to convey by ‘Columbus discovered me’?
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What is the importance of the last three lines?
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Why is the poem addressed to a teacher?
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Why are we prejudiced by colour and race?
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Why, do you think the title of the poem is ‘Civil Lies’? (A hint: Say the words quickly, together, and see what you get!)
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Cities of ancient civilisations were proud of their rich culture and civic amenities. Choose a city and draft a poster describing its charms as a tourist destination. You might like to look up advertisements for places of tourist interest to give you idea.
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With your partner, list all the words that come to your mind when you say ‘Africa’. What do they tell you? Are any of the things mentioned in the poem in your list?
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Talk about the contribution of Black people in the fields of music, sport and politics.
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Ask Chatterbot AIExtra Questions - Civil Lies | New Voices Literature | Literature | English | Class 8
Dear Teacher,
When I was born in Ethiopia,
Life began,
As I sailed down the Nile, civilization began,
When I stopped to think, universities were built,
When I set sail,
Asian and five Americans sailed with me.
What does the poet imply by ‘Life began’ when he was born in Ethiopia and ‘Civilization began’ as he sailed down the Nile?
How does the construction of universities symbolize the poet’s intellectual progress and contribution to global knowledge?
What is the significance of ‘Asian and five Americans sailed with me’? How does it relate to the broader themes of global interconnection and Africa’s influence on other continents?
The poet implies that Ethiopia (Africa) is the birthplace of humanity and civilization, a fact supported by archaeological and anthropological studies. The Nile, one of the world’s oldest and longest rivers, is linked to the origin of settled societies and organized states.
The building of universities is a metaphorical reference to the significant contribution of Africa to knowledge, learning, and wisdom. Africa, especially Timbuktu in Mali, was a global centre of learning in ancient times, attracting scholars worldwide.
‘Asian and five Americans sailed with me’ implies Africa’s historical interactions with other continents, showcasing the continent’s influence and interconnectedness globally well before the colonial era.
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Vocabulary - Flashcards - Civil Lies | New Voices Literature | Class 8 Literature | English
About the Poet - Civil Lies | New Voices Literature | Class 8 Literature | English
Benjamin Zephaniah is a renowned British writer and dub poet, who is of Jamaican and Barbadian heritage. Born on April 15, 1958, in Birmingham, England, he is acclaimed for his contemporary works that highlight racial and social issues, particularly those related to the African Caribbean community. Much of his poetry is inspired by the oral tradition of the Caribbean, blending lyrical rhythms with political commentary. Despite leaving school at the age of 13, Zephaniah has authored several successful books and poetry collections and is a strong advocate for social justice, animal rights, and veganism. He famously declined an OBE, stating that it reminded him of "thousands of years of brutality". His engaging, thought-provoking works aim to provoke discussion and challenge societal norms.
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Summary - Civil Lies | New Voices Literature | Class 8 Literature | English
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Themes - Civil Lies | New Voices Literature | Class 8 Literature | English
1. Correction of Historical Misinterpretations
The poem rejects the idea that Africa was a land 'discovered' by Europeans. The speaker reiterates the notion that Africa has an independent....
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Symbols - Civil Lies | New Voices Literature | Class 8 Literature | English
1. Ethiopia and the Nile: Ethiopia often symbolises the birthplace of humanity due to its rich archaeological findings. The Nile,....
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Poetic Devices - Civil Lies | New Voices Literature | Class 8 Literature | English
1. Metaphor: The poem uses metaphorical language to represent Africa’s civilizational accomplishments. For instance, phrases like....
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Vocabulary - Civil Lies | New Voices Literature | Class 8 Literature | English
Civilization: The stage of human social development and organization that is considered most advanced.
The construction of cities and universities marked the growth of civilization in ancient times.
Sailed: Traveled by water, usually on a ship or boat.
They sailed down the river to reach their destination.
Universities: Educational institutions where higher learning and research are conducted.
Many students dream.............................
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