THE IMAGE OF A POET FROM A LAYMAN’S PERSPECTIVE: A CASE STUDY OF IGBO SOCIETY

Abstract

Poetry is expression of a poet’s individuality, feelings, emotions and experiences common to other people in society. Hence, a poet is generally perceived as a lyricist who expresses his/her experiences, feelings and emotions in a clear language which connects him/her to the listening audience. This study examines the characteristics of a poet from an ordinary Igbo man’s perspective. It suggests that since the Igbo people engage themselves in the creative expression of feelings, emotions and experiences through songs, proverbs, chants, and word play; then everyone in Igbo society is consciously or unconsciously a poet. This is to say that in a traditional Igbo society, events, social or religious activities are often chanted by individuals or groups of individuals.