Nationhood and Memory: A Reading of Remi Raji’s ‘Web of Remembrance’

Abstract

This paper examines how nationhood and memory are profoundly connected in Remi Raji's poetry collection "Web of Remembrance." Raji's poetic endeavour explores the complex interrelationship between personal and collective memory, focusing on how these memories influence and shape national identity. His poetry encourages readers to interact with their country's past and critically consider its implications for the present and future by drawing on the rich historical and cultural fabric of Nigeria. Raji skillfully combines his own experiences with more general historical events through the use of vivid images and potent language. He preserves and reimagines pivotal periods in Nigerian history in his poems, which serve as archives of memory. The paper emphasizes the value of inclusivity and a communal memory that includes the experiences of all citizens, as depicted in the use of literary elements like allusion, symbolism, and metaphor to eloquently connect the past and present. The collection of Raji’s poems serves as a starting point for discussion by challenging readers to reflect critically on their past and create a future that is influenced by a conscious awareness of national issues and challenges. Thus, the paper articulates the role that memory plays in transforming a country's consciousness and emphasizes the importance of Raji's work in promoting a better awareness of Nigeria's past and cultural traditions.