The Huntsman by Edward Lowbury

 The Huntsman

By Edward Lowbury

• Critical analysis of the poem
• Theme or Idea of the poem
• This little cautionary narrative with its turn and counter turn is a good example of black but sick humor. Explain
• Blend of funny and unfunny aspects of life. Explain
• Note on the irony founded in this poem
• Elements of suspense and irony create a shocking impact
• Role of fate
• The hunter himself gets hunted in the Huntsman
• Moral lesson 

The first and foremost aspect of this poem is that its theme is based on a famous Kenyan folklore. But, despite its geographical alienation, it bears irresistible appeal for all people dwelling in different climes and social background. The thing is that the poetic rendering of this poem is so bewitching that it tends to become a source of universal appeal and fascination. The story of the poem is just this that Kagwa, a huntsman of a certain African tribe, chances to come upon a human skull in forest while hunting a lion with the help of a spear. He addresses the skull and asks it as to how it has managed to come here. Quite miraculously, the skull opens its mouth and says " Talking brought me here". Quite naturally, Kagwa feels awfully surprised and directly goes to the chief of his tribe. On hearing this tale regarding the talking skull, the chief also feels extremely amazed and sends his guards with him in order to confirm the veracity of his tale. Here one thing must be mentioned that the king of the tribe commands his guards to behead Kagwa if his tale is founded to be false and unfounded.

Kagwa takes the guards to the place where the skull is lying. Quite surprisingly, the skull does not speak when he addresses it in the presence of royal guards. As commanded by the king, the guards put him to death with the stroke of the sword. When he lies dead on the ground. the skull asks his skull as to how it has arrived in the forest. Lo! His own skull starts speaking and says "Talking brought me here" 

Now we need not point out that the theme, contained in the poem, bears great attraction for all and its simple reason is that it stresses the significance of reticence or tongue tideness in the practical human existence. In an direct way, the poet desires to suggest that it is man's own loquacity which lends him in trouble. Technically speaking, it is an artistically chiseled poem having a good example of black but sick humor  because, with its elements of suspense and irony, it exercises deep and profound impacts on the minds of readers.