The poem “An African Thunderstorm” written by David Rubadiri tells of a storm moving towards an
African village ready to cause havoc. The uses of onomatopoeia, figurative language, and setting will be
closely examined to find out how successfully the poem paints a picture of an approaching storm.
The use of onomatopoeia shows the impact of the storm as it nears the village. The first example of
this device is shown in the lines “In the village, screams of delighted children toss and turn”. The innocence
of the children is shown, they do not understand the danger of the storm and they see it as exciting which
is in contrast with the women who are looking for shelter from the storm. The second example of
onomatopoeia is in the line “Rumble, tremble and crack”. This line allows the reader to get a vivid picture
of the destruction caused by the storm.
One of the two main figurative devices used in the poem is simile. This device is evident throughout
the piece. The line “Like a plague of locusts” underlines the appearance and potentially destructive nature
of the storm. Also, the line “Like a madman chasing nothing” emphasizes the unpredictable and chaotic
movement of the storm, which adds to its danger. The second figurative device is personification. It is
evident in the line “Pregnant clouds”. This shows that the clouds are filled with rain, and it foreshadows
the heavy downpour that is going to come from the storm.
The setting of the poem is very relevant. The setting was an African village. The village was used to
illustrate feebleness and vulnerability. The village is unable to withstand the force at which the storm is
coming. This is used to put emphasis on the power and destruction of the storm.
In conclusion, it is shown how sound devices, figurative language and the setting all play a part in
painting a vivid picture of the approaching storm.