Derek Walcott was born in 1930 in Saint Lucia. Belonging to both Anglo-European and Afro-Caribbean heritage, the duality of origin gave rise to a sort of identity crisis in the poet. The main theme of the poem is the division of identity and anxiety that the poet faces, due to mixed heritage. the poem therefore highlights the conflict between his loyalty to Africa and Britain. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get an original essayIn other words, the poem paints an account of the Mau-Mau Uprising, a protracted and bloody battle between European settlers and the indigenous Kikuyu tribe ((now the Republic of Kenya), in the early 20th century, the first white settlers arrived in Kanya, forcing the Kikuyu people from their tribal lands. Europeans took control of their government. A faction of the Kikuyu people formed Mau-Mau, a terrorist organization intent on removing all European influence from the country, but the less vehement Kikuyu attempted to remain neutral or help the British defeat Mau-Mau. Derek, due to his mixed heritage, could side with neither side of the Mau-Mau, meaning neither the Europeans nor the native tribes. the blood of both, where shall I turn, divided to the vein?" (27-28) The above line shows the poet's inability to resolve his hybrid heritage. Derek says that since he has European and African blood running through his veins, he can't choose a side. This pessimistic image illustrates a feeling of displacement and isolation within Walcott. It appears that Walcott feels alienated from both cultures due to his lack of "pure" blood. Derek is torn between his love for his land, Africa, and his love for the English language. Derek questions the reader about his decision to choose between the two: “…, how do I choose between this Africa and the English language that I love? ". The poem shows the displacement and isolation of the poet. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay The complex relationship between the colonized and the colonizer and the Caribbean's self-acceptance and division between different places, loyalty is the central theme of Walcott's writings.