Once Upon a Time by Gabriel Okara, Summary and Analysis, 12th English, Samacheer Kalvi

Once Upon a Time by Gabriel Okara, Summary and Analysis, 12th English, Samacheer Kalvi

Summary of "Once Upon a Time" by Gabriel Okara

In "Once Upon a Time," Nigerian poet Gabriel Okara reflects on the loss of innocence, sincerity, and authenticity in human interactions as people grow older and adopt artificial behaviours. The poem is narrated by a father speaking to his son, lamenting how society has changed him from a genuine person to someone who wears "many faces" to conform to social expectations. He remembers when people were warm, trustworthy, and sincere—when smiles were real and handshakes were heartfelt.

Now, he describes how people smile without meaning it, laugh without feeling joy, and offer greetings without caring about the response. He has learned to behave in this superficial way to fit in, but he longs to return to his original, authentic self, like his son, who is still innocent and untainted by societal pretences. Ultimately, the father desires to unlearn these artificial behaviours and become sincere and childlike once again.

Analysis of "Once Upon a Time"

The theme of Lost Innocence: 

The poem revolves around the theme of lost innocence, as the speaker contrasts the authenticity of childhood with the falsehoods of adulthood. The phrase “Once upon a time” immediately invokes a nostalgic tone, as the father recalls a time when life and relationships were genuine. He longs for a return to that purer time before the facade of social conditioning took over.

Social Critique: 

Okara critiques the insincerity that often comes with modern social norms. The speaker reveals how smiles and greetings are now empty and driven by convention rather than true emotion. The line “I have learned to wear many faces” highlights the masks people adopt to navigate social situations. This reflects the tension between outward appearances and inner feelings, a hallmark of societal pressure to conform.

Generational Contrast: 

The speaker’s son represents innocence and authenticity, and the father looks to his child as a symbol of the truth he has lost. This generational contrast reinforces the idea that as people age, they often lose touch with their original selves. The speaker envies his son’s untainted purity and expresses a desire to return to that state of honesty.

Desire for Change: 

The father’s plea to “unlearn all these muting things” suggests a deep yearning to reverse the effects of time and socialization. The use of the word “unlearn” emphasizes the notion that insincerity is something that is taught or acquired, and therefore can be undone. His longing to relearn how to smile "like the smiles of children" suggests a desire to reclaim the genuine emotions he once had.

The tone of Regret and Longing: 

The poem is filled with regret for what has been lost and a deep longing to regain it. The repetition of “Once upon a time” not only serves as a nostalgic refrain but also underscores the speaker’s desire to return to a simpler, more truthful time. The poem’s tone is bittersweet, as the speaker acknowledges the difficulty of recovering this lost innocence.

About the Author: Gabriel Okara

Gabriel Okara (1921–2019) was a Nigerian poet and novelist, widely regarded as one of Africa's most important literary figures. He was known for his exploration of African identity and the effects of colonialism on Nigerian society. Okara’s writing, deeply rooted in his native Ijaw culture, often juxtaposed the traditional values of Africa with the changes brought about by Western influence.

His poetry frequently explores themes of loss, memory, and the passage of time, as seen in "Once Upon a Time." Okara was one of the first African poets to combine African oral tradition with English literary forms, bringing a unique voice to 20th-century African literature. His works, such as his novel The Voice and collections of poetry, continue to be studied for their emotional depth and cultural insight.