"FUSIL"

-Nicholas Guillen

About the poet

 A Cuban poet, journalist and political activist

 He was an agent for social change and very significant twentieth century poet.
 He mostly wrote about race, identity and social justice. He draws most inspiration from
Afro-Cuban culture and sought to give a voice to the marginalized black population in
Cuba.
 The black population in Cuba was oppressed due to colonization,slavery and racial
discrimination. Cuba was colonized by Spain in the sixteenth century and during the
colonial period, Africans we're enslaved. They were made to work on sugar, tobacco and
coffee plantations.
 There was a racial hierarchy and the whites of Spanish decent were at the top while the
blacks at the bottom. There was a lot of discrimination in various aspects of life,
particularly in employment. Afro-Cubans were often given the lowest paying jobs and had
limited opportunities to get promoted any higher. There was very little political
representation for them as well.

Line by line explanation of the poem

"It is all very well...black man of the crucified South"

 The poem opens in which the speaker addresses the African-American community,
particularly in the southern United States of America. This part of America is historically
associated with racial violence specifically against the Balck community.
 The "south" has been historically linked to slavery where black people were slaved and
forced into labour. Even after the abolition of slavery, African-Americans in the south
we're still subjected to violent oppression. They were often killed in public very brutally.
This was done, still to maintain dear and white supremacy.
 The term"crucified" evokes the image of Jesus Christ on the cross, symbolising suffering,
sacrifice and persecution. By describing the south as "crucified" the poem aligns/related
to the historical struggles of African-Americans with the image of unjust suffering.
  The phrase as a whole emphasizes that the African-American community had been
historically victimized, suffering at the hands of white supremacy, much like how the
crucified Christ suffered unjustly for the sins of others.

"Your Spirituals are fine...legal council"

 The speaker acknowledges the various forms of protest and resistance used by the Black
community,such as "spirituals", "marches" and legal efforts.
 "Spirituals" implies the religious songs that originated in the Black community during
slavery, blending Christian beliefs with the deep pain and suffering of enslaved people.
Spirituals became symbols of hope, faith and resilience.
 "Banners" likely refers to the physical symbols and signs used in protests,marches and
demonstrations to advocate for equal rights and demand for justice.
 "Marches" simply means mass marching to raise awareness for the cause of racial
justice.
 "Allegations of your legan counsel" refers to legal battles and court cases aimed at
challenging laws and practices that aim at discrimination.
 "Are fine" implies the certain limitations or inadequacy of these methods. While these
forms of protest and resistance are respected and acknowledged as valid and important,
the speaker still expresses a sense of dissatisfaction or frustration with the effectiveness
in achieving real and lasting change. They may not be enough to bring about genuine
change.

"Well that you skate...of justice"

• This line metaphorically describes the Black Community's pursuit of justice as an act of skating
or gliding.

 The image of skating conveys the sense of movement and effort but also the fragility
and danger in the process. Skating requires balance, skill and constant movement. It is
not always a stable or straightforward path and there is always a risk of falling, slipping
or losing control.
 This reflects the nature of the Black Community's fight for justice which suggest that the
pursuit for justice is a difficult and unstable journey.
  The metaphor might also suggest that the pursuit of justice involves constant motion.
Just as a skater must keep moving to maintain balance, the Black Community must
continually strive for justice.

"Oh that ingenuous skater...from Chicago"

 "Ingenuous" means innocent, sincere and straightforward.

 By describing the skater as "ingenuous" the speaker could be suggesting that those
seeking justice do so with good intentions and with an innocent hope for fairness and
equality.
 This innocence can be seen as both a virtue and a potential weakness. This is the
sincerity of the Black Community's faith in the justice system, legal frameworks and
moral appeals.
 Chicago and Washington could likely point to the key moments in these cities in the
history of the Civil rights movement.

"Well your protests in the daily papers...it is all very well"

 He acknowledges the visibility of the Black Community's struggle for civil rights through
various forms of protests.
 The image of "clenched fists" is a powerful symbol of resistance, solidarity and
empowerment. It is likely a reference to the Black Power movement.
 The portrait of Lincoln could represent how he has been idealised in American history,
particularly as a figure of justice and freedom. While he is often seen as the Great
Emancipator, someone who frees others from oppression, slavery or bondage, the
reality is that the inequalities are not eradicated.
 But the constant refrain of "it is all very well" continues to express the poet's frustration
about the limitations of these forms of protests. Highlighting that they remain stagnant
in their efforts to bring about effective change.

"Well your sermons in dynamited temples...all Americans"

 The speaker reflects on the violent struggles faced by the Black Community in their
quest for justice and equality, while also questioning the integrity, consistency and
reliability of the laws that promise this equality.
 "Sermons in dynamited temples" refers to the violent attacks and bombings on Black
churches, which were sacred spaces for African-Americans, especially during the Civil
Rights movement. This was a struggle for racial equality and justice for African-
Americans aimed at ending segregation, discrimination and securing voting rights.
 The phrase "dynamited temples" perhaps recalls the horrific acts of terrorism carried
out against Black churches. Most notably the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing in
Burningham, Alabama in 1963. Four young black girls were killed and others injured. The
bombing shocked the nation and highlighted the extent of racial hatred and violence
aimed at the Black Community.
 When the poet says, "Well your heroic insistence on being with the Whites...for the
law", he is referring to the courageous and determined efforts of the Black Community
to fight for unification and equality White Americans, as promised by the law.
 During the Civil Rights movement, Black Americans were fighting against segregation
which kept them separate and unequal from White people in schools, public places and
society in general. The phrase "heroic insistence" highlighs the bravery and persistence
of Black people who, despite facing extreme violence and resistance continued to
demand their rights to be treated equally under the law.
 "For the law- the law? proclaims equality of all Americans" points to the hypocrisy of the
American legal system, which on paper guarantees equal rights for all citizens,but in
practice often fails to protect the rights of the Black citizens. There is a hint of
scepticism, disbelief and distrust as the poet repeats "the law" twice.
 The poet seems to question whether the law truly serves all Americans equally or if it is
merely a facade, an illusion or pretense. The entire stanza is filled with a sene of irony,
frustration and dissatisfaction.

"Black brother of the crucified... John Brown"

 He addresses the Black Community in the South of the US again. He asks them not to
forget John Brown.
 He shifts the focus to John Brown, urging the Black Community not to forget his radical
fight for their freedom. Brown, though a white man, dedicated his life to the abolition of
slavery, even at the cost of his own life. He believed that slavery was such a grave evil
that it could only be ended through violent uprising.
 John Brown and his followers attempted to seize a federal arsenal (a storage facility
under the control of the government where weapons, ammunition and military
equipment are kept). Unfortunately, the raid failed and Brown was executed but his
actions had a profound impact.
"Who was not black... fusil in hand"

 "Fusil in hand" refers to Brown's belief in using armed resistance to fight against the
institution of slavery.
 In the context of the poem, John Brown's use of violence contrasts with earlier,
nonviolent forms of protests mentioned such as banners, marches, legal actions and
spirituals.

"But if it happens... Which will draw blood, something"

 The poem closes with a call to action. If the oppressed have no guns to defend
themselves or fight back, they are urged to find "something", anything that can inflict
damage and help them resist.
 This suggestion reflects a growing impatience with passive resistance and a willingness
to consider more forceful forms of self-defense or rebellion against ongoing oppression,
rather than just non-violent and peaceful methods of protest.
 The poem ends in frustration and anger against this deep-seated injustices. The poet
now wants to "wound", to "bruise" and "draw blood" reflecting the poet's rage and
weariness of peaceful methods. Things must change and perhaps drawing "blood" could
be the only way to freedom.

MAJOR THEMES (expand them on your own)

1. Radical injustice and oppression

2. Non-violent resistance vs armed struggle
3. Equality under law and it's hypocrisy
4. Solidarity across radical lines
5. Heroism and sacrifice

IMAGERY AND SYMBOLS

1. "Crucified South"
2. "Fusil in hand"
3. Sermons on dynamited temples "
4. "Clenched fists"
5. "Lincoln's portrait"
6. "Skating in search of justice"