Affinity between poetry and philosophy: investigation of Muzale’s <i>Nakuomba</i>

Abstract

Poetry is a literary work which, as other genres of literature, performs two main functions in the society, educating and entertaining. In so doing, poetry, like philosophy, questions existing concepts and ideas, clarifies them, critically analyses those concepts and ideas and formulates a world view in a logical manner. Also, poetry, just like philosophy, is filled with wisdom which if accepted and utilized by the society, is likely to enhance socio-economic and political development. This paper is of the view that what philosophy and poetry do is similar to the extent that philosophy and poetry can be treated the same. That is to say, poets are philosophers of some kind. To present that, the paper analyses philosophical values of Muzale’s Nakuomba poems.