Postcolonial Society

This study examines the use of metaphor as a tool for social criticism in selected poems from Kola Eke’s August 1985. The research explores how Eke employs figurative expressions to expose and challenge social, political, and economic injustices in Nigerian society. Through vivid metaphors, the poet critiques corruption, class oppression, gender inequality, and moral decay that characterize post-colonial realities. The study interprets these metaphors as symbols of resistance and social awakening, reflecting the voice of the marginalized and the oppressed. The analysis focuses on how Eke transforms ordinary experiences into powerful social commentaries that provoke thought and inspire change. His language of protest and imagery of struggle reveal the tension between the ruling elite and the common people, making his poetry not only artistic but revolutionary. The study finds that Eke’s metaphors deepen the meaning of his criticism, turning poetic language into a weapon of awareness and reform.
The research concludes that metaphor in August 1985 is not just a stylistic device but a conscious political act. It exposes inequality, questions authority, and advocates social justice. By merging art with activism, Kola Eke’s poetry strengthens the tradition of Nigerian writers who use literature to mirror society and drive transformation.