This question is based on selected poems from R. Johnson and D. Ker, et al (ed.): New poetry from Africa; Wole Soyinka (ed.): poems Black Africa; K.E. senan...

Answer Details

In Jack Mapanje's "When This Carnival Finally Closes", the poet is describing the role of sycophancy and bad leadership. The poem is a metaphorical critique of the oppressive regime in Malawi at the time it was written. The carnival is used as a symbol for the government and its corrupt officials, who are described as "clowns" and "masqueraders" who engage in a grand spectacle of self-aggrandizement while the people suffer. The poem highlights the destructive effects of sycophancy, corruption, and bad leadership on a society, and suggests that the carnival will only come to a close when these negative forces are eradicated. Therefore, the correct option is that the poet is describing the "role of sycophancy and bad leadership".