WAEC & NECO Literature-in-English 2026–2030 | African Poetry
Setting and Background of Once Upon a Time
The world behind Gabriel Okara’s poem, and why it still speaks to readers today.
Knowing the background of Once Upon a Time helps you understand why the father feels so lost. Gabriel Okara grew up in a Nigeria that was changing fast. Old ways of living were giving way to new ones, and the poem captures what was lost in that change.
Line numbers on this page follow the standard 43-line layout. For a quick refresher on the poem itself, read the stanza-by-stanza summary.
The setting of the poem
Okara never names a town or country. Even so, clues in the poem point to a modern African society, most likely a growing city. The speaker moves between home, the office, the street and social events, which are the spaces of urban working life.
Time matters just as much as place. The poem sets two periods against each other: a sincere past, remembered from childhood, and a false present. Most of the action happens in the present, while the past lives only in memory.
In the poem: Stanza 4 (lines 21–23) names faces for home, office, street, hosting and cocktail parties. The contrast between past and present appears in lines 1–4 and 7–10.
Traditional African values
In many traditional African communities, relationships were close and personal. Neighbours knew one another well. Guests were welcomed warmly, and greetings carried real meaning. Laughter and handshakes were shared openly, as signs of genuine goodwill.
These are the values the father remembers. His description of people who once laughed and greeted with their hearts reflects that communal way of life.
In the poem: Lines 2–3 and line 8 describe the sincere laughter and handshakes of the past.
Colonialism and Western influence
During colonial rule, Western education, religion, dress and manners spread across Nigeria. Many of these changes brought benefits. At the same time, some traditional values were weakened or replaced.
Formal politeness became one of those imported habits. Stock phrases such as “Glad to meet you” and “It’s been nice talking to you” belong to this new social style. The father has learned to use them, yet they carry none of the warmth of the old greetings.
In the poem: Stanza 5 (lines 28–32) lists these borrowed polite phrases, and line 23 mentions the cocktail party, a Western social custom.
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Urbanisation and the modern city
As Nigerian cities grew, many people left their villages for jobs in offices and industries. City life was busier and more competitive. People often met as strangers, and relationships became more practical than personal.
In such a world, some people began to value others mainly for what they could offer. The poem reflects this clearly. Eyes search for advantage, hands feel for money, and doors close once a visitor is no longer useful.
In the poem: Stanza 1 (lines 5–6), stanza 2 (lines 11–12) and stanza 3 (lines 13–18).
The poet’s own background
Gabriel Okara was born in 1921 in Bumoundi, in present-day Bayelsa State, and he was of Ijaw origin. He grew up in the Niger Delta and later lived and worked in Nigeria’s changing towns. As a result, he experienced both the traditional world and the modern one.
That double experience shapes much of his poetry. His well-known poem Piano and Drums, for example, also explores the tension between African tradition and Western influence. To learn more about his life and works, read our Gabriel Okara biography.
How the background of Once Upon a Time shapes its themes
Each part of this background links to a theme. Traditional values explain the father’s nostalgia. Western influence and city life explain the hypocrisy and selfishness he describes. His longing to return to childhood honesty reflects a wider wish to hold on to the best of the old ways.
For a full discussion of each theme, see our guide to the themes in Once Upon a Time.
Why the poem still matters today
Although it grew out of a particular time, the poem’s message has not aged. Today, people still show one face at work and another at home. Online, many present a polished image that hides how they really feel. Readers of every generation can recognise the father’s many faces, which is one reason the poem remains popular in schools.
Using background in the exam
On its own, the background of Once Upon a Time rarely earns marks, so always connect it to the poem. For instance, you might explain that the cocktailface in line 23 points to Western social customs. Short links like this show the examiner that you understand both the text and its context. For more help with the whole poem, visit the complete study guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the setting of Once Upon a Time?
It is set in a modern African society, most likely a city, and contrasts the present with a sincere past.
What is the background of Once Upon a Time?
It reflects the social changes brought to Nigeria by colonialism, Western influence and the growth of cities.
Does the poem name a place?
No. The setting comes from clues such as the office, the street and cocktail parties.
Is the poem still relevant today?
Yes. Its message about fake smiles and empty politeness applies to modern life, including social media.
Teaching this poem?
Get ready-made lesson notes, class tests and exam questions with marking guides for Once Upon a Time and all 12 prescribed poems.
