* The search for identity: The poem grapples with the fragmented nature of Caribbean identity, torn between African heritage and imposed European culture. The characters and imagery represent this fractured self, searching for roots and authenticity.
* The legacy of slavery and colonialism: The poem doesn't shy away from the brutal realities of slavery and its enduring impact on the psyche and culture of the Caribbean people. The "limbo" itself symbolizes this state of being stuck between past and present, unable to fully escape the shadow of colonialism.
* Oral tradition and language: Brathwaite uses a unique dialectal language, mixing English with Caribbean creole, reflecting the hybrid nature of Caribbean culture and the importance of oral tradition in preserving its history and identity. The fragmented syntax mirrors the fragmented identity.
* The celebration of resistance and resilience: Despite the pain and oppression, the poem also celebrates the spirit of resilience and resistance of the Caribbean people. The music, dance, and rituals described in the poem represent a form of cultural survival and assertion of identity in the face of adversity.
In essence, "Limbo" is a powerful exploration of post-colonial identity, using evocative imagery and language to capture the complex emotional and cultural landscape of the Caribbean experience. It's not just about the past, but about the ongoing process of defining and reclaiming identity in a world shaped by historical trauma.