The Zulu Girl Literature Commentary Essay Example

the utilization of imagery, similes ND diction. In the first stanza, the oppression of the younger generation as a result of long-standing colonialism is clearly revealed through the poet's diction: "Ungluing her child tormented by the flies," with "flies" representing the White men.

Additionally, the graphic imagery employed in, " She takes him to a ring of shadow pooled by thorn trees: purpled with the blood of ticks," reveals the staining of Africa due to the bloodshed caused by colonialism. Furthermore, through the poet's juxtaposition of diction like "grunting" with the image of a puppy feeding on milk, and frail nerves" in contrast to "deep languor's ripple(s)", the younger generation is depicted as far more unhappy with Africans subjection to colonialism as compared to their elders.

This is reinforced in the fourth stanza, where the child's "flesh imbibes the curbed ferocity of beaten tribes, the sullen dignity of their defeat. " Therefore, the poet evidently portrays Africans younger generation as more emotionally involved with the notion of colonialism of their motherland.

Lastly, the poet subtly manipulates our perception of these two seemingly differing views on colonialism longing to the different generations of Africans, though his use of imagery and diction. From the poem, the poet hints at an existing undercurrent of unhappiness with colonialism amongst the elder generation.

Through the poet's continued use of kinesthesia imagery, " While her sharp nails, in slow caresses ruled, prowl through his hair with sharp electric clicks," we see that the seemingly deep divide in the elder and younger generations views of colonialism are bridged and rendered superficial, revealing the collective, shared sense of anger of the African people.

Additionally, this found unification in views of colonialism is enhanced in stanza four, "An old unquenched insurmountable heat, the curbed ferocity of beaten tribes. The words "unquenched", "insurmountable" and "curbed" all point to a sense of incompleteness and continuation of ancient sentiments, revealing the prevailing unhappiness of the elder generation. This is thus in line with the younger generations existing discontentment. Therefore, the poet subtly reveals the shared sentiments of the collective African people through imagery and diction.

In conclusion, we see that the poem can be viewed as an expose of the efferent views held by the two generations of African people on the sensitive topic of colonialism.

However, it is interesting to note that the poem has also succeeded, to a large extent, in bridging the gap between these two groups of Africans, ironically uniting them through the very topic of colonialism. 12/20 You need to first establish the literal meaning before Jumping into figurative. That way the organization of the argument will make sense. Do not from the start begin from the figurative reading because it is very confusing when there is enough explanation showing how you reach your conclusions.