, ENG1501 Assignment 1 Semester 1 2026 - DUE 13 April 2026
Section A: Reflection – Poetry
Paragraph 1
The poem I have chosen is “Memory” by Christopher van Wyk. I selected this
poem because it explores the idea of memory in a deeply personal and reflective
way, which I found both relatable and intellectually engaging. From my first
reading, I was struck by how the poem transforms seemingly ordinary past
experiences into something emotionally powerful and meaningful. My initial
reaction was one of nostalgia, but also discomfort, as the memories described are
not entirely pleasant—they carry elements of hardship, loss, and reflection. This
made me realise that memory is not always something comforting; it can also
force us to confront difficult aspects of our past. What surprised me most was
how the poet presents memory as fragmented and selective rather than linear or
complete. At first, this confused me because I expected a clear, chronological
narrative. However, after reflecting more carefully, I understood that this
fragmented structure mirrors the way human memory actually functions—
imperfect, subjective, and influenced by emotion. This insight helped me
appreciate the poem on a deeper level and recognise its realism in portraying the
human experience.
Section A: Reflection – Poetry
Paragraph 1
The poem I have chosen is “Memory” by Christopher van Wyk. I selected this
poem because it explores the idea of memory in a deeply personal and reflective
way, which I found both relatable and intellectually engaging. From my first
reading, I was struck by how the poem transforms seemingly ordinary past
experiences into something emotionally powerful and meaningful. My initial
reaction was one of nostalgia, but also discomfort, as the memories described are
not entirely pleasant—they carry elements of hardship, loss, and reflection. This
made me realise that memory is not always something comforting; it can also
force us to confront difficult aspects of our past. What surprised me most was
how the poet presents memory as fragmented and selective rather than linear or
complete. At first, this confused me because I expected a clear, chronological
narrative. However, after reflecting more carefully, I understood that this
fragmented structure mirrors the way human memory actually functions—
imperfect, subjective, and influenced by emotion. This insight helped me
appreciate the poem on a deeper level and recognise its realism in portraying the
human experience.
