1. Nightsong: City
Biographical information
Born in Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) in 1924 he moved to PE. his challenge was that he was classified as
coloured. he was a teacher/became a professor. Activist during AH years (attacked, harassed, exiled etc.)
Described as “the singing voice of the SA liberation movement”
Writing to his white lover from prison
Meaning/Message
The speaker addresses his lover urging her to rest after the difficulties of a typical SA day.
He is calling on SA to bring peace against the violence and fear with which AH has infected
it.
Structure
Lullaby – the structure is cyclical (repetition of the beginning and the end) this makes the
poem lyrical and song-like.
Rhythm – slow and heavy/dense as there is lots of punctuation.
There are 3 even stanzas (3 with 3 lines) they are varied line lengths but irregular rhyme
scheme. There are elements of regularity and irregularity (like night and day, horror and
hope, peace and violence)
Semi-colons; link the fear and violence (like a chain reaction- no end)
Lines 4&5- enjambment. there is a flow/continuity of violence and horrors.
Full stop: his final wish/desire.
Tone/mood
Contrast:
- soothing, gentle, tender, tranquil love- hate relationship.
- despair, anguish, terror, fear, distress
Biographical information
Born in Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) in 1924 he moved to PE. his challenge was that he was classified as
coloured. he was a teacher/became a professor. Activist during AH years (attacked, harassed, exiled etc.)
Described as “the singing voice of the SA liberation movement”
Writing to his white lover from prison
Meaning/Message
The speaker addresses his lover urging her to rest after the difficulties of a typical SA day.
He is calling on SA to bring peace against the violence and fear with which AH has infected
it.
Structure
Lullaby – the structure is cyclical (repetition of the beginning and the end) this makes the
poem lyrical and song-like.
Rhythm – slow and heavy/dense as there is lots of punctuation.
There are 3 even stanzas (3 with 3 lines) they are varied line lengths but irregular rhyme
scheme. There are elements of regularity and irregularity (like night and day, horror and
hope, peace and violence)
Semi-colons; link the fear and violence (like a chain reaction- no end)
Lines 4&5- enjambment. there is a flow/continuity of violence and horrors.
Full stop: his final wish/desire.
Tone/mood
Contrast:
- soothing, gentle, tender, tranquil love- hate relationship.
- despair, anguish, terror, fear, distress
