Matric Poetry Summary and Analysis - "Nightsong City"
Course
English Home Language
Institution
12th Grade
Poem no. 16 of Matric Poetry Set. A line-by-line analysis and summary of "Nightsong City" by Denis Brutus. A particular focus on poet and background information, metaphors, and symbolism will help you understand this poem more in-depth, yet create an easier and clearer studying session.
‘Nightsong City’
By Denis Brutus
Poet: (non-examinable – merely to give insight behind certain element of the poem)
- Zimbabwean who moved to South Africa
- Defined as “coloured under” Apartheid law
- Became an Activist, Speaker and Poet who was imprisoned, exiled, and shot
Structure:
- Open vowel sounds
Creating a slow pace and adding to subject of sleep, rest, and the poem as a lullaby
- 3 Stanza (3 lines each)
Type of Poem: Lyrical Poem suggested by the structure of the poem and the title suggesting a
“song” like lullaby.
About: The Poet cares for South Africa despite its flaws and shortcomings and wishes she as a
country could rest.
Theme: Love, Unrest, Oppression
Tone: Endearing, Loving, Fear and Unrestful
Imagery: Light Imagery (Love / Endearment); Dark Imagery (Unrest / Oppression)
Important Poetic Elements/Figures of Speech:
Personification The attribute/ability of a personal nature or
human characteristics given to something
non-human
Repetition Repetition is usually used to emphasise the
meaning of the words, concepts, a phrase
being repeated
Onomatopoeia The formation of a word from a sound
associated with what is named
Simile A comparison between two things using the
words like or as
1|Page Created by Jaimie Morgan
, Extended Metaphor A direct comparison between two things,
that’s idea or concept is prevalent
throughout the course of a poem.
Title:
‘Nightsong City’
Alliteration “s” sound – contributing to idea of the poem as a lullaby
“song” – again adds to the idea of a lullaby
Collectively giving the impression the city is peaceful at night
Stanza One:
Imagery: subtle conflict, and violence
Sleep well, my love, sleep well: Personified: “Sleep”
“my” – shows fondness and affection
“love” – is referring to South Africa
Repetition: “sleep well” x2 – adds to song like
rhythm
Colon [:] – indicates a list of reasons why the
“love” must sleep will follow
the harbour lights glaze over “Harbour lights”
restless docks, - Creates a peaceful image
- Indicates a dark environment is
illuminated
Personification: of Harbour Light shown by
“glaze”,
Indicating the lights look over at the docks
without emotion, listening, concentration.
“restless” – the city is busy and alive but
discontent
Personification: “docks” indicated by “restless”
Contrast: “harbour lights” vs “glaze”, “restless”
Peaceful imagery vs Dark imagery creating a
tense atmosphere.
2|Page Created by Jaimie Morgan
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