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"For Don M. - Banned" by Mongane Wally Serote(BUSS 4406) well answered to pass
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"For Don M. - Banned" by Mongane Wally Serote(BUSS 4406) well answered to pass
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"For Don M. - Banned" by MonganeWally Serote(BUSS 4406)
"it is a dry white season"
Three times the poet repeats the statement, "it is a dry white season". What is the metaphorical
meaning of this "dry white season"? (4) - correct answer ✔✔Literally, the "dry white season" would be
winter on the South African highveld, when everything turns dry and the grass becomes almost white
because of the frost.
The poet, however, uses this as a metaphor to depict the political situation in which Don M. finds
himself. The "white" season refers to the political landscape where the Whites ruled South Africa.
It was dry for the Black people because there was no metaphorical water for them - they were wasting
away under an intolerable system.
"dark leaves don't last, their brief lives dry out
and with a broken heart they dive down gently headed for the earth
not even bleeding."
What does the poet mean by his reference to the "dark leaves"? (4) - correct answer ✔✔The poet uses
the term "dark leaves" as a metaphor for the Black people. In the White South African winter, the Black
people did not survive. Often their lives were indeed short, cut off by the brutal state regime.
Metaphorically, their spirits too were dead, their hearts were broken.
Why do the dark leaves' "brief lives dry out" and fall gently "with a broken heart"? (4) - correct answer
✔✔There were no opportunities allowed for Black people in the apartheid South Africa. Their lives were
very often brief, their lives -- when measured in terms of creativity - were arid, and were of hardship,
pain and great loss.
What is the significance of the words, "not even bleeding"? (4) - correct answer ✔✔Some of the Black
people did indeed bleed - people like Steve Biko who were tortured to death by the state police. But
others - like Don M. - were banned or placed under house arrest. They did not bleed under torture but
their spirit was destroyed. Or, at least, that was the plan.
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