Colourful, complete poem analysis. Compiled by using previous test/ exam papers for 2025, and:
The main points addressed in the poem ‘This Winter Coming'
ESSAY QUESTION
In the poem ‘This Winter Coming’ the themes of suffering and deprivation are evident. By close reference to diction, tone...
This poem was published in 1986, a tumultuous time in South Africa under the Apartheid regime.
This poem, on its surface level, seems to be about the people’s fear about the impending Winter.
However, upon closer inspection, it is clear that this poem is an extended metaphor for the
current and coming violence in the country.
THE TITLE
The use of the pronoun this is suggests that something is going to happen very soon. Winter
could be read literally. However, in the poem, it can be interpreted as an extended
metaphor for transition and social change that marks the death of an old order, and the
emergence of a new order. coming – suggests that the looming arrival of this season and
what it represents, cannot be averted.
SUMMARY
The speaker in this poem is concerned about the world she occupies and believes that she
is justified to feel fear for how matters will evolve. She states that we have “only just
entered”, implying that worse times are to come. The descriptions of the “churning”,
“broken” and “sinking” sky further highlight her fear and Nature’s hostility. The misery of the
people is made clear in stanza 3. People are hungry and suffering. The distinction between
the haves and the have-nots, is clear: “madam’s house is clean” while men stand on the
street corners, jobless and hungry. The “bright cars full of sated faces” drive passed the
people most affected by poverty and hunger.
Winter - Due to the impending State of Emergency and the restrictions it would bring, the
poet/speaker sees it as a time of hardships, death and a time when the oppressed are going
to be exposed to the brutality of the Apartheid Regime.
The main points addressed in the poem ‘This Winter Coming
↘ The fear of the turbulent times ahead
↘ The imminent danger everywhere
↘ The plight of the children whose mother had to leave them unattended to go to work
↘ The women were exploited, exhausted and sad because they were forced to clean
their ‘madam’s house’.
↘ The helpless and defeated men standing at the street corners
↘ The children who will revolt against the apartheid system
@Juffrou_Ansie
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