This is a comprehensive analysis of the poem Lost or Found World by Mongane Wally Serote. It includes an analysis of the poem's structure, language, imagery, movement, intentions, themes, tones, and sounds, as well as a line-by-line analysis, overall analysis, and thorough annotations. It is a summ...
Lost or Found World by Mongane Wally Serote
Structure
Free verse
Language
Non-specific setting: by not referring to South Africa, the poem retains its universal appeal.
Even if the reader knew nothing about the poet, they can relate to the poem on some level –
e.g. most people can relate to ‘modern madness’
‘lost or found world’ – the poet is wondering of his world has been ‘lost’ or ‘found’. If the
poet had used ‘and’ instead of ‘or’, it would suggest that something had been found but
something was lost in the process. Using ‘or’ instead of ‘and’ indicates the poet’s own
uncertainty – it suggests that he is not sure and he is experiencing conflicting emotions
(there is progress but the goals of liberation has not yet been achieved)
Imagery
Natural imagery – the human body and nature (sea and sand)
Intention
Morale/message: the world is what you make of it
To show how he expresses himself through his writing
To criticize capitalism/economic exploitation
Themes
Moving forward
Hope and hopelessness
Artistic expression
Truth and identity
Tone
Hopelessness – his writing is being ignored despite the effort and emotion he pours into it –
threatening and invalidating his identity (Stanza 2)
Sounds
Line 8 – plosive sounds
Line by line analysis
Title
Ambiguous, uncertainty
Stanza 1 (Lines 1-5)
The speaker wants to face a truth but is unable to (something is blocking/preventing the
truth from being revealed)
Dream-like scenario from speaker’s perspective
No context given – images are universal
A presentation of ideas and images
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