This document contains a full analysis of the prescribed Matric IEB poem: The Tenant by Na Ngulube. This poem has been broken down and analysed line by line to ensure it is fully understood by the reader and includes points on the structure and techniques in the poem.
Summary = The poem deals with the emotional toll taken on the poet after experiencing a break-up. Memories and
persisting feelings with his past lover are compared to luggage in his heart where she was a ‘tenant’. The poem is
conversational, expressive and authentic, with the employment of first-person pronouns throughout.
This poem contains a sustained / extended metaphor (conceit) with enjambment throughout.
Tone = melancholic, pensive, reflective
There is no room for you → directly addresses the lost lover with a frank and honest tone
in my heart. The only tenant → enhances significance of the relationship, compares heart to a rented out location
who ever lived there left → she was the only tenant ever to occupy a place in the poet’s heart
some luggage behind. → luggage = emotional baggage associated with break-ups (memories and feelings)
I didn’t even evict her. She → poet is bewildered and blunt that she left, conveyed through the simple sentence
simply left without a word. → amplifies his bewilderment and anguish of the abruptness of her departure
Enjambment emphasises ‘she’, placing the blame on her
I keep hoping she will come → looking for a solution to end his anguish while trying to come to an understanding
back and collect the luggage → end the relationship and disconnect from all the memories and feelings (baggage)
or at least arrange for disposal
clean out the place, throw out → sustained metaphor further unpacked
old memories. → the old memories cause him pain and he wants to rid himself of this pain
I could possibly live with
the marks on the wall. Some
are completely indelible → he will not be able to forget (indelible) some memories, too profound and impactful
some I even like. → he wants closure in the relationship but accepts that he can live with the warm memories.
But you see I am afraid
if it all goes, what will I do
with all that empty space. → he admits his fear of loneliness and letting go completely. He is worried that he will not
be able to fill out the empty space or void created by her absence, This supports the poet's poignant mood.
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