AT A FUNERAL
-- Dennis Brutus
(for Valencia Majombozi, who
died shortly after qualifying
as a doctor)
,1. Q: What is the significance of the title "At a Funeral"?
A: The title immediately sets the sombre tone of the poem, indicating that the poem centres around
a funeral and themes of loss and grief.
2. Q: What does the phrase "Black, green and gold at sunset" signify in the first line?
A: The phrase refers to the colours of the South African flag (black, green, and gold) and symbolizes
the nation. The sunset alludes to the end of life, implying a connection between national identity
and individual death.
3. Q: How do the "stubbled graves" contribute to the imagery in the second line?
A: "Stubbled graves" depict the graves as freshly dug, symbolizing a continuous cycle of death and
burial. The word "stubbled" alludes to the short, bristly remains after something has been cut,
connecting to the concept of life's brevity.
4. Q: What is the significance of the "bride's-white, nun's-white veils" in line 3?
A: The imagery contrasts purity and innocence with solemnity and dedication. The nurses' attire
represents care and nurturing, suggesting their dedication to the deceased. The colours also
symbolize the dichotomy of life and death.
5. Q: What is the meaning behind "red-wine cloaks" in line 4?
A: "Red-wine cloaks" symbolize both mourning and sacrifice. Red wine can be associated with
communion and sacrifice in a religious context, suggesting the sacrifices made by the deceased and
those mourning their loss.
6. Q: How does the phrase "ponder all this hollow panoply" in line 5 contribute to the tone of the
poem?
A: This phrase introduces an element of scepticism and criticism. "Hollow panoply" suggests that the
pageantry of the funeral might lack true substance or meaning, which aligns with the poet's larger
message about societal issues.
7. Q: What does the phrase "one whose gifts the mud devours" in line 6 symbolize?
A: The phrase metaphorically suggests that the potential and contributions of the deceased have
been lost or buried, much like gifts being consumed by the mud or earth. It reflects the tragedy of
unrealized potential.
8. Q: Who are the "frustrate ones" referred to in line 7?
,A: The "frustrate ones" are individuals whose potential and abilities have been thwarted or
unfulfilled due to societal obstacles, including racism and oppression.
9. Q: What is the significance of the phrase "carrion books of birth" in line 8?
A: "Carrion books of birth" metaphorically refers to oppressive systems that dictate who gets to live
or succeed. The term "carrion" implies something decayed or corrupt, suggesting that these systems
lead to death rather than growth.
10. Q: How does the phrase "brassy shout of Freedom" in line 9 create a contrast?
A: The word "brassy" implies a loud and bold proclamation, while "Freedom" signifies liberation and
autonomy. This contrast emphasizes the urgency and strength of the call for freedom in the face of
oppression.
11. Q: What is the distinction between "Death" and "death’s-head tyranny" in lines 10-11?
A: "Death" represents the natural end of life, while "death’s-head tyranny" refers to oppressive
systems that cause suffering and death. The latter suggests a more malicious form of death brought
about by tyranny and injustice.
12. Q: How does the phrase "narrow cells of pain defeat and dearth" in line 11 contribute to the
poem's message?
A: This phrase emphasizes the constricting and suffocating nature of oppression, portraying it as
confining cells that lead to pain, defeat, and scarcity.
13. Q: What does the poet mean by "Better that we should die, than that we should lie down" in
the last line?
A: The line suggests that it's preferable to die fighting for freedom and justice than to passively
accept oppression ("lie down"). It advocates for active resistance and sacrifice in the pursuit of a
better future.
14. Q: How does the poem address the concept of sacrifice?
A: The poem implies that sacrifice is necessary in the fight against oppression. The nurses' attire, the
red-wine cloaks, and the call for action allude to sacrifice for a greater cause.
15. Q: How does the poem convey a sense of urgency?
A: The repetition of exclamatory phrases like "Arise!" and "Not Death but death’s-head tyranny"
creates a sense of urgency and a call to action against oppression.
, 16. Q: What is the significance of the nurse's attire and "bugled dirging slopes"?
A: The nurse's attire symbolizes care and nurturing, contrasting with the bugled dirge, a funeral song.
The contrast suggests a complex intertwining of life and death in the context of societal struggle.
17. Q: How does the poem criticize societal passivity?
A: The poem criticizes passivity through the call for action ("Arise!") and the rejection of
complacency ("lie down"). It advocates for a refusal to accept oppression.
18. Q: How does the poem connect personal grief with societal issues?
A: The poem uses the funeral setting to connect personal grief with broader societal struggles
against oppression and injustice.
19. Q: How does the poet use colour imagery to convey meaning?
A: The colours black, green, and gold symbolize the South African flag and represent the nation.
These colours are juxtaposed with images of death and struggle, highlighting the tension between
national identity and the challenges faced.
20. Q: How does the poem convey a sense of defiance?
A: The poem's call to action ("Arise!"), the rejection of oppressive systems, and the emphasis on
sacrificing for justice collectively convey a spirit of defiance against oppression.
21. Q: What does the poet mean by "powers tombed in dirt" in line 7?
A: This phrase refers to individuals who were thwarted by oppressive systems, their potential buried
and wasted due to societal constraints.
22. Q: How does the poem challenge the inevitability of death?
A: The poem implies that death isn't the ultimate concern; rather, it's the way that oppressive
systems lead to premature deaths and wasted potential that is most troubling.
23. Q: How does the poet use vivid imagery to convey the idea of death's impact?
A: Images like "bugled dirging slopes" and "mud devours" create vivid pictures of death's effects,
emphasizing the pain and loss experienced by the community.
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