An in-depth line-by-line (and further!!) analysis of The Discardment by Alan Platon. These notes helped me get 96% for English in my matric finals and I have no doubt that they'll help you too.
Your money will go to the Restory Foundation and contribute towards empowering the marginalized, espe...
Alan Platon: South African writer+anti-Apartheid activist
Fame for novel, Cry the Beloved Country+involved in politics,- National President of the Liberal Party.
1.We gave her a discardment discardment:something discarded, thrown away, rejected
A: indefinite article suggests identity of item is nonspecific or
irrelevant.
-use of “we” and “her” in the opening line
2.A trifle, a thing no longer to be worn, Trifle:something of little value/nb
- Established item is an article of clothing- appears be worn out. 1.
3.Its purpose served, its life done. It is tatty/threadbear in appearance emphasises as described
having ‘served’ its purpose+ its ‘life’ .
2. explains why considered a ‘trifle’- no further value or use
4.She put it on with exclamations, Expectations set up in title +opening lines subverted quite
suddenly+unexpectadely
-woman spontaneously erupted with excitement+happiness.
Juxtaposition of the insignificance of the discardment
[meaningless] and what it meant to their domestic worker.
5.Her eyes shone, she called and cried, Eyes shone: allusion to way pupils involuntarily moisten +dilate
when person feels excited
6.The great bulk of her pirouetted Sense of her performing - “pirouetting”
-> energy+happiness of scene further emphasised through vibrant
imagery of woman impulsively twirling to show off outfit
Great bulk: suggest great deal energy to spin in that manner.
-captures woman’s cheerful, carefree nature+questions perception
of article of clothing as a worn-out ‘trifle’
7.She danced and mimed, sang snatches of Sibilance - sing song effect highlights jubilant mood of excitement.
a song. - why is “she” not named in the poem and given an identity?
8.she called out blessings on her native Anaphora[“she called”] to highlight the division -
tongue Also highlights her jubilance and excitement.
Innate generosity of spirit+sense of gratitude confirmed by her
bestowing blessings on those around her.
uses her first language to express herself.
10.The the strangers and passers-by woman decided share delight with world around her- speaker
describes how she began to call out to strangers+fellow servants.
11.To all the continent of Africa Use of hyperbole highlights the speaker’s joy and excitement.
-natural exuberance: want to share to whole continent
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through EFT, credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying this summary from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller zoepearson. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy this summary for R85,00. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
