ENGLISH POETRY GR 11 2024 SAMMARY
Contents
1. For Oom Piet...................................................................................................................................2
2. Cockroaches....................................................................................................................................4
3. Go, lovely Rose...............................................................................................................................6
4. Namaqualand after Rain.................................................................................................................8
5. Ozymandias..................................................................................................................................11
6. Remember....................................................................................................................................13
7. Sonnet 104 -To me, fair friend, you never can be old...................................................................15
8. Strangers Forever.........................................................................................................................17
9. Discardment..................................................................................................................................19
10. The Sun Rising...............................................................................................................................21
11. The Tenant....................................................................................................................................24
12. Touch............................................................................................................................................26
,FOR OOM PIET
Quote Analysis
Title The title "Oom Piet" (Uncle Piet) signifies familiarity and warmth,
establishing a tone of respect and closeness. This title emphasizes
the theme of human connection, suggesting that the influence of
this neighbor is significant in the speaker’s life.
Message The poem conveys that kindness from others can profoundly impact
our lives, especially in times of distress. It encourages appreciation
for simple acts of care that foster comfort and connection.
Structure The poem's free verse structure allows for a natural flow of thoughts,
reflecting the speaker's reflective journey. This format mirrors the
spontaneity of life’s moments, enhancing the emotional depth of the
narrative.
Tone The tone is reflective and warm, as the speaker nostalgically recalls
a time of sadness, expressing gratitude for the neighbor's kindness.
This creates a comforting atmosphere that highlights the importance
of human connections.
"When I was This line introduces a period of deep unhappiness, setting a
least happy in melancholic tone. The phrase emphasizes the speaker's emotional
life" state, drawing readers into their vulnerability.
"my daughter The daughter symbolizes emotional support, illustrating her role as a
led me across guiding force. Her action signifies innocence and wisdom,
the road" demonstrating that even children can lead adults toward healing
connections.
"to a neighbor This introduces the theme of unexpected kindness, indicating that
whom I did not connections can arise from unfamiliar sources. It sets the stage for
know" the impactful relationship that develops between the speaker and
Oom Piet.
"with the This simile highlights the daughter's determination and innocence.
purpose of a Her “purpose” reflects strong intention despite her youth,
toddler" emphasizing how children perceive the world without adult fears.
"who does not This juxtaposition contrasts the child’s perspective with adult
see gates and limitations. "Gates and fences" symbolize emotional and physical
fences" barriers that adults often face, while children focus on the
possibilities beyond them.
"but the ducks The mention of "ducks and puppies" reinforces the child’s innocent
and puppies" outlook on life. These symbols evoke simplicity and joy, contrasting
with the barriers that adults tend to notice.
"You spoke to The neighbor’s gentle speech indicates his nurturing nature. The
me in the same calmness of “low murmuring tones” suggests his role as a source of
low murmuring comfort for the speaker during a difficult time.
tones"
"you used for This simile conveys tenderness, suggesting that the neighbor treats
lame horses and vulnerable beings with care. It reflects the speaker’s emotional
bilious dogs." fragility, connecting the neighbor's kindness to the speaker’s needs.
"Crops, flowers, The conversation about rural life signifies common ground,
and poultry were representing growth and sustenance. These themes subtly relate to
our theme:" emotional healing and the nurturing aspect of their relationship.
"you made me The neighbor’s small acts of kindness emphasize attentiveness.
tea and wiped Making tea symbolizes hospitality, while wiping the counter suggests
, the counter" emotional tidiness, reflecting the neighbor’s desire to help the
speaker feel at ease.
"you said The use of "Foeitog" adds cultural authenticity and sympathy. This
‘Foeitog’ and ‘I phrase, along with "I don’t hope so," conveys concern and
don’t hope so.’" compassion, illustrating the neighbor's understanding of the
speaker's emotional state.
"You guessed." This line reflects the neighbor’s intuition and empathy, indicating
that he understands the speaker’s feelings without explicit
communication. It highlights the depth of their connection.
"You told me I The neighbor’s compliment signifies emotional validation,
was beautiful" emphasizing the healing power of kind words. This moment
reinforces the theme of the impact of simple gestures on one’s
emotional well-being.
"in the courtly The metaphor compares the neighbor's compliment to that of a
way of an old gentleman, suggesting thoughtfulness and grace. This adds to the
man." respect and warmth conveyed throughout the poem.
"One day when it The imagery of rain introduces a specific moment, symbolizing
rained" renewal or change. It sets an atmosphere that complements the
emotional journey of the poem.
"you phoned This line emphasizes ongoing care and connection, illustrating that
from your side the neighbor’s kindness persists beyond their initial meeting.
and said"
"I’m sending The act of sending ducks reflects affection for the speaker’s
some ducks for daughter, reinforcing the neighbor's kind nature. Ducks symbolize
Beatrix" innocence and joy, connecting to the themes of nurturing and care.
"– you always The consistent use of her name highlights the neighbor’s personal
called her connection and affection for her, deepening the warmth of their
‘Beatrix’ –" relationship.
"out the window This visual imagery depicts a shared moment between the speaker
we saw them," and her daughter, emphasizing the bond they share with Oom Piet.
"waddling over," The playful imagery of the ducks adds lightness to the poem,
reinforcing the innocence and charm of the scene.
"when directed The familiarity of "Oom Piet" emphasizes respect and warmth. His
by Oom Piet." ability to direct the ducks symbolizes his gentle leadership and
connection to nature.
"You moved and This personification suggests the lasting emotional impact of their
I moved, but one interaction. It indicates that despite changes in life, the bond
thing stays:" remains significant.
"the sense of a The conclusion reflects the profound emotional impact of kindness.
rescue, The sense of "rescue" symbolizes hope and healing, illustrating how
somehow being this moment of connection was transformative for the speaker.
saved."
