Comprehensive notes covering The Tenant by Na Ncube.
A combination of information from the textbook, The Complete Poetry Resource (Sixth Edition), as well as additional class and video notes.
Written by an 85% < English HL Student
The Tenant
(someone who resides somewhere/occupies land)
“Tenant” is an extended metaphor = represents the person who left the speaker broken hearted
Stanza one:
- Declaration/implication that there is no room for a new person
- “There is no room” = not being able to love another (idiomatic expression)
- The line break between “left” and “some” modifies the meaning.
There is no room for you The heart is a physical place.
In my heart. The only tenant = Extended metaphor
Who ever lived there left
Some luggage behind. Emotional baggage
= Idiomatic expression
Stanza two:
- The speaker is not responsible for the end of the relationship.
- There is a sense of disbelief that the relationship is over.
- Moving out is an extended metaphor for the relationship ending
I didn't even evict her. She To expel someone from a property.
Simply left without a word. Left without reason or consideration for speaker.
Ironic: Simple for them, not for speaker
Stanza three:
- “Collect the luggage” = Hopes that they will return. Either to continue the relationship or with an
. explanation for leaving.
- “Disposal” = removal
Actually she/he doesn’t need the other
I keep hoping she will come person, as she alone is the only one
Back and collect the luggage who can let go and move on
Or at least arrange for disposal
Clean out the place, throw out Forgetting old memories
= Idiomatic expression
Old memories.
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