In the first stanza of "An Abandoned Bundle" by Oswald Mbuyiseni Mtshali, the poet effectively uses graphic imagery to depict a vivid and disturbing scene. The poet describes the abandoned bundle as "a breakfast and a mother's corpse" and as "the morning mist."
The use of the words "breakfast" and "mother's corpse" juxtaposes the mundane and the macabre, creating a stark contrast in the reader's mind. This stark contrast evokes a sense of shock and unease, as it forces us to confront the harsh reality of the abandoned bundle. The image of a breakfast, typically associated with nourishment and comfort, is tainted by the juxtaposition with the mother's corpse. This creates a disturbing and unsettling image that sticks with the reader.
Furthermore, the analogy of the abandoned bundle being compared to the morning mist adds to the haunting quality of the imagery. The morning mist is often seen as ethereal, mysterious, and transitory. By comparing the abandoned bundle to the morning mist, the poet suggests that this tragic event is a fleeting occurrence, just like the mist that dissipates as the day progresses. This further accentuates the sense of impermanence and tragedy associated with the scene.
Overall, the graphic imagery used in the first stanza of "An Abandoned Bundle" creates a powerful and shocking image in the reader's mind. By contrasting the ordinary with the grotesque, and comparing the bundle to the transitory morning mist, the poet effectively conveys the tragic nature of the scene.
Comment on the graphic imagery used in the first stanza of the poem "an abandoned bundle by Oswald Mbuyiseni Mtshali" (the morning mist)
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