an explanation of the poem 'the abandoned bundle' by oswald mbuyiseni mtshali

Answer 1

"The Abandoned Bundle" is a poem written by Oswald Mbuyiseni Mtshali, a South African poet. It portrays the reality and social issues faced by the people living in the slums of Johannesburg during the apartheid era.

The poem takes the form of a narrative and focuses on a discarded bundle that is found in the busy streets of Johannesburg. The abandoned bundle represents both the physical and metaphorical aspects of the hardships of the urban poor.

The poem begins by describing the abandoned bundle, which is personified as if it were a living being. The bundle is described as "a grey child," illustrating the dehumanizing conditions faced by the impoverished in the city. It evokes a sense of sympathy and pity for the abandoned and forgotten.

As the poem proceeds, the speaker narrates the journey of the bundle and the reactions it elicits from passersby. Some people avoid the bundle, stepping aside as they are repelled by its presence, while others fear it, thinking it contains a bomb or something dangerous. These reactions reflect the prejudiced view of society towards the poor and marginalized, who are often seen as threats or nuisances.

Furthermore, the bundle reminds the speaker of the people who aimlessly wander the streets, invisible to society. These individuals are marginalized and neglected, reduced to mere bundles of suffering and poverty. The poet highlights the irony that in a bustling city, filled with activity and prosperity, there are still those who are forgotten and abandoned.

The speaker then imagines the content of the bundle, picturing clothes, stale bread, and even a baby abandoned by its mother. This imagery emphasizes the bleakness and desperation faced by the urban poor, who struggle to meet their basic needs.

Towards the end of the poem, the speaker's attention is caught by a young girl who approaches the bundle. Instead of ignoring or fearing it, she challenges the societal norms by embracing and trying to help the abandoned bundle. This young girl symbolizes hope, compassion, and a potential for change. It suggests that even within a dehumanizing system, there are still individuals who see beyond prejudice and discrimination to acknowledge the humanity of others.

Overall, "The Abandoned Bundle" by Oswald Mbuyiseni Mtshali depicts the harsh realities of poverty and neglect faced by marginalized communities, particularly during the apartheid era. The poem urges readers to empathize with the plight of the urban poor and to consider the need for compassion and social change.