In the first stanza of "Abandoned Bundle" by Oswald Mbuyiseni Mtshali, the poet employs graphic imagery to vividly describe the morning mist. The use of such imagery enhances the reader's sensory experience and creates a haunting atmosphere.
The phrase "morning mist" itself sets the tone for the stanza, implying a sense of obscurity and mystery. The mist is further personified as a "phantom" that "plays hide and seek." This personification adds an eerie quality to the imagery, suggesting that the mist has a life of its own and actively engages with its surroundings.
Furthermore, the mist is described as "slippery" and "wet like new-born baby's flesh". These vivid comparisons draw out the reader's emotions, as the slickness and wetness of the mist evoke discomfort and unease. The comparison to a new-born baby's flesh creates a contrasting image of vulnerability and delicacy, reminding us of the fragility of life.
Overall, the graphic imagery used in this stanza evokes a sense of foreboding, as if something unsettling is about to unfold. It sets the stage for the subsequent stanzas, where the abandoned bundle is revealed. The use of such imagery not only enhances the poem's impact but also serves to draw attention to the harsh realities and neglect that the abandoned bundle represents.
comment on the graphic imagery used in the first stanza 'the morning mist' of the poem abandoned bundle' by oswald mbuyiseni mtshali
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