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Read the poem below and then answer the question that follows.

**TALK TO THE PEACH TREE - SIPHO SEPAMLA**

1. Let's talk to the swallows visiting us in summer
2. Ask how it is in other countries
3. Let's talk to the afternoon shadow
4. Ask how the day has been so far
5. Let's raise our pets to our level
6. Ask them what they don't know of us
7. Words have lost meaning
8. Like all notations they've been misused
9. Most people will admit
10. A whining woman can overstate her case
11. Talk to the paralyzing heat in the air
12. Inquire how long the mercilessness will last
13. Let's pick out items from the rubbish heap
14. Ask how the stench is like down there
15. Let's talk to the peach tree
16. Find out how it feels to be in the ground
17. Let's talk to the moon going down
18. Ask if it isn't enough eyeing what's been going on
19. Come on
20. Let's talk to the devil himself
21. It's about time

**Question:**
In the poem "Talk to the Peach Tree," the speaker reflects on the predicament facing people who are subjected to the harsh realities of life in South Africa during apartheid. With close reference to diction, imagery, and tone, discuss the validity of this statement in relation to the poem. Your response should take the form of a well-constructed essay of 250-300 words.

Answer :

Final answer:

The poem "Talk to the Peach Tree" by Sipho Sepamla reflects on the harsh realities of life during apartheid in South Africa, as depicted through diction, imagery, and tone.


Explanation:

The poem "Talk to the Peach Tree" by Sipho Sepamla reflects on the harsh realities of life in South Africa during apartheid. The diction, imagery, and tone used throughout the poem contribute to the validity of this statement.

The diction in the poem is simple and straightforward, representing the directness of the speaker's reflection. The use of words like "talk," "ask," and "find out" suggests a desire for communication and understanding in the face of adversity.

The imagery in the poem paints vivid pictures of the speaker's surroundings. The references to swallows, afternoon shadow, pets, and rubbish heap all evoke a sense of everyday life in South Africa. These images are contrasted with the harsher realities of the paralysing heat and the devil himself, representing the challenges faced by the people.

The tone of the poem is contemplative and questioning. The speaker is curious and seeks to engage with various elements of their environment to gain insights into their own situation. The repetition of the phrase "let's talk" emphasizes the speaker's desire for conversation and understanding.

In conclusion, the diction, imagery, and tone used in "Talk to the Peach Tree" contribute to the validity of the statement that the poem reflects on the predicament facing people during apartheid in South Africa.


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