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

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Let's talk to the swallows visiting us in summer,
ask how it is in other countries.

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Let's talk to the afternoon shadow,
ask how the day has been so far.

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Talk to the paralyzing heat in the air,
inquire how long the mercilessness will last.

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Let's raise our pets to our level,
ask them what they don't know of us.

Words have lost meaning,
like all notations they've been misused.
Most people will admit,
a whining woman can overstate her case.

Let's pick out items from the rubbish heap,
ask how the stench is like down there.

Let's talk to the peach tree,
find out how it feels to be in the ground.

Let's talk to the moon going down,
ask if it isn't enough eyeing what's been going on.

Come on,
let's talk to the devil himself,
it's about time.

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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 (about ONE page).

[10]

Please turn over.

Answer :

Final answer:

The poem 'Talk to the Peach Tree' by Sipho Sepamla reflects on the harsh realities of life in South Africa during apartheid. The poem employs diction, imagery, and tone to effectively convey the speaker's message and support the validity of the statement.


Explanation:

The poem 'Talk to the Peach Tree' by Sipho Sepamla reflects on the plight of people living in South Africa during apartheid, emphasizing their harsh reality. The poem's diction, imagery, and tone effectively convey the speaker's message and support the validity of the statement. Through carefully chosen words, vivid descriptions of nature, and a somber tone, Sepamla highlights the struggles faced by individuals in the oppressive social and political context of apartheid South Africa.

One example of the poem's diction is the phrase 'paralysing heat,' which implies the intense and oppressive nature of the environment. The choice of the phrase 'mercilessness' inquiring how long it will last emphasizes the enduring nature of the hardships faced. These specific word choices contribute to the validity of the statement by portraying the challenging conditions endured by the people in South Africa during apartheid.

The poem also utilizes powerful imagery to evoke a sense of the speaker's experiences. The image of 'raising pets to our level' and asking 'what they don't know of us' suggests a yearning for connection and understanding in a society where communication is hindered and distorted. Furthermore, the image of 'picking out items from the rubbish heap' and asking about the stench emphasizes the unpleasant reality of living in a degraded and discarded environment. These vivid descriptions through imagery enhance the validity of the statement by vividly capturing the daily struggles and adversities of apartheid.

The tone of the poem contributes to the validity of the statement as well. The somber and reflective tone conveys a sense of resignation and acceptance of the harsh reality of life in South Africa during apartheid. The speaker's repeated invitation to 'talk to' various elements of nature and society suggests a desire for understanding and connection in a world that is often indifferent or oppressive. This tone reinforces the notion that the poem is a reflection on the predicament facing people subjected to apartheid's harsh realities.


Learn more about South Africa during apartheid here:

https://brainly.com/question/10083365


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