Section A
Reflective essay
Working through Unit 2’s poetry module was a complex experience that yielded both
rewards and challenges. Although time constraints and other academic commitments
prevented me from completing every activity with the thoroughness I had hoped for, I
was still able to engage meaningfully with most of the exercises. Upon reflection, I
realize that this unit has provided me with a deeper appreciation for the intricacies of
poetry.
The activities that I found most manageable were those that allowed me to draw on
personal experiences and general understanding of the poem. For instance, the “Think
about before reading” questions in Activity 2.2.1 encouraged me to connect my own
experiences of loss to Elizabeth Bishop’s poem “One Art”. This exercise enabled me to
establish a personal connection with the poem's themes, making the content more
relatable and accessible. Similarly, identifying the stages or phases of the poem was a
relatively straightforward task, as the activity instructions provided clear guidance.
In contrast, activities that required technical literary analysis proved more challenging
for me. The close reading exercises, which involved finding the denotations of words
like “intent” and “gesture”, required a level of precision and attention to detail that I
found difficult to master. Furthermore, understanding the structure of the villanelle form
and its impact on the poem’s meaning necessitated additional research, leaving me
uncertain about the accuracy of my interpretations. Analyzing rhythm and rhyme also
presented challenges, as I had to navigate complex poetic devices and techniques.
One aspect of this unit that I found particularly difficult was analyzing the form and
structure of the poem, especially the deviation in the final stanza. The introduction of a
dash at the beginning of the last stanza added emotional emphasis, but I struggled to
fully grasp its effect without more examples to compare. Despite this challenge, I
recognize that Bishop’s deliberate choice to break the established rhythm contributed to
the poem’s emotional resonance.
Overall, this unit has deepened my appreciation for the complexity and nuance of
poetry. I have come to realize that poetry is not just about conveying emotions but also
about employing technique, structure, and subtle choices to shape the reader’s
experience. Through this unit, I have gained a newfound respect for the craft of poetry
and the importance of careful analysis in uncovering its depths. While I encountered
challenges along the way, the rewards of engaging with poetry have made the journey
worthwhile.
Section B
1.1 suggests that his worth was only acknowledged posthumously, highlighting
the injustice he faced while alive.
1.2
refers to the oppressive authorities and societal forces that marginalized
Steve Biko during his lifetime, yet now pay tribute to him after his death.
1.3 Steve Biko was a prominent South African anti-apartheid activist and leader of the
Black Consciousness Movement. His legacy should be remembered for inspiring pride,
resistance, and fighting against racial oppression.
2.1 The repetition of the title emphasizes the irony and highlights the injustice of Steve
Biko only receiving respect after death. This repetition also creates a rhythmic effect,
reinforcing the poet’s message.
2.2 Addressing Steve Biko as “mister” portrays him as a dignified individual, contrasting
sharply with the disrespect he faced during his lifetime.
3. The irony lies in the contrast between Steve Biko’s treatment during his lifetime and
the respect accorded to him after death, highlighting the hypocrisy of those who once
oppressed him.
4. The poet employs imagery of a “silent voice” and “echoes” to symbolize Steve Biko’s
lasting impact, emphasizing that his ideas and spirit continue to inspire despite his
physical absence.
5. The poet crafts rhythm through repetition and carefully chosen, concise sentences,
creating a steady, insistent beat that underscores the poem’s message.
6. The irony of Steve Biko’s voice being silenced by those in power underscores the
tragic loss of a powerful advocate for justice.
7. The tone is both bitter and mournful, with bitterness arising from the repetition of “now
you’re dead” and mourning evident in the poet’s lamentation of Biko’s silenced voice.
8. This poem effectively serves as a protest poem by exposing hypocrisy, critiquing
injustice, and keeping alive the memory of Steve Biko’s struggle, inspiring continued
awareness and action.
