For Oom Piete - Poem Analysis

Personal pronoun: The Writer FOR OOM PIETE Feels helpless When I was least happy in life -POIGNANT OPENING my daughter led me across the road evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret. to a neighbour whom I did not know with the purpose of a toddler ENJAMAMENT – shows flowing of emotions during hardship. who does not see gates and fences but the ducks and puppies on the other side. Indicated a transition/ change required to bring a sense of peace. ANAPHORA – Repetition of “You” refers to Oom Piete, drawing the reader’s attention away from the writer and to him and highlighting his generous actions. It honours him + shows his importance. Oblivious to the negative aspects of life. She is naïve and innocent. Unable to do so herself. She feels isolated/ caged in/ separated. Her daughter is innocent as she is still unaware of life's challenges and only sees "the ducks and puppies on the other side." however, she is also intuitive and caring : she knows her mother needs help so she "led [her] across the road" too Oom Piet. Her toddler disregards those to find community. Onomatopoeia You spoke to me in the same low murmuring tones Compassionate + gentle grumpy Joins 2 independent clauses Suggests he is a down-to-earth person who enjoys these simple things. He -like the toddler- sees the Crops, flowers and poultry were our theme: good things on earth (specify more) you used for lame horses and bilious dogs. you made me tea and wiped the counter, you said ‘Foeitog’ and ‘I don’t hope so.’ You guessed. You told me I was beautiful, Welcome, comfort, soothing, calming -Quotes from Oom Piete. The writer’s problems are easily recognised by Oom Piete and his wisdom. EFFECTIVNESS- shows his maturity/ perceptiveness/ sensitivity. polite Uplifting language : help ease her out of her struggle In the courtly way of an old man. - She felt comfortable with the compliment SYNTAX- SHOWS HER LIFE GAINS STRUCTURE AFTER OOM PIETE SHOWS HER THE NATURAL ELEMENTS OF LIFE Parenthesis- introduces additional information Hope + comfort One day when it rained -symbolizes her depression you phoned from your side and said ‘I’m sending some ducks for Beatrix’ ̶ you always called her ‘Beatrix’ -symbolizes nurturing + bonding The tone Endearing: nickname given (inspired by affection) Out the window we saw them, Alliteration- W sound : creates a sense of togetherness between human and animal. COUPLET: shows their close loving relationship waddling over, in the way of ducks -shows they are her companions when directed by Oom Piete. -not a coincidence You moved and I moved, but one thing stayes: Introduces an explanation of the “one thing” The sense of a rescue, somehow being saved. He helped her endure sorrow+ begin healing Symbolism of the road (line 2)- crossing over Sentimental Tone Doesn’t rhyme as they are no longer together. • • • • • • Transformational- experience events & receive hope Free verse- makes it more conventional & emphasises her everyday experience No formal rhyme scheme 4 stanzas of varying length. Structure supports content of sequential events. HERO’S JOURNEY Enjambment- casual, conversational tone. Gratitude/ Appreciation Nostalgic/ Poignant/ Wholsome Helping others with external struggles + comforting them The poem portrays Oom Piet as a caring and gentle person as he talks in "low murmuring tones" and cares for his niece like he cares for "lame horses and bilious dogs."