For Oom Piet Exam Notes

They are not related but used "oom" show respect for elders (Afrikaans) For Oom Piet – gift for her neighbour Message: Importance of showing kindness to others. Finuala Dowling (1962-) Tone: Nostalgic conversational sympathetic Mood: curious optimistic Theme: kindness & empathy Lowest point in her life. When I was least happy in life my daughter led me across the road Mother in a dark place and needs more help than she knows - Daughter recognizes mom struggling. blind trust in unknown neighbour - faith to a neighbour whom I did not know a toddler has no malicious intent - only genuinely wants to help. (naive & innocent) with the purpose of a toddler Symbolic of apartheid regime who does not see gates and fences The daughter is innocent, only to help - sense of purity & goodness. Optimistic - sees good in life but the ducks and puppies. -> blind to discrimination. more to life than we think. on the other side. - we just need the blind faith of a child to see it. Anaphora Directly addressing Oom Piet -creates close bond w/ him. You spoke to me in the same low murmuring tones Onomatopoeia - calm gentle voice - identifying the need for a calm & gentle approach to injured/hurt speaker. Alliteration of (m) - slows down pace. you used for lame horses and bilious dogs. bad-tempered. he is patient and recognizes sad, gentle approach needed. spoke about ordinary/plain things - peace of mind Crops, flowers and poultry were our theme: Nature - can heal the soul Gesture of someone who cares. Compassion. cares what their corners entailed. you made me tea and wiped the counter, colon indicates what their corners entailed. very matter-of-fact - showing the simplicity of help offered. exclamation shows pity you said 'Foeitog' and "I don't hope so" Hoping for better & showing support for her. He read between the lines and surmised what happened & what was needed. You guessed. You told me I was beautiful, Compliments her - to build her up. Repetition (Anaphora) of "you" shows she owes everything to him. He made all the difference. in the courtly way of an old man. no ulterior motives. Compliments her to support her; build her up; not advance on her. Time has passed Anecdote - short story to prove a point. One day when it rained good omen in Africa - brings life + positive change. (cleansing/hope) There is a divide between them - a friend but not family. you phoned from your side and said not asking, he tells - shows fatherly/authority 'I'm sending some ducks for Beatrix' you always called her Beatrix - HE is Afrikaans and cannot pronounce 'Beatrice'. Pair of dashes (parenthesis) to enclose elaboration on what Oom Piet said. out the window we saw them, imagery of ducks waddling over, The ducks moved naturally - natural progression. 18