VISUAL

GRADE 12
POETRY
Main Themes of Poems

Love and Human Connection Nature and the Sublime

• Sonnet 130 • It is a Beauteous Evening
• Solitude • Fern Hill
• The Morning Sun is Shining
• The Shipwreck
Mortality and Loss
• The Shipwreck
• At a Funeral
• The Morning Sun is Shining
Main Themes of Poems

Protest, Resistance, and Social Commentary

• The Child Who Was Shot (SA)

• At a Funeral (SA)
• Poem of Return (Angola)
• Talk to the Peach Tree (SA)
• Prayer to Masks (Senegal)
• This Winter Coming (SA)
01
SONNET 130
William Shakespeare
 Focuses on love that transcends
Central Message superficial appearances and
idealised beauty.
Satirical, mocking, sincere,
Overall Tone
impassioned
Appreciative of genuine love
Overall Mood
despite imperfections

Summary (literal)
The speaker describes his mistress in realistic, even
unflattering terms, rejecting typical poetic
exaggerations. Despite this, he declares that his love
for her is rare and genuine. The poem mocks idealised
beauty standards of the time.
 Figurative

Device Example Function & Effect

“My mistress' eyes are nothing Challenges idealised beauty by comparing the
Simile
like the sun” mistress to natural imagery in a blunt way.

“If hairs be wires, black wires Mocks poetic exaggeration to highlight honest
Hyperbole
grow on her head” love.

Flawed descriptions vs “And Contrasts harsh imagery with sincere affection to

Juxtaposition
yet...” show true love needs no embellishment.
02
SOLITUDE
Ella Wheeler Wilcox
 Reflects on the nature of human
relationships, exploring how
Central Message
people share in joy but often face
sorrow alone.
Overall Tone Melancholic, sombre
Reflective, solemn, a sense of
Overall Mood
inevitable isolation

Summary (literal)
People are eager to share in others’ joys but avoid
those who are sad or struggling. The speaker reflects
on how we must face sorrow and even death alone. The
poem highlights the isolation of personal suffering.
 Figurative

Device Example Function & Effect

“Laugh, and the world laughs with Contrasts joy and sorrow to expose human
Juxtaposition
you…” selfishness and isolation in suffering.

Gives society agency in choosing joy over

Personification “the world”
empathy.

Life as a solitary journey, especially in the face of

Metaphor “we must all file on”
death.
03
IT IS A BEAUTEOUS
EVENING, CALM AND FREE
William Wordsworth
 Celebrates nature’s beauty and
Central Message
divinity.
Overall Tone Awe, reverence, tranquil
Overall Mood Peaceful, calming, spiritual

Summary (literal)
The speaker marvels at the peaceful beauty of nature at
sunset. Though his daughter seems unaware of it, he
believes God is still present within her. The poem links
nature’s majesty with divine presence.
 Figurative

Device Example Function & Effect

Depicts nature as divine, linking natural beauty to
Personification “the mighty Being is awake”
God's presence.

Conveys peace, purity, and reverence in the

Simile “like a silent nun”
natural world.

“eternal motion… stillness… Creates calm, flowing rhythm to echo spiritual

Assonance
devout” tranquillity.
04
FERN HILL
Dylan Thomas
 A nostalgic reflection on childhood
Central Message and nature's role in forming
memory.
Overall Tone Joyful, nostalgic, regretful
Happy and carefree at first, then
Overall Mood reflective and longing for lost
innocence

Summary (literal)
The speaker fondly remembers his carefree childhood
on a farm, full of joy and freedom. As an adult, he
regrets how time passed without him noticing. The
poem mourns the loss of innocence and youth.
 Figurative

Device Example Function & Effect

Presents time as both a generous friend and
Personification “Time let me”
eventual enemy, reflecting the passage of youth.

Metaphor “green and golden” Symbolises the vibrancy and purity of childhood.

Allusion Eden/Garden of Eden imagery Suggests innocence and paradise lost.

05
THE MORNING SUN
IS SHINING Olive Schreiner
 Praises the beauty of nature,
Central Message
contrasting it with personal loss.
Celebratory at first, shifting to
Overall Tone
sorrowful and despairing
Joyful initially, ending with deep
Overall Mood
sorrow and loss

Summary (literal)
The speaker vividly describes the beauty of nature
using sensory imagery. However, the joyful mood turns
to grief as she realises her child is not there to
experience it. The poem contrasts natural beauty with
personal loss.
 Figurative

Device Example Function & Effect

Emphasises the sharp contrast between external
Juxtaposition Beauty of nature vs grief
beauty and internal sorrow.

Enhances musicality and gentle tone before grief

Alliteration “soft sunbeam”, “thorn trees”
is introduced.

Gives life to nature, heightening the emotional

Personification “sunbeam dancing”
contrast with the speaker’s loss.
06
THE CHILD WHO WAS SHOT
BY SOLDIERS AT NYANGA
Ingrid Jonker
 A protest against apartheid (South
Central Message Africa) and the violence inflicted
on the innocent.
Angry, defiant, determined,
Overall Tone
outraged
Tense, tragic, inspiring a sense of
Overall Mood
injustice and resistance

Summary (literal)
The poem mourns the death of a child during
Apartheid, representing all innocent victims of state
violence. The child becomes a symbol of resistance
against oppression. It ends with a powerful image of the
child’s spirit growing stronger.
 Figurative

Device Example Function & Effect

The child becomes a symbol of all innocent
Metaphor “The child is present…”
victims and resistance to oppression.

Emphasises the omnipresence of injustice and

Repetition “The child…”
the haunting presence of the child.

Harsh, factual diction highlights the brutality and

Diction “shot dead by soldiers”
horror of the event.
07
AT A FUNERAL
Dennis Brutus
 Calls for resistance against oppression
(South Africa), mourning the loss of a life
Central Message taken too soon.
Mourning the loss of young lives to
apartheid oppression (South Africa).

Overall Tone Disappointment, anger, frustration, defiance

Sombre, reflective, calls for action against

Overall Mood
oppression

Summary (literal)
The poem honours a young Black doctor who died
under Apartheid. The speaker criticises the ceremonial
display and calls instead for action and resistance. It
encourages the living to rise up and continue the fight
for freedom.
 Figurative

Device Example Function & Effect

The grave becomes menacing, symbolising
Personification “the grave gapes”
ongoing loss and injustice.

Directly addresses mourners to call them to

Apostrophe “Oh all you…”
action.

Double meaning reflects both burial and political

Pun “plots” (grave plots and schemes)
suppression.
08
POEM OF RETURN
Jofre Rocha
 Reflects on the speaker's guilt for not
Central Message being part of the struggle against
colonisation (Angola).
Commanding, sorrowful, regretful,
Overall Tone
forceful
Reflective, sombre, nostalgic with guilt
Overall Mood
for not having suffered with others

Summary (literal)
An exile returns to his homeland after colonisation and
feels guilt for not sharing in the suffering. He refuses to
be treated as a hero and instead asks for the pain his
people endured. The poem honours those who stayed
and resisted.
 Figurative

Device Example Function & Effect

Expresses the speaker’s yearning for shared
Anaphora “Bring me…”
suffering and guilt.

“thread of anger snaking from Conveys deep-rooted pain and resentment

Metaphor
their eyes” among those who stayed and suffered.

Humanises nature, suggesting it bore witness to

Personification “tears of dawns”
pain and oppression.
09
TALK TO THE PEACH TREE
Sipho Sepamla
 Uses absurdity and satire to comment on
Central Message ineffective communication during apartheid
(South Africa).

Overall Tone Conversational, absurd, cynical, serious

Frustrated, hopeful yet critical of ineffective

Overall Mood
negotiations

Summary (literal)
The speaker sarcastically suggests talking to random
objects about political issues, reflecting frustration at
being ignored. The tone becomes serious as he urges
people to confront the true source of their suffering —
the Apartheid government. It calls for meaningful
dialogue and action.
 Figurative

Device Example Function & Effect

Suggests absurdity of being unheard — even a
Personification “Talk to the peach tree”
tree might listen better than the leaders.

Adds rhythm and mockery, showing frustration

Alliteration “whining woman”
with ineffective communication.

Absurd images vs serious Highlights the shift from sarcasm to a serious call
Juxtaposition
conclusion for engagement with oppressors.
10
PRAYER TO MASKS
Leopold Sedar Senghor
 A call to African ancestors for
Central Message guidance in restoring identity and
power post-colonialism.
Overall Tone Reverential, hopeful, optimistic
Respectful and uplifting, hopeful
Overall Mood
for restoration of African identity

Summary (literal)
The speaker addresses traditional African masks, asking
ancestors for guidance after colonial rule. He
acknowledges Africa’s suffering but believes only
Africans can restore humanity and joy. The poem
blends cultural pride with a call for spiritual renewal.
 Figurative

Device Example Function & Effect

Elevates traditional culture and ancestors,
Apostrophe Addressing the masks
showing reverence for spiritual guidance.

Suggests resilience, joy, and the creative spirit of

Metaphor “We are the men of the dance”
African identity.

Conveys both timeless wisdom and the

Ambiguity “immobile eyes” unresponsiveness of the past watching over the
present.
PEE Method Answers lack the ‘how’ (evidence) +
‘why’ (purpose) aspect

4.1 Explain why the speaker refers to his ancestor as 'lionheaded’. (2)

Point: The speaker refers to his ancestor as "lionheaded" to highlight their

strength, courage, and spiritual power
Evidence: The lion is often a symbol of bravery and leadership in African culture.

Explanation: By using this image, the speaker pays tribute to the noble, protective
qualities of his ancestor, suggesting a fierce guardian spirit watching over
sacred tradition.
PEE Method Answers lack the ‘how’ (evidence) +
‘why’ (purpose) aspect

4.2 What does the word ‘silence’ (line 3) reveal about the speaker’s
attitude towards the ancestors? Motivate your response. (2)

Point: The word "silence" reveals the speaker's deep respect and reverence for the
ancestors.
Evidence: He "greets" the masks "in silence," which implies humility and solemn
honour.
Explanation: The silence suggests a sacred, meditative moment where the speaker
acknowledges the spiritual presence of the ancestors in a quiet,
respectful manner rather than with loud or casual words.
PEE Method Answers lack the ‘how’ (evidence) +
‘why’ (purpose) aspect

4.3.1 Identify the figure of speech in this line: ‘it is the agony… through
the navel’. (1) Answer: Metaphor.
4.3.2 Comment on the effectiveness of this image. (2)
Point: The metaphor of Africa and Europe being connected "through the navel" is
effective in showing their shared history.
Evidence: The “navel” implies a maternal bond or forced connection, like an umbilical
cord.
Explanation: It powerfully conveys how colonialism has tied Africa to Europe in a painful
dependency (parasitic relationship), and how Africa’s suffering is linked to
its historical exploitation (suffering princess; loss of power & dignity) by
Europe.
PEE Method Answers lack the ‘how’ (evidence) +
‘why’ (purpose) aspect

4.4 Refer to line 20: 'But we are... the hard soil'.

Critically discuss how this line conveys the central message of the
poem. (3)
Point: The line conveys the speaker’s message of African resilience and cultural
strength despite oppression.
Evidence: The metaphor of dancing feet gaining power “when they beat the hard soil”
suggests that African identity grows stronger through struggle.
Explanation: Even though Africans are labelled negatively (“men of death”), they find life,
rhythm, and power in their traditions and connection to the land. This
highlights the poem’s central idea: African people are not defeated—they
are spiritually rooted and capable of renewal and rebirth.
11
THIS WINTER COMING
Karen Press
 Expresses fear of the violence and
Central Message political turmoil during apartheid
(South Africa).
Overall Tone Ominous, fearful, revolting
Foreboding, anxious, highlighting
Overall Mood
fear of political change

Summary (literal)
The poem uses winter as a metaphor for the violence
and fear growing in Apartheid-era South Africa. It
contrasts the suffering of the poor in townships with
the ignorance of the rich. The storm symbolises
inevitable rebellion and change.
 Figurative

Device Example Function & Effect

Extended Represents the coming political upheaval and
“winter” and “storm” as violence
Metaphor violent rebellion.

Reinforces universal fear and anxiety during

Anaphora “Who is not…”
turbulent times.

Highlights inequality and the ignorance of the

Juxtaposition Townships vs suburbs
privileged.
12
THE SHIPWRECK
Emily Dickinson
 Explores the juxtaposition of relief
Central Message and grief following a tragic
shipwreck.
Relief and joy initially, transitioning
Overall Tone
to sombre mourning
Initially celebratory, followed by
Overall Mood
grief and sorrow

Summary (literal)
The poem describes a shipwreck where four survivors
are celebrated, but many others died. Children listening
to the tale are saddened by the unanswered questions
about the dead. The poem shows the contrast between
joy and grief in tragic events.
 Figurative

Device Example Function & Effect

Bells ring for survivors, silence
Irony Highlights the imbalance between joy and grief.
for the dead

Sibilance “soft and slow the tread” Enhances the mood of mourning and solemnity.

Creates intimacy and pathos, drawing the reader

Direct speech Children’s questions
into the moment of loss.