Talk to the Peach Tree- Sipho Sepamla

Explain the underlying meaning of the actions/instructions in lines 1-6.

• During Apartheid there was little or no opportunity to understand or communicate with people from other races.

  One group of people was always superior and had a ‘voice’, whilst the other had to remain silent

• The underlying meaning of the actions/instructions in lines 1-6 is to demonstrate a scientific concept.
• The underlying meaning of the actions/instructions in lines 1-6 is to provide entertainment.
• The underlying meaning of the actions/instructions in lines 1-6 is to be explained in detail.

Migrational birds- a good source of information about 'other countries'?

The poet is from?

Sepamla uses the poem to?

• express his thoughts and emotions
• voice his opinion on the political talks that took place between various parties before the formalized end of Apartheid.

• teach a history lesson
• sell his artwork

The speaker's attitude in the line: “it’s about time”

Why does the speaker describe the heat as “paralysing” and “merciless” (stanza 6)?

• To emphasize the soothing and comforting nature of the heat
• To convey the mild and gentle effects of the heat
• To highlight that the oppression (the heat) renders a person unable to do anything. ‘merciless’

  implies exactly that – no empathy/mercy/compassion for the oppressed people.

• To convey the extreme and oppressive nature of the heat, emphasizing its debilitating and unrelenting effects.

Although similar in style to stanzas 1-3, how do lines 11-14 differ in tone and intent from lines 1-6?

• Lines 11-14 express a more somber and reflective mood compared to the earlier lines.

• Stanzas 1-3 were light-hearted and humorous in their absurdity. Lines 11-14 is anything but humorous. The

  heat is ‘merciless’ which alludes to the oppression faced by Black people during Apartheid. The tone is harsh and

  unforgiving. The words ‘rubbish heap’ and ‘stench’ implies the attitude towards black people. The tone is serious

  and the intention is the describe the reality of the situation for black people under white oppression

• Lines 11-14 are more aggressive and confrontational than lines 1-6.
• Lines 11-14 are more cheerful and lighthearted than lines 1-6.

Discuss the connotations of the word “whining”

• The connotations of the word 'whining' include a sense of calm and tranquility
• The connotations of the word 'whining' typically include a sense of annoyance, petulance, or complaining in a high-pitched or irritating manner.
• The connotations of the word 'whining' include a sense of confidence and assertiveness
• The connotations of the word 'whining' include a sense of contentment and satisfaction

Tone in the final stanza

Structure of the poem