The Discardment Flashcards
(11 cards)
What is the significance of the title ‘The Discardment’?
It refers to something thrown away, discarded, or rejected. The title intrigues as it does not specify what is being discarded, drawing the reader in.
The definite article ‘The’ and capitalisation indicate the item is known to the speaker.
Who is Alan Paton?
A South African author born in Pietermaritzburg in 1903, known for his works on race relations and as a political activist.
He was the principal of Diepkloof Reformatory and published the novel ‘Cry the Beloved Country’ in 1948.
What type of literary device is used in the phrase ‘for nothing’ at the end of the poem?
Repetition.
It emphasizes the destructive impact of colonization and the trivialization of the domestic worker’s experience.
What is the tone of the poem in lines 1-13?
Contemplative and reflective.
The tone shifts to cynicism and bitterness from line 14 onwards.
What does the poem suggest about the relationship between the giver and the receiver?
It suggests a power imbalance, where the gift given is perceived as trivial by the giver but is treasured by the receiver.
This reflects the dynamics of exploitation and manipulation in human relationships.
Fill in the blank: The poem is an indictment against the treatment and status of ______ in the South Africa of the poet’s day.
Black individuals
What poetic techniques are employed in ‘The Discardment’?
- Enjambment
- Metaphor
- Anaphora
- Alliteration
- Assonance
- Irony
- Repetition
These techniques contribute to the poem’s emotional depth and lyrical quality.
What does the domestic worker’s excitement over the discarded item signify?
It highlights the disparity between the privileged and the underprivileged, and the value placed on items within different social contexts.
The excitement also reflects her resilience and ability to find joy in small things.
True or False: The poem was written after the implementation of Apartheid in South Africa.
False.
What does the poem imply about loyalty and trust?
They can be ‘purchased’ through the acceptance of what is considered worthless by others.
This reflects on the economic exploitation and dehumanization faced by the oppressed.
What is the effect of enjambment in the poem?
It builds a rhythm and lively energy that emphasizes the joy expressed by the domestic worker.
This technique enhances the emotional response conveyed in the poem.
