The Discardment Flashcards
(8 cards)
What is the title of the poem by Alan Paton?
The Discardment
Alan Paton (1903-1988) was a South African author and anti-apartheid activist.
What does the term ‘discardment’ refer to in the poem?
A trifle, a thing no longer to be worn
The discardment symbolizes something that has lost its original purpose but is still valued.
How does the character in ‘The Discardment’ react to receiving the discardment?
She put it on with exclamations, her eyes shone, she danced and mimed
This reaction illustrates the joy and value placed on the discardment despite its perceived worthlessness.
What does the phrase ‘to see this wonder, to participate in this intolerable joy’ suggest?
A call for shared joy and appreciation of beauty
It emphasizes a communal experience of happiness and celebration.
What is implied by the line ‘And so for nothing, is purchased loyalty and trust’?
Loyalty and trust can be gained without monetary exchange
It suggests that genuine connections can arise from simple acts of kindness.
What is the significance of ‘the destruction of a world’ in the poem?
It reflects the loss and impact of disregarding something valuable
This line indicates a broader theme of loss and the consequences of neglecting what is important.
Fill in the blank: The poem ‘Namaqualand after Rain’ is by _______.
William Plomer
William Plomer (1903-1973) was a notable South African poet and writer.
What is the theme of renewal expressed in ‘Namaqualand after Rain’?
The veld revives
This indicates the restoration of life and beauty after a period of drought or hardship.
