1 Black, green and gold at sunset: pageantry And stubbled graves: expectant, of eternity, In bride's-white, nun's-white veils the nurses gush their bounty Of red-wine cloaks, frothing the bugled dirging slopes Salute! then ponder all this hollow panoply For one whose gifts the mud devours, with our hopes. 7 Oh all you frustrate ones, powers tombed in dirt, 8 Aborted, not by Death but carrion books of birth 9 Arise! The brassy shout of freedom stirs our earth; 10 Not death but death's-head tyranny scythes our ground 11 And plots our narrow cells of pain defeat and dearth: 12 Better that we should die, than that we should lie down. 3.1 The poem vividly portrays anguish, deprivation, and untapped potential. Discuss the extent to which you agree with this statement with close reference to diction, tone and imagery. Your response should take the form of a well-constructed essay of 250-300 words (about ONE page). [10] 3.2.1 Refer to lines 1 -2: 'Black, green and ... Expectant, of eternity,'. Explain what these lines suggest about the nature of the funeral. (2) 3.2.2 Refer to line 4: 'frothing the bugled dirging slopes'. Explain the reference to a bugle in the context of the poem. (2) 3.2.3 Refer to lines 7-8: 'Oh all you \( \qquad \) books of birth'. Comment on the effectiveness of this image in the context of the poem. 3.2.4 Refer to lines 10-12: 'Not death but ... should lie down.' Critically discuss how the diction in these lines conveys the speaker's message about the regime in power. (3) [10] 5 Gauteng Department of Education Grade 12 Poetry Question Bank 3.3.1 With reference to the poem as whole, discuss words/ phrases/ diction that suggest a political undertone. (2) 3.3.2 Refer to line 5: 'Salute! Then ponder ... this hollow panoply'. Comment on the speaker's regard of the funeral. (2)

### Essay Response The poem vividly encapsulates themes of anguish, deprivation, and untapped potential through its rich diction, somber tone, and striking imagery. The opening lines, "Black, green and gold at sunset," evoke a sense of mourning intertwined with national pride, suggesting a funeral that is both personal and collective. The colors symbolize the South African flag, hinting at a struggle for freedom and identity amidst loss. The juxtaposition of "stubbled graves" with "expectant, of eternity" further emphasizes the tension between death and the hope for a better future, illustrating the anguish of those who have perished in the fight for liberation. The tone of the poem oscillates between despair and defiance. Lines such as "Oh all you frustrate ones, powers tombed in dirt," convey a sense of urgency and a call to action. The speaker's plea for the "aborted" to rise reflects a deep-seated frustration with the oppressive regime, suggesting that the true death lies not in the physical realm but in the suppression of potential and freedom. The imagery of "death's-head tyranny" reinforces the idea that the real enemy is not death itself but the oppressive forces that stifle life and hope. Moreover, the diction in lines 10-12, particularly the phrases "narrow cells of pain defeat and dearth," underscores the speaker's condemnation of the regime. The use of "cells" evokes imprisonment, while "pain," "defeat," and "dearth" highlight the suffering inflicted by those in power. The stark choice presented—"Better that we should die, than that we should lie down"—is a powerful declaration of resistance, suggesting that the speaker values the fight for freedom over passive acceptance of oppression. In conclusion, the poem's exploration of anguish and deprivation is intricately woven through its diction, tone, and imagery, creating a compelling narrative that resonates with the struggle for liberation and the untapped potential of those who have suffered. --- ### 3.2.1 Explanation of Lines 1-2 The lines "Black, green and gold at sunset: pageantry / And stubbled graves: expectant, of eternity," suggest a funeral that is both a celebration of life and a somber acknowledgment of death. The colors represent the South African flag, indicating a national context, while "stubbled graves" implies a recent loss. The phrase "expectant, of eternity" hints at a hope for continuity beyond death, suggesting that the struggle for freedom and identity persists even in the face of mortality. ### 3.2.2 Explanation of the Bugle Reference The reference to "frothing the bugled dirging slopes" connects the sound of the bugle to the traditional military funeral, where a bugle is often played to honor the deceased. In the context of the poem, it symbolizes the solemnity of the occasion while also highlighting the ongoing struggle against oppression. The "dirging slopes" evoke a sense of mourning, suggesting that the fight for freedom is fraught with loss and sorrow. ### 3.2.3 Effectiveness of the Image in Lines 7-8 The image of "Oh all you frustrate ones, powers tombed in dirt, / Aborted, not by Death but carrion books of birth" is effective in conveying the idea that the true death lies in the unfulfilled potential of those who have been oppressed. The term "carrion books of birth" suggests that the circumstances of their birth have led to their demise, emphasizing the systemic nature of their suffering. This image powerfully critiques the societal structures that stifle life and freedom. ### 3.2.4 Diction in Lines 10-12 In lines 10-12, the diction conveys a strong message about the oppressive regime. Phrases like "death's-head tyranny" and "narrow cells of pain defeat and dearth" evoke a sense of entrapment and suffering. The choice of words such as "tyranny" and "pain" underscores the brutality of the regime, while the phrase "Better that we should die, than that we should lie down" reflects a fierce determination to resist oppression, suggesting that the speaker values the fight for freedom over submission. --- ### 3.3.1 Political Undertone Throughout the poem, words and phrases such as "tyranny," "frustrate," "aborted," and "pain" suggest a strong political undertone. These terms highlight the struggle against oppression and the desire for liberation, indicating that the poem is not merely a reflection on death but a commentary on the socio-political landscape. ### 3.3.2 Speaker's Regard of the Funeral In line 5, "Salute! Then ponder all this hollow panoply," the speaker's regard for the funeral is one of skepticism. The term "hollow panoply" suggests that the ceremonial aspects of the funeral are superficial and do not address the deeper issues of loss and oppression. This indicates a critical view of the pageantry surrounding the funeral, implying that it fails to honor the true sacrifices made in the struggle for freedom.