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Analysis of Ingrid Jonker's Poem

Jun 3, 2025

Lecture Notes: Analysis of The Child Who Was Shot Dead By Soldiers at Nyanga by Ingrid Jonker

Introduction

  • Subject: Analysis of the poem The Child Who Was Shot Dead By Soldiers at Nyanga by Ingrid Jonker.
  • Context:
    • Part of the newly prescribed Grade 12 English home language poetry for 2023.

Background on Ingrid Jonker

  • Biography:
    • Born in Northern Cape, 1933.
    • Began writing poetry at age 6; published by 16.
    • Lived through apartheid era; expressed views against it in poetry.
    • Died by suicide in 1965 at Green Point, Cape Town.
  • Recognition:
    • Honored by Nelson Mandela in his inaugural address on May 25, 1994.

Context of the Poem

  • Event:
    • Written in response to the shooting of a child during a protest against apartheid pass laws in Nyanga, Cape Town, 1960.
  • Inspiration:
    • Jonker imagined the child's potential life and the senselessness of his death.
    • Described the mother as universal and herself, plus her daughter Simone as the child.

Analysis of the Poem

Title

  • Impact: Provokes sympathy; highlights child's helplessness and the senselessness of death.

Poem Structure and Literary Devices

  • Anaphora: Repetition of "the child" emphasizes innocence and symbol of resistance.
  • Synesthesia: "Screams the smell" combines senses, emphasizing intensity.

Thematic Analysis

  1. The Child's Symbolism:

    • Represents innocence, resistance, freedom, and hope.
    • Metaphorically alive as a symbol despite being physically dead.
  2. Parental and Generational Conflict:

    • Youth depicted as more active in fighting for change compared to past generations.
  3. Imagery of Violence:

    • Explicit depiction of violence to highlight brutality and senselessness of apartheid.
  4. Omnipresence of the Child:

    • Child's spirit inspires ongoing resistance.
    • Present in all protests, legislation, and within the hearts of mothers.
  5. Freedom and Justice:

    • Child grows into a symbol of freedom and justice that transcends boundaries.
    • Travels "without a pass," symbolizing liberation from oppressive laws.

Form and Structure

  • Free Verse: No specific rhyme or rhythm, symbolizing unrestricted thought.
  • Enjambment: Continuous flow represents unending influence of the child.
  • Tone: Bold, passionate, and determined, with elements of outrage and loss.

Themes

  • Freedom: Aspiration for rights and equality.
  • Resistance: Child as a symbol of protest and equal rights.

Conclusion

  • The poem serves as a powerful symbol against apartheid and for human rights.
  • Encouragement to explore more of Ingrid Jonker's work for further understanding of historical and thematic contexts.

  • Additional Resources: Subscribe to the presenter’s YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok for more English content related to Grade 12 poetry.