South African poet and author, Chris Van Wyk, presented an analysis of his poem ‘In Detention‘ at Randfontein High School on 26 July.
This poem is prescribed in the Grade 12 English Home Language curriculum and is often mistaken as a trivial piece of writing that baffles pupils.
Obviously, the best analysis of poetry is by the poet himself.
Pupils are fascinated by the fact that they are studying a living poet’s work.
“We study the work of Shakespeare, Owen, Keats and great poets of the past and believed that all poets had to die first before their poetry became popular.
However, to have the poet explain his reasons, perspectives and intention is incredible,” says RHS media liason, Jason Fisher.
Chris, who is now in his mid-fifties, set the atmosphere for his analysis by explaining the South Africa of the 70s.
His careful analysis had the matrics writing notes fervently and focused as they dealt with the poem line-by-line.
The day at Randfontein High School was of particular interest to Chris as he shared how he found a slip of paper in one of his books, which exactly 31 years ago commanded him to turn his passport and ID over to the Security Police.
It was an emotional moment and contributed to a clearer understanding of the reality of our past.
Pupils were given the opportunity to ask questions on the technical aspects of the poem.
One pupil who certainly had indicated that he finally understood the poem, stated excitedly, ” Now, if only Shakespeare could come and analyse Sonnet 30.”
