Analysis of the poem Ride upon the death chariot by Oswald Mtshali.

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Title of the poem

The title of the poem, "Ride Upon the Death Chariot," suggests a journey or procession that is associated with death and carries ominous undertones. The term "Death Chariot" implies a vehicle or conveyance that is linked to mortality or a fatal destination. In the context of the poem, this title sets the stage for a narrative involving individuals facing a perilous journey or an encounter with death.

The imagery of a chariot often conjures historical and mythological connotations, symbolizing a mode of transportation associated with significant events, usually with a somber or tragic tone. By incorporating the word "death" into the title, the poet intensifies the gravity of the journey or experience that the characters in the poem are about to undergo.

Overall, the title "Ride Upon the Death Chariot" prepares the reader for a narrative that involves a journey marked by death, suffering, or hardship, aligning with the themes suggested by the poem's content.

Tone and mood

The tone of "Ride Upon the Death Chariot" is somber, reflective, and critical. The poem addresses a situation where individuals, described as "three vagrants," are subjected to a harsh fate. The tone carries a sense of empathy for the suffering of these individuals and a critical perspective on the oppressive forces they face.

The mood of the poem is heavy and oppressive, befitting the subject matter. The journey on the "death chariot" and the subsequent treatment of the individuals evoke a mood of despair and injustice. The poet conveys a sense of the weight of suffering experienced by the characters, especially through lines like "The sun / shrivelled their bodies / in the mobile tomb," which adds to the overall mood of bleakness and hardship.

While there's a stark and critical tone, there's also an underlying layer of empathy and awareness, as seen in the depiction of a woman offering some solace in the form of bread and tea. This adds complexity to the mood, introducing a moment of compassion amid the harsh realities presented in the poem.

Imagery

"Ride Upon the Death Chariot" employs vivid imagery to evoke the harsh and oppressive conditions faced by the individuals in the poem. Here are some instances of imagery:

1. **"They rode upon / the death chariot / to their Golgotha"** - The image of riding on a death chariot to Golgotha, a biblical reference to the place of crucifixion, sets a tone of impending suffering and death.

2. **"The sun / shrivelled their bodies / in the mobile tomb"** - This vivid imagery conveys the intense heat and its physical impact on the bodies of the individuals, emphasizing the harsh conditions of their journey.

3. **"Airtight as canned fish"** - This simile creates a strong image of confinement and lack of ventilation, suggesting the oppressive nature of the environment within the mobile tomb.

4. **"Touched their tongues / with the tip / of a lance / dipped in apathy"** - The imagery of the tongue being touched with a lance dipped in apathy suggests a callous and indifferent response to the suffering of the individuals.

5. **"She carried a dishcloth / full of bread and tea"** - This image introduces a contrast to the harsh conditions, portraying an act of compassion and humanity amid the oppressive circumstances.

6. **"The centurion / washed his hands"** - This image, reminiscent of the biblical account of Pontius Pilate washing his hands, symbolizes a disavowal of responsibility and a detachment from the suffering of the individuals.

Symbolism

"Ride Upon the Death Chariot" incorporates symbolism to convey deeper meanings and highlight broader themes. Here are some instances of symbolism in the poem:

1. **Death Chariot:** The "death chariot" is a powerful symbol representing a journey towards suffering, oppression, or even death. It evokes a sense of inevitability and doom, emphasizing the harsh fate that awaits the individuals on this ominous journey.

2. **Golgotha:** The reference to Golgotha, a biblical site associated with crucifixion, symbolizes a place of intense suffering and sacrifice. It adds a layer of religious and historical significance to the poem, suggesting a parallel between the experiences of the individuals and the crucifixion narrative.

3. **Sun:** The sun's role in "shrivelling their bodies" symbolizes not only the physical hardship but also the harsh scrutiny or oppression faced by the individuals. It could represent the unforgiving nature of the conditions they are subjected to.

4. **Airtight as Canned Fish:** The simile "as airtight as canned fish" serves as a symbol of confinement and lack of ventilation. It suggests the suffocating and dehumanizing conditions within the confined space, emphasizing the oppressive nature of their situation.

5. **Tip of a Lance Dipped in Apathy:** The centurion touching their tongues with a lance dipped in apathy symbolizes the indifference and callousness of those in power. It suggests a deliberate lack of empathy or concern for the suffering of the individuals.

6. **Washed his Hands:** The centurion washing his hands is a symbolic gesture reminiscent of Pontius Pilate in the biblical narrative of Christ's crucifixion. It symbolizes a disavowal of responsibility and a symbolic cleansing from the guilt associated with the suffering of the individuals.

7. **Bread and Tea:** The woman carrying a dishcloth full of bread and tea symbolizes a small act of compassion and humanity in the face of adversity. It contrasts with the apathy of the centurion, symbolizing a flicker of kindness amidst the harsh conditions.

These symbols contribute to the poem's layers of meaning, inviting readers to consider the broader themes of suffering, oppression, and the human response to cruelty and indifference.

Metaphors and similes

"Ride Upon the Death Chariot" incorporates metaphors and similes to enhance its descriptions and convey deeper meanings. Here are some instances:

1. **Metaphor: "They rode upon / the death chariot / to their Golgotha"** - The death chariot serves as a metaphor for a journey toward suffering and possibly death. It implies a sense of inevitability and a fate marked by hardship.

2. **Simile: "As airtight as canned fish"** - This simile creates an image of extreme confinement, emphasizing the oppressive nature of the environment. It suggests that the conditions within the chariot are as suffocating and enclosed as canned fish.

3. **Simile: "The sun / shrivelled their bodies / in the mobile tomb"** - The comparison of the sun shrivelling their bodies to a mobile tomb through the use of "as" emphasizes the intense and confining nature of the chariot under the scorching sun.

4. **Metaphor: "Touched their tongues / with the tip / of a lance / dipped in apathy"** - The tip of the lance dipped in apathy serves as a metaphor for the callous and indifferent treatment the individuals receive. It conveys a sense of emotional detachment and cruelty.

5. **Metaphor: "She carried a dishcloth / full of bread and tea"** - The dishcloth full of bread and tea can be seen as a metaphor for a small but meaningful offering of sustenance and comfort in the midst of suffering.

6. **Simile: "Washed his hands"** - The act of the centurion washing his hands is a simile that symbolizes a symbolic cleansing or distancing from responsibility, similar to the biblical reference of Pontius Pilate washing his hands of guilt.

These metaphorical and simile-driven expressions contribute to the depth of the poem, allowing readers to engage with the harsh realities faced by the individuals while also conveying symbolic and emotional nuances.

Language and diction

The language and diction in "Ride Upon the Death Chariot" are carefully chosen to convey the harshness of the depicted situation and to evoke emotional responses from the readers. Here are some aspects of the language and diction:

1. **Concise Language:** The language is concise and direct, conveying the poet's message with impactful brevity. Phrases such as "We’re hot! We’re thirsty! We’re hungry!" sharply express the immediate needs and suffering of the individuals.

2. **Evocative Phrases:** The use of phrases like "shrivelled their bodies," "mobile tomb," and "lance dipped in apathy" creates vivid and evocative images, contributing to the emotional weight of the poem.

3. **Biblical Allusions:** The mention of "Golgotha" and the centurion washing his hands are biblical allusions, adding layers of meaning and cultural references to the poem. These references may carry symbolic weight related to sacrifice, suffering, and moral responsibility.

4. **Strong Verbs:** The poem employs strong verbs to convey action and emotion. For example, "touched," "shrivelled," and "washed" are verbs that carry a significant impact, enhancing the intensity of the narrative.

5. **Dialogue:** The inclusion of dialogue, such as the centurion saying, "Don’t cry to me / but to Caesar who crucifies you," adds a conversational element and a layer of interaction, contributing to the portrayal of the characters and their plight.

6. **Contrasting Elements:** The juxtaposition of contrasting elements, such as the harshness of the journey on the death chariot and the compassionate act of the woman offering bread and tea, creates a dynamic tension in the poem.

7. **Repetition:** The repetition of phrases like "We’re hot! We’re thirsty! We’re hungry!" emphasizes the urgency of the individuals' needs and adds a rhythmic quality to the language.

8. **Symbolic Language:** The use of symbolic language, such as the "death chariot" and the "lance dipped in apathy," contributes to the overall depth of the poem, allowing for interpretations beyond the literal narrative.

The carefully chosen language and diction work together to immerse the reader in the harsh realities depicted in the poem and to provoke contemplation on themes of suffering, oppression, and compassion.

Structure

The structure of "Ride Upon the Death Chariot" contributes to the poem's impact by organizing its narrative elements and emphasizing key moments. Here are some structural elements:

1. **Stanzas:** The poem is divided into stanzas, with each stanza containing a distinct set of ideas or actions. The use of stanzas allows for a structured presentation of the narrative.

2. **Line Length:** The length of lines varies throughout the poem, contributing to its rhythmic flow and emphasizing certain phrases for added impact. Shorter lines, such as "We’re hot! We’re thirsty! We’re hungry!" create a sense of urgency.

3. **Enjambment:** Enjambment is used in several lines, where one line flows into the next without a pause. This technique creates a smooth and continuous rhythm, enhancing the narrative's flow.

4. **Repetition:** The repetition of phrases like "We’re hot! We’re thirsty! We’re hungry!" is a structural choice that emphasizes the immediate needs and suffering of the individuals. Repetition adds to the urgency and impact of these statements.

5. **Shifts in Tone:** The poem exhibits shifts in tone, moving from the description of the journey on the death chariot to the dialogue with the centurion and the compassionate act of the woman. These shifts create a dynamic structure, engaging the reader in different emotional responses.

6. **Symbolic Culmination:** The poem builds toward a symbolic culmination with the centurion washing his hands. This action, reminiscent of Pontius Pilate in the biblical narrative, serves as a significant moment in the poem, symbolizing a detachment from responsibility.

7. **Strategic Placement of Biblical Allusions:** The references to Golgotha and the centurion washing his hands are strategically placed within the poem, adding layers of meaning and cultural references. These allusions contribute to the thematic depth of the work.

8. **Concluding Action:** The poem concludes with the action of the centurion washing his hands, serving as a resolution to the narrative. This final action leaves a lasting impression and invites reflection on the themes presented.

The structural choices in the poem work together to create a cohesive and impactful narrative, guiding the reader through the harsh realities and symbolic moments within the depicted scene.

Syntax

The syntax in "Ride Upon the Death Chariot" is used strategically to convey the intensity of the situation and to emphasize specific elements of the narrative. Here are some aspects of the syntax:

1. **Short Sentences:** The poem frequently employs short and concise sentences, such as "We’re hot! We’re thirsty! We’re hungry!" These short sentences create a sense of immediacy, urgency, and directness, enhancing the impact of the individuals' plight.

2. **Parallel Structure:** The use of parallel structure is evident in lines like "We’re hot! We’re thirsty! We’re hungry!" This repetition of a similar structure emphasizes the immediate needs of the individuals and adds a rhythmic quality to the poem.

3. **Enjambment:** Enjambment is used throughout the poem, allowing thoughts to flow seamlessly from one line to the next. This technique contributes to the smooth and continuous rhythm of the narrative, reinforcing the urgency of the depicted situation.

4. **Imperative Statements:** Imperative statements, such as "Don’t cry to me / but to Caesar who crucifies you," are used by the centurion to assert authority and distance himself from the individuals' suffering. The directness of these statements adds to the tone of oppression.

5. **Dialogue:** The inclusion of dialogue, particularly the centurion's responses, adds a conversational element to the poem. This use of syntax allows for interaction between characters and provides insight into the dynamics of power and authority.

6. **Rhetorical Questions:** The poem includes rhetorical questions, such as "We’re dying!" These questions emphasize the desperation and helplessness of the individuals, inviting readers to reflect on the gravity of their situation.

7. **Symbolic Syntax:** The syntax is employed to highlight symbolic actions, such as the centurion washing his hands. The arrangement of these actions in the poem's syntax contributes to their symbolic significance and underscores their importance within the narrative.

8. **Variation in Sentence Structure:** While there are short and direct sentences, the poem also incorporates longer sentences for descriptive and narrative purposes. This variation in sentence structure adds depth and complexity to the syntax.

Overall, the syntax in "Ride Upon the Death Chariot" is purposeful in creating a sense of immediacy, conveying the emotions of the characters, and guiding the reader through the intense and symbolic moments within the poem.

Context

Understanding the specific context of a poem often requires information about the poet's background, historical events, and cultural influences. In the case of "Ride Upon the Death Chariot" by Oswald Mtshali, the poem appears to draw on themes of oppression, suffering, and resistance, which were prevalent during the time of apartheid in South Africa.

Oswald Mtshali is a South African poet who wrote during the era of apartheid, a system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination that lasted from 1948 to the early 1990s. His works often reflect the social and political struggles of this period.

In the context of "Ride Upon the Death Chariot," the references to a death chariot, Golgotha, and a centurion are laden with biblical and historical symbolism. Golgotha, associated with the crucifixion of Jesus, becomes a symbolic place of suffering and sacrifice. The centurion, a Roman soldier, carries historical connotations of authority and oppression.

The poem may be seen as a commentary on the dehumanizing experiences faced by individuals under oppressive regimes. The death chariot can be interpreted as a metaphor for a system that imposes suffering and hardship on its victims. The dialogue with the centurion echoes themes of powerlessness and the cruel indifference of those in authority.

Additionally, the poem introduces a woman offering bread and tea, providing a contrasting image of compassion amidst the harsh conditions. This could symbolize the resilience and humanity that persist even in the face of oppression.

Understanding the broader historical and cultural context of apartheid in South Africa helps illuminate the themes and symbolism within the poem. The poet likely drew from the socio-political landscape of his time to craft a work that speaks to the struggles and resilience of those facing oppression.