Analysis of the poem Up Late by Arthur Nortje

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 Title of the poem of the poem

The title "Up Late" suggests a nocturnal setting, indicating that the speaker is awake during the night. The term "up late" is commonly used to describe someone who stays awake beyond the usual bedtime. In the context of the poem, the title sets the stage for a reflective and introspective atmosphere during the night. The speaker seems to be contemplating his past, memories, and experiences, perhaps during a time when others are asleep, allowing for a more solitary and contemplative state. The title serves as a preview to the theme of introspection and the exploration of the speaker's thoughts and memories during the late hours.

Tone and mood of the poem

The tone of "Up Late" by Arthur Nortje is reflective, contemplative, and somewhat melancholic. The speaker engages in introspection, revisiting memories and experiences from the past. There's a sense of quietude and solitude as the speaker navigates the night, examining both personal history and the broader context of life. The tone is introspective, inviting readers to join the speaker in a reflective journey.

The mood of the poem is introspective and contemplative, contributing to an overall sense of pensiveness. The speaker's exploration of memories, the mention of scars, and the reference to the "violence of the flesh" create a mood that is not overtly somber but carries a weight of reflection and a hint of melancholy. The night setting enhances this mood, creating a quiet and reflective atmosphere as the speaker engages with the past.

Imagery of the poem

"Up Late" by Arthur Nortje incorporates vivid imagery to evoke a sense of introspection and reflection. Here are some instances of imagery in the poem:

1. **"Night here, the owners asleep upstairs:"** The image of night and the owners asleep conveys a sense of solitude and quiet, setting the stage for the speaker's introspection.

2. **"the room’s eyes shut, its voices dead,"** The metaphorical use of "the room’s eyes shut" personifies the room, creating an image of silence and stillness.

3. **"though I admire it when its mirrors / oblige me with my presence."** The idea of mirrors obliging the speaker with his presence suggests a contemplative interaction with one's reflection, hinting at self-examination and self-awareness.

4. **"Rain trickles as the red biro writes my heart:"** The imagery of rain trickling and a red biro writing the heart introduces a metaphorical aspect, possibly symbolizing the emotional and creative process as the speaker reflects.

5. **"The icebox resumes its purring descant."** The personification of the icebox with a "purring descant" creates an auditory image, contributing to the overall atmosphere of the scene.

6. **"an old white mill, sentimental, South African Airways / (the blue lithe buck), peaceful, implausible."** The mention of an old white mill and South African Airways with the "blue lithe buck" introduces visual images that may evoke a sense of nostalgia and reminiscence.

7. **"the knife or lash / could feel content about:"** The imagery of a knife or lash suggests physical pain, emphasizing the contrast between the past and the present, where the scars are less deep.

8. **"I sit in light / here, the refugee’s privilege."** The contrast between sitting in light and the idea of the refugee's privilege creates a visual image of the speaker's current state and perhaps a newfound sense of freedom.

These images collectively contribute to the poem's exploration of memory, reflection, and the speaker's emotional journey during the late hours of the night.

Symbolism of the poem

"Up Late" by Arthur Nortje incorporates various symbols to convey deeper meanings and themes. Here are some instances of symbolism in the poem:

1. **Night:** The recurring reference to the night symbolizes a time of introspection, solitude, and reflection. It suggests a period of quiet contemplation when the speaker delves into memories and experiences.

2. **Mirrors:** The mirrors in the room symbolize self-reflection and introspection. The speaker admiring himself in the mirrors suggests a contemplative engagement with one's own identity, past, and present.

3. **Red Biro:** The red biro that "writes" the speaker's heart symbolizes the act of introspection and emotional expression. The use of red may imply intensity, passion, or the emotional weight associated with the speaker's reflections.

4. **Rain:** The rain trickling symbolizes a cleansing or purifying aspect. It may represent a form of renewal or a release of emotions as the speaker engages with his memories.

5. **Icebox:** The icebox, described as having a "purring descant," may symbolize a comforting or soothing presence. The purring suggests a sense of reassurance or solace amid the speaker's reflections.

6. **Calendar Scene:** The scene from the calendar, featuring an old white mill, South African Airways, and a blue lithe buck, serves as a symbolic representation of the past. It encapsulates memories, nostalgia, and a sense of the speaker's cultural and personal history.

7. **Knife or Lash:** The mention of scars from a knife or lash symbolizes past pain and suffering. The scars, now less deep, may signify healing or the passage of time.

8. **Light:** Sitting in light is described as the "refugee’s privilege." Light can symbolize clarity, understanding, or a sense of freedom. The refugee's privilege may suggest the speaker's newfound sense of liberation.

9. **Fruit in a Bowl:** The speaker expresses a lack of desire for "fruit in a bowl" and the pleasure associated with it. This could symbolize a disinterest in superficial or fleeting pleasures, emphasizing a deeper, more profound search for meaning.

These symbols collectively contribute to the thematic exploration of memory, identity, and the speaker's emotional journey. They add layers of meaning and depth to the poem, inviting readers to engage with the rich symbolism embedded in the imagery.

Metaphors and similes

"Up Late" by Arthur Nortje incorporates metaphors and similes to enrich its language and convey the speaker's introspective journey. Here are some instances of metaphors and similes in the poem:

1. **Metaphor: "Night here, the owners asleep upstairs:"** The night is metaphorically described as the owners being "asleep upstairs," suggesting a quiet and dormant atmosphere.

2. **Metaphor: "Rain trickles as the red biro writes my heart:"** The act of rain trickling is metaphorically compared to the red biro writing on the speaker's heart. This suggests a merging of natural elements with the speaker's emotional expression.

3. **Simile: "Rain trickles as the red biro writes my heart:"** The comparison of rain trickling to the red biro writing creates a simile, enhancing the sensory and emotional impact of the scene.

4. **Metaphor: "The icebox resumes its purring descant."** The icebox's sound is metaphorically referred to as a "purring descant," likening it to a comforting, melodic presence.

5. **Metaphor: "Moving from place to place I always have / a blue lithe buck, South African Airways."** The blue lithe buck and South African Airways become metaphors for the speaker's constant companionship and connection to his cultural and personal history.

6. **Metaphor: "I shackled it / with squalid love, the violence of the flesh."** The speaker's mind is metaphorically shackled with "squalid love" and the "violence of the flesh," portraying past struggles and entanglements.

7. **Simile: "no longer need I shout / freedom in the house."** The act of shouting freedom in the house is likened to a previous state, suggesting a transformation or a change in the speaker's circumstances.

8. **Metaphor: "I sit in light / here, the refugee’s privilege."** Sitting in light is metaphorically described as the "refugee’s privilege," suggesting a sense of safety and freedom.

These metaphors and similes contribute to the poetic imagery and emotional resonance of the poem, allowing readers to engage with the speaker's reflections on the past and present. They enhance the vividness of the scenes and convey the complexity of the speaker's experiences and emotions.

Language and diction 

The language and diction in "Up Late" by Arthur Nortje are carefully chosen to create a contemplative and reflective atmosphere. Here are some aspects of the language and diction in the poem:

1. **Poetic Language:** The poem employs a poetic and evocative language, using phrases like "the room’s eyes shut," "the red biro writes my heart," and "the icebox resumes its purring descant." These choices contribute to the aesthetic quality of the poem.

2. **Symbolic Diction:** The use of symbolic language, such as "mirrors," "rain trickles," and "red biro," adds depth to the poem. These symbols are carefully chosen to convey abstract ideas and emotions related to the speaker's introspection.

3. **Descriptive Language:** Descriptive language is used to create vivid images, as seen in phrases like "old white mill," "blue lithe buck," and "knife or lash." These descriptions contribute to the visualization of scenes from the speaker's memory.

4. **Cultural References:** The inclusion of specific cultural references, such as "South African Airways" and the "blue lithe buck," adds authenticity to the poem. These references contribute to the speaker's connection to his cultural heritage.

5. **Emotional Language:** The poem employs emotional language to convey the speaker's internal struggles and reflections. Phrases like "violence of the flesh" and "quiet scars over my veins" evoke a sense of emotional depth and personal history.

6. **Reflective Tone:** The diction contributes to the overall reflective tone of the poem. The speaker engages in introspection, and the language choice enhances the contemplative and meditative atmosphere.

7. **Sensory Language:** Sensory language, such as "rain trickles" and "icebox resumes its purring descant," appeals to the reader's senses, creating a more immersive experience and enhancing the atmosphere of the poem.

8. **Colloquial Language:** While the language is generally elevated and poetic, there are moments of colloquialism, such as "Up Late," which adds an informal touch to the title and sets the tone for a personal and introspective exploration.

The language and diction work together to convey the speaker's emotions, memories, and reflections. The careful choice of words and symbols contributes to the richness of the poem's meaning and the reader's engagement with the speaker's internal journey.

Structure of the poem

The structure of "Up Late" by Arthur Nortje plays a crucial role in shaping the poem's flow and emphasizing key themes. Here are some aspects of the poem's structure:

1. **Stanzas:** The poem is divided into stanzas of varying lengths. Each stanza represents a distinct stage or aspect of the speaker's introspective journey. The shifts in stanza lengths contribute to the poem's rhythm and pacing.

2. **Enjambment:** Enjambment is employed consistently throughout the poem. Lines flow into each other without a pause, creating a continuous and fluid movement. This technique enhances the sense of introspection, allowing thoughts to seamlessly connect.

3. **Free Verse:** The poem is written in free verse, lacking a strict rhyme scheme or meter. This form aligns with the contemplative and reflective nature of the poem, allowing for flexibility and natural expression.

4. **Punctuation:** The poem utilizes minimal punctuation, contributing to a sense of continuity and uninterrupted thought. The absence of rigid punctuation allows for a more organic flow, emphasizing the stream-of-consciousness style.

5. **Repetition:** There is a subtle repetition of sounds and themes, contributing to the overall cohesion of the poem. For example, the repetition of the "r" sound in "Rain trickles" and "red biro" adds a rhythmic quality to the language.

6. **Shifts in Time:** The poem incorporates shifts in time, moving between the past and present. These temporal shifts are reflected in the structure, allowing the speaker to seamlessly navigate through memories and experiences.

7. **Cohesive Progression:** Despite its free-form structure, the poem follows a cohesive progression. The speaker reflects on various elements, from the night and mirrors to rain and cultural symbols. This progression contributes to the narrative arc of introspection.

8. **Cultural Elements:** The mention of cultural elements, such as "South African Airways" and the "blue lithe buck," is strategically placed within the structure, providing glimpses into the speaker's cultural identity and history.

Overall, the structure of "Up Late" is characterized by its free verse form, enjambment, and a deliberate lack of rigid punctuation. These structural choices enhance the contemplative and introspective nature of the poem, allowing the reader to flow through the speaker's thoughts and reflections seamlessly.

Syntax of the poem

The syntax in "Up Late" by Arthur Nortje contributes to the poem's contemplative and introspective tone. Here are some aspects of the syntax in the poem:

1. **Complex Sentences:** The poem frequently employs complex sentence structures. These sentences allow the speaker to delve into intricate thoughts and reflections, creating a layered and nuanced exploration of the past and present.

2. **Parallel Structure:** Parallel structure is used to enhance certain expressions. For example, in the line "the room’s eyes shut, its voices dead," the parallelism of "its eyes" and "its voices" creates a rhythmic and balanced effect.

3. **Enjambment:** Enjambment is a prominent feature in the poem, with lines flowing into each other without clear breaks. This technique contributes to the sense of a continuous, uninterrupted stream of consciousness, mirroring the speaker's introspective journey.

4. **Inverted Word Order:** In some instances, the poem employs inverted word order to emphasize certain phrases. For example, "that reminisce / of this one so composed in silence" uses inversion for emphasis, drawing attention to the act of reminiscing.

5. **Fragmented Phrasing:** The poem occasionally uses fragmented or elliptical phrasing, adding to the overall sense of introspection. For instance, "I rise / to study a calendar scene from what was home" presents a concise and focused image.

6. **Imperative Statements:** The poem includes imperative statements, such as "Give me the whole experience to savor" and "Moving from place to place I always have." These statements convey a sense of the speaker's desires and intentions.

7. **Incorporation of Dialogue:** The poem incorporates moments of direct speech, as seen in phrases like "no longer need I shout / freedom in the house." This use of dialogue adds a conversational quality and a sense of immediacy.

8. **Varied Sentence Lengths:** There is a deliberate use of varied sentence lengths, contributing to the rhythmic flow of the poem. Short sentences, such as "Rain trickles as the red biro writes my heart," create emphasis and impact.

The syntax in "Up Late" serves the purpose of conveying the speaker's introspective journey in a thoughtful and contemplative manner. The use of various syntactical elements enhances the poem's expressive and reflective qualities.

Context

"Up Late" by Arthur Nortje was written during the mid-20th century, and its context is influenced by both the personal experiences of the poet and the historical backdrop of the time. Here are some key contextual elements:

1. **Personal Context:** Arthur Nortje (1942–1970) was a South African poet and writer. He was of mixed race, born to a Coloured mother and a Malay father, during the era of apartheid in South Africa. This racial background likely influenced his perspective and experiences.

2. **Apartheid Era:** The poem was written during a period when apartheid policies were firmly entrenched in South Africa. Apartheid was a system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination that affected every aspect of daily life for individuals classified by race.

3. **Cultural and Identity Issues:** Nortje's work often explores themes of identity, displacement, and cultural heritage. In "Up Late," the references to cultural elements like "South African Airways" and the "blue lithe buck" suggest a connection to the poet's cultural identity and the impact of apartheid on it.

4. **Political Climate:** The mid-20th century was a time of heightened political tension in South Africa. Anti-apartheid movements were emerging, and voices of resistance were growing stronger. Nortje's work, while not explicitly political, is situated in the broader context of social and political change.

5. **Personal Struggles:** The poem reflects the internal struggles of the speaker. The use of phrases like "violence of the flesh" and "quiet scars over my veins" suggests personal turmoil and perhaps alludes to the broader societal violence and oppression of the apartheid era.

6. **Literary Movement:** Arthur Nortje was associated with the Drum writers, a group of South African writers associated with the magazine "Drum." This literary movement emerged in the 1950s and 1960s, providing a platform for black writers to express their voices and perspectives.

Understanding the historical and personal context is crucial for interpreting "Up Late." The poem can be seen as a product of its time, offering insights into the emotional and cultural landscape of South Africa during the mid-20th century, particularly from the perspective of someone who felt the impact of apartheid on a personal and societal level.