Analysis of the poem When the Deal Goes Down by Keorapetse Kgositsile.

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 Title of the poem

The title of the poem, "When the Deal Goes Down," suggests a pivotal moment or critical event in the speaker's life. The term "deal" typically implies an arrangement or situation, and the phrase "when the deal goes down" implies a decisive moment when something significant or life-changing occurs. In the context of the poem, it appears to refer to a moment of intense emotional and existential crisis for the speaker, where they grapple with issues of identity, family, and the complexities of their relationships. The title captures the gravity of the situation, emphasizing a crucial turning point in the speaker's experience.

Tone and mood of the poem.

The tone of the poem appears reflective, contemplative, and somewhat somber. The speaker engages in introspection and addresses complex emotions and family dynamics. There is a sense of vulnerability and a search for understanding, especially as the speaker contemplates the impact of parental actions on their own experiences.

The mood of the poem is poignant and introspective. The speaker's reflections on the absence of a loving parent, the challenges of family relationships, and the search for identity contribute to an overall atmosphere of introspection and emotional weight. The mood shifts between moments of melancholy, as the speaker grapples with the realities of their situation, and moments of urgency, particularly in the concluding lines where the plea for rescue intensifies the emotional depth of the poem.

Imagery of the poem

The poem is rich in imagery that conveys the emotional depth of the speaker's experiences. Some notable examples include:

1. **"It’s a long way from the warmth / Of a loving and loved parent"** - This image evokes the comfort and emotional security associated with a loving parent.

2. **"Palpable as flowers as a loaf of fresh bread"** - The use of flowers and fresh bread creates sensory imagery, emphasizing the tangible and comforting aspects of parental love.

3. **"Scientific though you say you are / You feel haunted by uncountable demons"** - The imagery of being haunted by demons adds a layer of emotional struggle, illustrating the internal conflicts faced by the speaker.

4. **"And intractable deflates you"** - This image suggests a sense of defeat or loss, as if the speaker's resilience is diminishing in the face of challenges.

5. **"I pick up pieces of my father / From all the uncles I meet"** - The image of picking up pieces and attempting to construct a father from various sources captures the speaker's quest for identity and connection.

6. **"Your whole being is a trapped tangle / And you gasp shuddering again"** - This vivid image conveys a sense of entrapment and the physical and emotional toll it takes on the speaker.

These images collectively contribute to the overall atmosphere of the poem, allowing readers to visualize and empathize with the speaker's emotional journey.

Symbolism of the poem

The poem employs several symbols that add depth to its themes:

1. **"Hugs and kisses and mischief"** - These symbols represent the warmth and affection in a loving parent-child relationship, contrasting with the speaker's current emotional state.

2. **"A loaf of fresh bread"** - Symbolizing sustenance and nourishment, this image reinforces the idea of a nurturing and caring parental presence.

3. **"Scientific though you say you are / You feel haunted by uncountable demons"** - The scientific persona may symbolize a rational or detached approach to life, while the "uncountable demons" symbolize the internal struggles and emotional challenges that transcend logical explanations.

4. **"I pick up pieces of my father / From all the uncles I meet"** - The pieces of the father symbolize fragmented identity, and the act of picking them up from uncles suggests a search for identity through various influences.

5. **"Your whole being is a trapped tangle"** - Symbolizing emotional entrapment or confusion, this image captures the complexities and challenges faced by the speaker in understanding their familial relationships.

6. **"In the heat of your cold sweat"** - This juxtaposition of heat and cold sweat symbolizes the internal conflict and anxiety experienced by the speaker.

7. **"When the deal comes down"** - This phrase serves as a symbolic representation of a critical moment or turning point in the speaker's life, emphasizing the gravity of the situation they find themselves in.

These symbols contribute to the poem's layers of meaning, allowing readers to interpret and engage with the themes on a symbolic level, beyond the literal narrative.

Metaphors and similes

The poem incorporates metaphors and similes to enhance its expressive quality:

1. **Metaphor: "Palpable as flowers as a loaf of fresh bread"** - This metaphor compares the warmth, love, and care of a parent to something tangible, making the abstract qualities of affection more concrete.

2. **Metaphor: "Through the child’s anguish / Which has ambushed her laughter"** - The anguish ambushing laughter serves as a metaphor for the emotional turmoil affecting the speaker's joy and innocence.

3. **Simile: "Your whole being is a trapped tangle"** - This simile compares the speaker's emotional state to a trapped tangle, vividly conveying the complexity and entanglement of their feelings.

4. **Metaphor: "I pick up pieces of my father / From all the uncles I meet"** - The pieces of the father represent fragmented aspects of identity, using the metaphor to convey the challenges in understanding and connecting with one's paternal heritage.

5. **Simile: "As the young voice now barbed / And intractable deflates you"** - The simile compares the young voice to something barbed, emphasizing the sharpness and difficulty in the communication, and the deflation adds a metaphorical layer of diminishing strength or resilience.

6. **Metaphor: "And you scream / RESCUE ME!"** - The plea for rescue is a metaphor for the speaker's desire for relief from their emotional struggles, symbolizing a cry for help.

These literary devices contribute to the poem's vivid and evocative language, allowing readers to connect emotionally with the experiences and struggles described by the speaker.

Language and diction

The language and diction in the poem are poignant and reflective, contributing to the overall emotional impact. Here are some aspects of the language and diction:

1. **Formal Diction:** The use of formal language, such as "reticent," "dialectics," and "anguish," lends a serious and introspective tone to the poem.

2. **Conversational Tone:** Despite the formality, there's a conversational tone in the dialogue between the speaker and the child. Phrases like "Papa everything has a reason, right?" and "say… what are you saying" add a personal and intimate touch.

3. **Imagery-Driven Language:** The poet employs vivid and sensory language, using images like "loaf of fresh bread," "haunted by uncountable demons," and "trapped tangle" to evoke emotions and create a vivid mental picture for the reader.

4. **Symbolic Language:** The poem uses symbolic language to convey deeper meanings, as seen in phrases like "pieces of my father" and "when the deal comes down," adding layers of interpretation.

5. **Metaphorical Expressions:** Metaphors, such as "ambushed her laughter" and "scientific though you say you are," provide figurative expressions that enhance the emotional and intellectual resonance of the poem.

6. **Repetition:** The repetition of phrases like "You know Papa" and "I do not know my father" emphasizes key points, underlining the speaker's concerns and the recurring themes of identity and familial relationships.

7. **Juxtaposition:** The poem juxtaposes contrasting elements, like "heat of your cold sweat," creating a sense of tension and conflict within the language itself.

The careful choice of words and the interplay of various literary devices contribute to the effectiveness of the poem, allowing readers to engage with its themes and emotions on multiple levels.

Structure of the poem

The poem is structured in free verse, lacking a strict rhyme scheme or meter. This free-form structure allows for a natural flow of language and contributes to the conversational tone. Here are some structural elements:

1. **Stanzas:** The poem is divided into stanzas of varying lengths. The irregular stanza lengths contribute to the organic and unconfined feel of the poem.

2. **Enjambment:** Many lines run into the next without a pause, creating enjambment. This technique enhances the continuity of the narrative and contributes to the conversational flow.

3. **Dialogue:** The use of dialogue between the speaker and the child adds a dynamic element to the structure. It creates a sense of interaction and allows for the expression of different perspectives within the poem.

4. **Shifts in Tone:** The poem exhibits shifts in tone, moving from nostalgic reflections on parental warmth to moments of tension and urgency. These shifts contribute to the emotional complexity of the poem.

5. **Repetition:** The repetition of certain phrases, like "You know Papa" and "I do not know my father," emphasizes key themes and concerns, creating a rhythmic element within the free verse structure.

6. **Punctuation:** The poem uses punctuation, such as ellipses (...) and exclamation marks, strategically. Ellipses indicate pauses or hesitation, while exclamation marks convey moments of heightened emotion.

7. **Culmination:** The poem builds toward a culmination with the repeated phrase "When the deal comes down," suggesting a climax or turning point in the speaker's reflections.

The overall structure contributes to the organic and expressive nature of the poem, allowing the reader to navigate the emotional journey of the speaker in a nuanced and engaging way.

Syntax of the poem

The syntax of the poem is varied and contributes to its overall tone and meaning:

1. **Complex Sentences:** The poem often employs complex sentence structures, reflecting the depth and complexity of the speaker's thoughts and emotions. For example, "In the heat of your cold sweat / Reeling and wading through the stench / Of your dream turned juggernaut" comprises a complex sentence conveying intense emotions.

2. **Interrogative Sentences:** The use of interrogative sentences, such as "Papa everything has a reason right?" and "But… say… what are you saying," reflects the speaker's engagement in a dialogue, creating an intimate and questioning tone.

3. **Imperative Sentences:** Imperative sentences like "RESCUE ME!" add a sense of urgency and desperation, intensifying the emotional impact of the plea.

4. **Parallel Structure:** The poem occasionally employs parallel structure, as seen in the repeated phrases like "You know Papa" and "I do not know my father." This repetition contributes to a rhythmic and emphatic quality.

5. **Fragmentation:** The poem uses fragmented syntax in lines like "Scientific though you say you are / You feel haunted by uncountable demons," creating a sense of interruption or internal conflict.

6. **Ellipses:** The use of ellipses (...) at times suggests pauses, hesitation, or a continuation of unspoken thoughts, adding nuance to the rhythm of the poem.

The varied syntax contributes to the conversational and introspective nature of the poem, allowing for a nuanced exploration of the speaker's internal struggles and reflections on family dynamics.

Context of the poem.

The poem "When the Deal Goes Down" by Keorapetse Kgositsile appears to be a reflection on family relationships, identity, and emotional struggles. However, without additional information about the poet's life or the specific context in which the poem was written, it's challenging to provide a detailed interpretation.

Keorapetse Kgositsile, a South African poet and political activist who passed away in 2018, often addressed themes of identity, apartheid, and social justice in his work. Given the historical context of apartheid in South Africa, it's possible that the poem reflects broader societal issues and the impact of political and social conditions on personal relationships.

Understanding the poet's background, the socio-political context of the time, and any personal experiences that may have influenced the creation of the poem would provide a more comprehensive interpretation. If there are specific details about the poet's life or historical events during the time of writing, it would be helpful in gaining a deeper understanding of the poem's context.