Complete Analysis of At a Snail's Pace, Please by Oswald Mbuyiseni Mtshali

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General Introduction

"At a Snail's Pace, Please" by Oswald Mbuyiseni Mtshali is a vivid and contemplative poem that juxtaposes the slow, deliberate movements of a chameleon and a snail with the chaotic and often fatal speed of modern vehicles. Mtshali uses rich imagery and metaphor to explore themes of patience, the impact of technology on nature, and the consequences of human recklessness. The poem critiques the frantic pace of contemporary life and suggests a more measured, mindful approach to living.

 Title

The title "At a Snail's Pace, Please" sets the tone for the poem, emphasizing slowness and deliberation. It serves as a plea for patience and a slower lifestyle, contrasting sharply with the high-speed chaos depicted later in the poem.

 Themes

1. Patience and Deliberation: 

   The poem begins with the slow, meticulous actions of a chameleon and a snail, symbolizing patience and careful progress. "At the tip of a chameleon's tongue / there is a pot of boiling glue / to cook flies for breakfast" and "Under the belly of every snail / lies a tank full of a low-octane petrol."

2. Nature vs. Technology: 

   The natural, deliberate movement of the chameleon and snail is contrasted with the "American mechanical monsters" that dominate the highways. This theme is highlighted by the lines "It is overtaken by American mechanical monsters, / drunk with gallons of gasoline."

3. Consequences of Speed: 

   The poem graphically depicts the aftermath of speeding vehicles, showing the carnage they leave behind: "that leave highways strewn / with gory confetti of corpses." This emphasizes the destructive consequences of haste.

4. Human Recklessness: 

   The reckless behavior of drivers is a central theme, illustrated by the chaos they cause: "Ambulances sound shrill sirens, / tearing the silky shawl of the night's silence." The speed and carelessness lead to tragedy and loss.

5. Contrasting Lifestyles: 

   The peaceful, undisturbed lives of the snail and chameleon are set against the frenetic, dangerous human activities. This contrast is evident in "look at the snail / slumbering / in his shell. / See the chameleon / cosy under her quilted coat."

 Literary Devices

1. Metaphor: 

   The poem is rich in metaphor, using the chameleon's tongue and the snail's movement to symbolize patience and slow progress. "At the tip of a chameleon's tongue / there is a pot of boiling glue" and "Under the belly of every snail / lies a tank full of a low-octane petrol."

2. Imagery: 

   Vivid imagery paints a clear picture of the scenes described, such as "gory confetti of corpses" and "twisted wrecks coated with fresh blood." These images effectively convey the contrast between calm nature and violent human actions.

3. Personification: 

   The poem personifies the snail and chameleon, attributing human-like qualities to them to emphasize their deliberate actions. "slumbering / in his shell" and "cosy under her quilted coat."

4. Alliteration: 

   The use of alliteration adds a rhythmic quality to the poem, as seen in "boiling glue" and "gory confetti of corpses."

5. Onomatopoeia: 

   The word "Bang!" captures the sudden, loud noise of a car crash, enhancing the auditory imagery of the scene.

6. Simile: 

   A simile compares the chameleon’s movement to a trapeze artist's act, emphasizing its careful, calculated actions: "on a slow tightwire walk / like a trapeze artist."

 Language and Mood

The language of the poem is descriptive and evocative, filled with rich imagery and metaphors. The mood shifts from the calm, methodical actions of the chameleon and snail to the chaotic, violent aftermath of human recklessness. The contrast between these moods underscores the poem's central message about the value of slowness and the dangers of speed.

 Context

Oswald Mbuyiseni Mtshali is a South African poet whose work often explores themes of daily life, nature, and societal issues. "At a Snail's Pace, Please" reflects his broader concerns with the impact of modernization and technology on traditional ways of life. The poem can be seen as a critique of the fast-paced, high-stress nature of contemporary society, advocating for a return to more measured, mindful living.

 Conclusion

"At a Snail's Pace, Please" by Oswald Mbuyiseni Mtshali is a powerful meditation on the virtues of patience and the perils of haste. Through vivid imagery, metaphor, and personification, Mtshali contrasts the peaceful, deliberate movements of a chameleon and a snail with the chaotic, destructive speed of modern vehicles. The poem ultimately serves as a call to slow down and appreciate the value of a more mindful, deliberate approach to life.