Poem and Analysis of Car Thief by Charl-pierre Naude

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Car Thief by Charl-pierre Naude

Sunset. I'm peacefully on my way to Eldorado  

in my old sixties car when a hitcher  

stops me. “Are you a traffic cop?” he asks — pissed, he adds, “I'm a car salesman. ... Hey, way to go!  

This hippy-buggy's got a left-hand drive!”  

Delirium, I reckon. We pull off. “My wheel's on the right,” says he, as we go: "But whitey, you're the passenger..."  

and holds a pistol to my head. “Relax, nothing serious,

JUST GET YOUR ARSE OUT OF HERE OR I'LL LINE YOU WITH LEAD!” I turn. "Wa-wait, I'm no nuclear storage tank..."  

He asks: “What you want to take with?" I say: "My piggybank.”  

“Sure, I'm not a thief. I love God too. Soon we'll all be dead.”  

Refrain  

"Ag please, polish her tyres with yellow margarine!"  

“Okay. What's her name?” Unashamed I cry: “Yellow submarine …”

Analysis

General Introduction

"Car Thief" narrates an unsettling encounter between the speaker and a hitchhiker, which quickly turns into a dangerous situation. The poem is infused with tension and absurdity, reflecting on themes of fear, absurdity, and survival.

Title

The title "Car Thief" immediately sets up an expectation of crime and danger, preparing the reader for a narrative that revolves around theft and possibly violence.

Stanza-by-Stanza Analysis

Lines 1-4:

Sunset. I'm peacefully on my way to Eldorado

in my old sixties car when a hitcher

stops me. “Are you a traffic cop?” he asks — pissed, he adds, “I'm a car salesman. ... Hey, way to go!

This hippy-buggy's got a left-hand drive!”

- The poem opens with a serene setting that quickly turns ominous with the introduction of the hitchhiker. The casual conversation contrasts sharply with the escalating tension.

Lines 5-7:

Delirium, I reckon. We pull off. “My wheel's on the right,” says he, as we go: "But whitey, you're the passenger..."

and holds a pistol to my head. “Relax, nothing serious,

- The hitchhiker’s erratic behavior hints at possible mental instability. The situation takes a dark turn as the hitchhiker brandishes a weapon, turning a mundane encounter into a life-threatening one.

Lines 8-10:

JUST GET YOUR ARSE OUT OF HERE OR I'LL LINE YOU WITH LEAD!” I turn. "Wa-wait, I'm no nuclear storage tank..."

He asks: “What you want to take with?" I say: "My piggybank.”

“Sure, I'm not a thief. I love God too. Soon we'll all be dead.”

- The speaker’s response is both humorous and desperate, trying to de-escalate the situation. The hitchhiker’s contradictory statements about being a thief and loving God add to the surreal and absurd nature of the encounter.

Lines 11-13:

Refrain

"Ag please, polish her tyres with yellow margarine!"

“Okay. What's her name?” Unashamed I cry: “Yellow submarine …”

- The poem concludes with a bizarre exchange, highlighting the absurdity of the situation. The reference to "Yellow Submarine" suggests a retreat into a surreal, almost psychedelic mindset as a coping mechanism.

Themes

1. Fear and Survival: The immediate threat to the speaker’s life underscores the primal instinct for survival.

2. Absurdity and Irony: The poem is filled with absurd and ironic elements, reflecting the unpredictability and irrationality of human behavior.

3. Human Connection: Despite the danger, there is a brief moment of human connection, albeit strange and unsettling.

Structure and Form

The poem is structured in free verse, which allows for a fluid and natural narrative flow, reflecting the chaotic and unpredictable nature of the encounter.

Literary Devices

1. Imagery: Vivid descriptions like “sunset” and “old sixties car” create a strong visual backdrop.

2. Irony: The hitchhiker’s claim of not being a thief despite holding a gun to the speaker’s head is deeply ironic.

3. Dialogue: The use of direct speech adds immediacy and realism to the narrative.

Language and Diction

The language is conversational and colloquial, enhancing the relatability of the speaker and the absurdity of the situation.

Mood and Tone

The mood shifts from peaceful to tense and absurd. The tone is a mix of humor and desperation, reflecting the speaker’s attempts to navigate the dangerous encounter.

Context

The poem can be seen as a reflection on the unpredictability of life and human encounters, highlighting how quickly a peaceful moment can turn into a life-threatening situation.

Conclusion

"Car Thief" is a gripping narrative that uses humor and absurdity to e

xplore themes of fear, survival, and human unpredictability.