Portrait of a loaf of Bread Flashcards
What does Oswald Mbuyiseni Mtshali reflect on, in most of his poetry?
His poetry inevitably reflects his harsh experiences under apartheid. He observes bitterly the grimy beer halls, the crowded trains, the slum housing, and the harsh working conditions that make up the lot of black Africans in South Africa.
His bitterness finds expression in brilliantly controlled lines etched with ____. Mtshali’s poetry is remarkable for its evocative imagery, and his confident and unexpected similes have a rich emotional impact.
irony
What is the significance of the title? (2)
- The significance of the title is that the ‘portrait’ encompasses the entire process
of bread from wheat to table. - The images provided give the reader an artistic rendering so that we can envision
each of the steps that lead to the bread finally being eaten.
What doe sthe indetation of lines 7-10 suggest?
The indentation of lines 7-10 suggests that the process of the raw materials and the making of bread are two separate processes. The process has advanced.
What does the use of the strong verbs, ‘kneaded’, ‘churned’ and ‘spat’ provide a sense of?
The use of the strong verbs, ‘kneaded’, ‘churned’ and ‘spat’ provide a sense of the effort that is involved in making bread.
What figure of speech is the line ‘mountains of dough’?
The ‘mountains of dough’ is a metaphor that allows the reader to envision how much dough is required for the process.
What figure of speech is the line ‘spat into pans as red hot as Satan’s cauldron’? (2)
- The simile, ‘spat into pans as red hot as Satan’s cauldron’ gives us a sense of the immense heat that is required and allows us to consider that it may be a dangerous, labour-intensive process.
- It could also refer to the oppressive conditions in which the workers are expected to produce bread being similar to hell.
What does the second stanza provide the reader insight to?
The second stanza provides the reader with the next step in the process – the delivery of the bread to the café.
‘warmly wrapped in cellophane’ is _____ in that we can picture the steam captured under the cellophane which makes it enticing.
evocative
What is the significance of the repetition of ‘w’?
The alliteration reinforces the warmth with the repetition of the ‘w’ which suggests both the literal warmth of the loaf and the comforting warmth which freshly baked bread gives us.
The simplicity of the “ ‘ Eat Fresh Bread’ bakery van” _____ the pleasure of eating fresh bread. ‘waiting cook’ continues the process from field to table.
understates
Why does the rhythm become faster?
The rhythm becomes faster suggesting the decisive actions required to get the toast ready for ‘the food-bedecked table.’ The phrase conjures up images of a lavish spread of which fresh toast is a part of what is offered.
What does the quicker rhythm suggest?
The quicker rhythm suggests that the efforts by the ‘waiting cook’ have been purposeful to complete the elaborate spread. Although there is a variety of food on offer and the bread is a staple, its freshness suggests that it is a desirable, essential part of what is on the table.
What is the tone in the first two stanzas?
There is an informative tone in the first two stanzas.
What are the connotations of ‘maul’?
The connotations of ‘maul’ suggest an attack and convey the ideas of tearing apart the bread with savagery.
