These notes come from myself, who passed matric of 2023 with an overall average of 87% in each subject i took.
This document contains a full analysis of the prescribed Matric IEB poem: Strangers Forever. The poem has been broken down and analysed line by line to ensure it is fully understood by th...
No matter how hard we try, we never truly open ourselves to others, nor ever truly relate to
others.
Part of us remains forever hidden.
Poet’s Intention:
The title summarises the intention – no matter how hard we try, there is always a part of is
that we are unable to communicate with others.
This suggests a possible “secret” or something too personal to allow others to intrude upon.
The poem speaks of self-understanding and the need to be in touch with others. It points
out that we constantly strive to understand ourselves but are never wholly successful.
It also suggests that life is a journey we share with others. But we meet by chance and out
destination remains unknown. The poet’s comment is that we must all undertake this
journey but without full knowledge of where we’re going.
Structure:
Although the poem is not divided into stanza, there is a clear division, marked by
punctuation and linked ideas.
Written in free verse which allows the poem to flow easily.
It also helps to create the idea that the audience is listening to the poet present his
ideas (a monologue or sorts)
Mood/ Tone:
Sadness/ loss in the miscommunication with others and ourselves: As if we are condemned
to a life of separation, illusion, and delusion.
The concluding line, with its overtones of isolation and apartness, ends the poem on a note
of finality. In some way, be it however small, we are all “Strangers Forever”.
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