This thesis is a critical examination of the poetry of S. M. Bums-Ncamashe. In his
poetry Bums-Ncamashe handles poems of different categories; namely praise poetry,
elegiac poetry, didactic poetry and protest poetry. He also employs a number of devices
that determine amongst others, the form and imagery of his poetry. They are also used
to add clarity to the meaning of his poetry. All this is discussed in the chapters
numerated below:
Chapter one outlines the basic guidelines to be followed in this study. It presents the aim
of the study, scope of the work and method of research. A definition of the concept
poetry is also provided in this chapter. The biography of Bums-Ncamashe and the
influence of his background on his poetry are also part of this first chapter.
Chapter two discusses the characteristics of Bums-N camashe' s praise poetry and the
functions this poetry fulfils.
Chapter three is a discussion ofBums-Ncamashe's elegiac, didactic and protest poetry.
Chapter four discusses the devices that determine the form ofBums-Ncamashe's poetry.
These include repetition, contrast, compounding, ideophones, and interjectives.
Chapter five concentrates on imagery and other aspects of Bums-Ncamashe's poetry.
Imagery is discussed from the viewpoint of simile, metaphor, personification and
symbolism. Also included in this chapter is euphemism, hyperbole, idiomatic
expressions, humour, satire and adaptation.
Chapter six is a concluding chapter in which some findings and recommendations from
the entire study are reflected upon.African LanguagesD.Litt. et Phil. (African Languages
