Raditladi's use of metaphor in selected poems

Abstract

This study focuses on the use of metaphor in three poems by Raditladi. The three poems have a common theme, namely, death. The presence and function of imagery in the poetry of Raditladi have been investigated in other studies. However, no extensive discussion of metaphor has been undertaken in these studies. The study of metaphor in the three poems reveals the role metaphor plays in connecting seemingly unrelated experiences of our lives. The metaphors in the three poems form a coherent system with the most fundamental concepts in culture. The dissertation proides a description of how metaphor is constructed in several ways, using language and elements drawn from our perceptions and experiences of what happens and exists in society. There is a strong link between the metaphors and symbolism found in the three poems. The symbolism revealed is mainly universal and partly traditional and limited. A partial comprehension of the reality of death and its effects results from the study of metaphor in the poems, and it is concluded that the metaphors in the poems may have relevance to contemporary society and culture.