Analysis of a poem titled Shantytown. The author of the poem is anonymous

1. Shantytown- Anonymous

2. Shantytown
 A shantytown is a deprived area on the
outskirts of a town consisting mostly of
shanties. (Houses built from corrugated
metal, plastics, and cardboard boxes).
 Poor section of a town consisting
mostly of shanties.
Life in a shantytown:
 People do not have electricity,
 proper sanitation
 safe water supply
 clean streets

3. Summary
Shantytown describes life in Jabavu; a very
poor section of Soweto, Johannesburg.
The poet describes the township in 3 stanzas.

4. Stanza 1
 Describes the physical environment of the township.
 Where is Jabavu situated?
 l1 suggests that Jabavu is isolated or situated far from the city. (veld, plain)
 l2 there are no proper roads and electricity in Jabavu. (far from the streets, and
lights and cars)
 l3 there are no trees or grass in Jabavu. (bare)

5. Stanza 2
 Stanza 2 goes into deeper detail about the sufferings the people of Jabavu experience
during winter.
 They are freezing and sick.
 l6 there is no proper healthcare; children are sick; no access to healthcare facilities.
(children cough)
 l7 it becomes very cold during the night.
 l8-11 the poet continues to emphasise the sufferings people experience in winter.

6. Stanza 2
 l12-14 The ground is dusty and rocky and people still feel the cold. Some people
sleep on the cold ground.
 l15 people do not have much to protect themselves from the cold. They have thin
cotton blankets, rags and sacks.

7. Stanza 3
 Stanza 3 takes us into the hopeful future of Jabavu.
 Despite the awful conditions, the poet dreams of something better. He is optimistic.
 l17 the poet is referring to the future and he is hopeful. One day Jabavu will awake
from its sleep (sufferings)
 l18 new beginnings, great changes.
 l19-20 healthcare will improve, there will be no or few sicknesses. People will be
happy and joyful.

8. Stanza 3
 l21 Jabavu will be beautiful and peaceful. Everything will brighten up.
 l22 Well built houses, proper houses with electricity.
 l23-24 in the mean time Jabavu is still suffering but there is hope

9. Jabavu then and now