Analysing the poem ‘Kumukanda’ by Kayo Chingonyi
I can explain how Chingonyi uses language, form and structure to express his viewpoint.
Analysing the poem ‘Kumukanda’ by Kayo Chingonyi
I can explain how Chingonyi uses language, form and structure to express his viewpoint.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The river in the poem could symbolise rebirth and the loss of childhood innocence.
- The story of looking after his ill mother becomes the coming of age initiation he missed out on by moving to the UK.
- In the final stanza, Chingonyi reflects on what his life would have been like if he had not left Zambia.
- In the final stanza, the idea of language is used to underline his lack of belonging.
- Enjambment is used in the poem which could also link to the river, arguably symbolising separation and distance.
Keywords
Emphasise - highlight or stress the importance of something
Enjambment - continuation of a sentence without a pause beyond the end of a line of poetry
Significant - having great importance or meaning
Symbolism - using concrete objects or actions to represent deeper meanings or abstract ideas
Common misconception
The speaker feels as though he doesn't belong in either 'home' (Zambia or the UK).
The speaker seems to identify more with his African culture, reflecting on how his identity is "unfinished" which implies it isn't lost completely.
Equipment
You will need a copy of the Edexcel GCSE Poetry Anthology ('Belonging' cluster).
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
highlight or stress the importance of something
having great importance or meaning
the ability to persuade someone to believe or agree with something