At The Bus Station Julius Chingono IGCSE Level Analysis
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mustardpenguin39At The Bus Station Julius Chingono IGCSE Level Analysis
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mustardpenguin39In the poem “At the Bus Station” by Julius Chingono, the theme of human
behaviour can be identified throughout. This piece of writing is a powerful
exploration of these behaviours as it depicts animalistic tendencies, chaotic
mannerisms and the brutalities of survival.
To begin with, the poem’s free verse structure is very messy and chaotic, excellently
reflecting people’s disorganized and unpredictable nature. The entire poem is in one
stanza, featuring only one rhyme near the beginning - nearly forgotten by the end -
short lines, enjambment and some caesura which build a sense of instability and
tension, also resembling a feeling of breathlessness, as well as the repetition of the
word “during” four times throughout. This highlights the effect of uncertainty
created across the composition.
Secondly, the poem explores the brutality of survival through the intensity of the
wording, one similar to advice, when compared to the mundane situation it
describes, thus creating an ironic comment on social order. In the first place, the
diction of “At the Bus Station” creates the effect of instructions due to the consistent
use of imperatives. For example, “pull down your tie/ or remove the tie/ to prevent
strangulation” features two imperatives - “pull down,” “remove” - that build this
impression of advice from the poetic I. Subsequently, the irony is constructed
through the lexis of violence as it strongly contrasts with the simplicity in the act of
getting on a bus. This can be seen in nouns like "strangulation" which create a very
aggressive tone as well as the allusion to death.
In addition, Chingono explores human behaviours through calculated
dehumanization and animalization. The excerpt “to avoid being undressed”
showcases an attempt to avoid an undignified exploit in a situation where chaos
seems to reign. The act of being undressed is often attributed to animals. This quote
depicts a sort of animalistic behaviour from both the person being stripped, as
indecency is often seen as a reflection of savagery, as well as from the person
uncovering them (whose presence is expressed through the diction in “being
undressed”) that displays abusive, aggressive and almost primal conduct.
Moreover, this poem highlights the theme of survival of the fittest as it depicts a
situation of violence one must prepare to overcome. The specific use of work related
clothing such as a tie or a buttoned shirt can lead to the conclusion that this bus trip
is a commute from one's job rather than tourism, making it possible that this writing
symbolizes the barbarities of industries and perhaps even the capitalist system which
thrives on an “each man for himself” ideology. This principle is one that can also be
seen reflected throughout interanimal dynamics.
In conclusion, “At the Bus Station” thoroughly explores the depths of human
behaviours as it describes the violence and chaos in which we live. It utilises irony,
animalization, specific diction and suggestive lexis in order to create an aggressive
tone, deepening the meaning behind every word.
