Analysis

Here is a summary of the analysis of “Kidnapped” by Ruperake Petaia.

As concerns its outer composition, “Kidnapped” is organised in seven stanzas of different lengths, written in free verse. The poem’s inner composition (the way the content is organised) reveals that each stanza conveys a different image or idea.

The poem includes a lyrical speaker or narrator and three collective characters: the speaker’s parents, teachers, and schoolmates. The speaker comes across as critical of cultural imperialism, represented by the imposition of a westernised educational system in the former colonies.

The effect of the language and style make the poem come across as narrative rather than poetic. What gives the poem lyrical qualities is the extensive use of metaphorical, playful language. Regarding imagery, each stanza conveys a different image—the speaker going to school, the teachers, the lessons, the parents, the graduation.

You can find the full analysis of the poem in the next pages.