... a powerful atmosphere, making use of paradoxical and often unpleasant imagery to carry its themes across with a certain power. Each stanza is a single sentence, with no particular rhyme scheme, which adds to the uncomfortable atmosphere of the poem. Focusing on the title, one can immediately see the basic subject of the poem. It takes a similar format to a family portrait; different characters in the same setting, held together as a family and bound by circumstance. There is perhaps a hint of bitterness in the title as a family portrait is likely to be idealized and sentimental. The poem contradicts this notion by present a harsh reality, with the focus on the darker elements of life, using references to crime, drugs and so forth to emphasize this point. There is use of South African terms and ideas, evident in the use of language such as "braaivleis". The reference to mandrax ...

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