Question

In the first part of the poem (stanza 1 and 2), the speaker says that he will rest now (line 1-2) and begin to 'enjoy flowers without twisting them/ into torturous metaphors' (lines 5-6). why do you think the speaker could not enjoy things before? why has he not been resting? sudden yellow sign

Answer 1

Sudden Yellow Sign is an exceptional poem written by Tatamkhulu Afriak.

Explanation:

• The poet could not enjoy things before since he found everything uninteresting and boring.  This is one of the reasons why he felt restless.

• Everything looked the same to him. He thought life had lost its colours.  

• He felt agitated and kept on twisting the flowers without plucking them.

• Seeing the yellow sign gave him hope and joy of a vibrant future.

• He wants to feel lively.

Answer 2

The poet is saying that he seems immune to emotions and feelings.

Explanation:

• The poet is saying that he seems immune to emotions and feelings.
• The poet is saying that he has lost his interest in the things around him. Nothing pleases him anymore that's why he wants to take rest now.
• Because he feels that his life has no purpose now.
• But suddenly he sees a yellow flower which gives him a ray of hope and he keeps twisting the flower enjoying the pleasure that he receives from it.