The Candle

Poet of "Candle"

Chris van Wyk (1957–2014), Johannesburg-born writer, editor and poet, raised in Riverlea

Chris van Wyk's writing style

Used humour and sharp satire to challenge apartheid, blending protest with everyday language

Notable works by Chris van Wyk

Shirley, Goodness & Mercy (memoir) and several children's books

Form of the poem "Candle"

Free verse; no fixed rhyme or meter

Central metaphor of "Candle"

The candle's light symbolises education and knowledge as a form of resistance

Stanza 1 summary

The speaker urgently commands "Read brother read" as the wax melts fast; the shadows become obdurate and mock the reader like a silent stage

Stanza 2 summary

Wax pools in the saucer and the gloomy shadows grow longer, showing darkness spreading as the flame weakens

Stanza 3 summary

Only the red wick still glows; the speaker repeats that it is not yet dark, urging persistence while any light remains

Overall structure of the poem

The candle's light recedes from a full flame to a single ember, mirroring the poem's mounting urgency

Theme: Time and urgency

The melting wax and lengthening shadows act like a countdown clock, showing time running out

Theme: Perseverance and hope

The refrain "It is not yet dark" acts as a lifeline, urging the reader to keep going

Theme: Knowledge as resistance

The refrain "Read brother read" frames reading as an act of defiance, where light = enlightenment and darkness = ignorance or oppression

Personification of the shadows

The shadows are described as "obdurate" (stubborn) and shown "laughing" - human traits that make the darkness feel like an active, mocking threat

Effect of personifying the shadows

Makes the encroaching gloom feel menacing and intentional, increasing the urgency to resist through reading

Theatre metaphor in the poem

Phrases like "mock pantomimes" and "silent stage whispers" frame life as a performance, with darkness as the oppressive audience and the candle as the lone actor

Function of the repetition "Read brother read"

Structures the poem's three movements, works as an urgent command, and reinforces that education must be repeated, remembered and acted upon

Symbol: the candle's light

Represents knowledge and enlightenment

Symbol: melting wax

Represents the passage of time and mortality

Symbol: the red wick

Represents lingering hope even as the flame nearly goes out

Meaning of "It is not yet dark"

A call to persevere - as long as any light remains, action is still possible

Key term: Candle

A source of light symbolising knowledge and resistance

Key term: Wax

The material that melts, representing the passage of time

Key term: Wick

The remaining red ember, a symbol of lingering hope

Key term: Shadows

Personified darkness that mocks and obstructs understanding

Key term: Obdurate

Stubborn; used to describe the unyielding nature of the shadows

Key term: Refrain

The repeated line "Read brother read", structuring the poem

Key term: Theatre metaphor

Language that frames life as a performance, emphasising drama and opposition

Q1(a): Phrase showing anxiety about time passing

"The wax is melting fast" (or "the silhouettes of gloom grow longer" / "Only the wick shines red now")

Q1(b): How does the quoted phrase emphasise time?

"The wax is melting fast" shows time running out quickly - as the candle burns down, the opportunity to read or learn becomes shorter

Q2(a): Words/phrases supporting the extended metaphor

Any two of: wax, wick, shines red, not yet dark, shadows, silhouettes of gloom

Q2(b): How are the shadows personified?

The shadows "mock" and "laugh" - human actions that make the darkness seem threatening and alive

Q3: Effect of repeating "read brother read"

Creates urgency and encouragement; the speaker pleads with the brother to keep reading before the candle burns out, emphasising education, learning and perseverance

Q4.1 Match: The melting wax

The passing of time

Q4.2 Match: Shadows

Darkness or approaching danger

Q4.3 Match: The wick shining red

The last bit of hope or life remaining

Q4.4 Match: "It is not yet dark"

Reassurance and encouragement

Q5.1: The tone of the poem is mainly

Urgent

Q5.2: The speaker repeats "read brother read" to

Show urgency and encouragement

Q5.3: The candle mainly represents

Time and life passing

Q5.4: "It is not yet dark" suggests

There is still hope