The Symbolism of the Sun in Charles Mungoshi, "Before the Sun"

The sun claims a central role in Charles Mungoshi´s Before the Sun, as can already be derived from the appellation. Upon closer reading, one can detect a three-fold symbolisationicism relating to the sun, primarily as a representant of life, but also in a religious sense.

There is, apart from the diverse metaphorical meanings, a strong thread of literal descriptions throughout the poesy. The first intimacy that immediately strikes the reader is the simplicity of the language as fountainhead as the story-line. Over these, it is easy to oversee the deeper meanings. The description of the pound as big sounds plain, almost pathetic. The only simile containing resourcefulness is the description of the sunrise as some/ latecomer to a bed covering. This lack complete lack of sophisticated language aid the development of a colloquial relationship between the boy and the sun, which is personified through the way the boy treats it simply as a friend. The boy waits for the sun, suggesting childish impatience through the word lastly. The sun winks, but the poet does not leave it at that, he adds LIKE a grown-up.



Is the emphasis put on similar, the line may be interpreted as the poem´s most direct statement that the sun is so not a grown-up,and therefore,a child, contrasting sharply with the image of world power and potence that the sun has in references throughout literary history.

Another come about image is that of sanctity. It is most obviously expressed in the dickens references to sacrifice, the smoke a scrificial prayer, as well as the offering of the cobs of maize, reminding of food offerings to sun deities as a symbol of worship practised by various ancient cultures. The title Before the Sun immediately paints an image of someone rest in prayer and again strengthens the idea of sacrifice. Also,

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