Themes and Possible Aims:
* Existential Loneliness and Alienation: The poem portrays a deep sense of isolation and detachment from the world, suggesting a search for meaning and connection in the face of existential emptiness. The aim could be to express this profound loneliness and its impact on the speaker's psyche.
* Identity and Displacement: The poem explores themes of identity and displacement, with the speaker feeling both physically and emotionally exiled. This could aim to highlight the struggle of finding oneself in a world that feels foreign and unwelcoming.
* Loss and Yearning: The poem evokes a feeling of loss and yearning, suggesting a longing for something that cannot be retrieved. The aim might be to express the pain of loss and the persistent desire for what is unattainable.
* The Power of Memory: Memory plays a crucial role in the poem, serving as both a source of solace and a catalyst for pain. The aim could be to explore the complexities of memory and its influence on our present experiences.
Additional Considerations:
* Nortje's own life: The poem's themes of exile and loneliness are particularly poignant considering Nortje's personal struggles with mental illness and social isolation. This suggests a possible aim of reflecting on his own experiences and communicating the internal turmoil he faced.
* Literary context: "In Exile" can be seen in the context of South African literature, which often explores themes of isolation, displacement, and the search for identity in a racially divided society. This adds another layer of meaning to the poem's communicative aim.
Conclusion:
Ultimately, the communicative aim of "In Exile" is multifaceted and open to individual interpretation. However, it is clear that the poem powerfully conveys the human experience of loneliness, displacement, loss, and the yearning for connection in a world that can feel isolating and uncaring.