Submitted in accordance with the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of African Languages at the University of Zululand, 2000. / This study focuses on the explication of some aspects of Christian Themba Msimang's poetry. The aspects that are explored are themes, imagery and form. The investigation is broadened by employing three text-oriented approaches: The Russian Formalists, New Criticism and Structuralists theories. The introductory chapter entails the general introduction, statement of the problem, approaches to the study, delimitation, background and historical survey of isiZulu poetry. In Chapter 2, various themes are explored in relation to spatial and temporal settings. Themes are approached from various perspectives and dimensions. They draw together the poet (as a sender) and the reader (as a receiver) through the text (the surveyed work). In Chapter 3, imagery is examined as descriptive images that are based on comparison, resemblance and association. The broader understanding, significance and the effective use of imagery are looked at from relevant examples cited as poetic diction, line, stanza or the whole poem. Chapter 4 is based on further surveyance of imagery. The images on contrasts and differences are cited and analysed. More emphasis is on secondary or connotative meanings for poetic and artistic value. The images are looked at as spontaneous and rhythmic poetic constructions. Chapter 5 deals with form. The "literariness" of the work is structurally determined from the organization of sounds, words, meanings and stanzas. Highly developed artistic form is evident as it combines poetry and rhetoric. The last chapter concludes with the evaluations and recommendations. The examined aspects are evaluated in relation to approaches for future research plans that could be undertaken.

A dissertation submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Masters of Arts in the Department of African Languages at the University of Zululand, 1999. / The aim of this study is to see if Msimang does emulate the plasticity of the sculptor. Does he make us see and feel what he desires us to see and feel in his poetry? It is the aim of this study to see if the form and substance in his poetry are well blended.