Songs By George Szirtes

 Songs By George Szirtes

For Helen Suzman

Nothing happens until something does. 

Everything remains just as it was

And all you hear is the distant buzz

Of nothing happening until something does.

A lot of small hands in a monstrous hall

can make the air vibrate

and even shake the wall;

a voice can break a plate

or glass, and one pale feather tip

the balance on a sinking ship.

It’s the very same tune that has been sung

time and again by those

whose heavy fate has hung

on the weight that they oppose,

the weight by which are crushed

the broken voices of the hushed.

But give certain people a place to stand

a lever, a fulcrum, a weight,

however small the hand

the object however great,

it is possible to prove

that even Earth may be made to move.

Nothing happens until something does,

and hands, however small, 

fill the air so the buzz

of the broken fills the hall

as levers and fulcrums shift

and the heart, like a weight, begins to lift.

Nothing happens until something does.

Everything remains just as it was

And all you can hear is the distant buzz

Of nothing happening. Then something does.

Analysis of Song  by George Szirtes

Background

The poem is a tribute to Helen Suzman, a South African politician who courageously opposed apartheid. For many years, she was one of the few voices speaking against injustice in South Africa. The poem celebrates how one determined person can inspire change, even when facing overwhelming opposition.

Plot Summary

The poem begins with the idea that nothing changes unless someone takes action. Society remains stagnant and silent while injustice continues.

The speaker then illustrates how small actions can have powerful consequences. A collection of small hands can shake a hall, a voice can shatter glass, and even a feather can affect the balance of a sinking ship.

The poem moves on to discuss people who have suffered oppression and whose voices have been silenced. Despite this, the poet argues that change becomes possible when ordinary people are given the opportunity and courage to act.

Using the scientific principle of a lever and fulcrum, the poet explains that even a small force can move something enormous. The poem ends optimistically, showing that collective action can transform society and bring hope.

Themes

1. Power of Individual Action

The central message is that one person can make a difference.

Evidence:

"Nothing happens until something does."

Explanation: Change requires action. Suzman represents the individual who refuses to remain silent.

2. Resistance Against Oppression

The poem recognises the suffering of people whose voices have been suppressed.

Evidence:

"the broken voices of the hushed"

Explanation: The poet highlights those who have been silenced by injustice and oppression.

3. Hope and Change

The poem moves from inactivity to action and transformation.

Evidence:

"Then something does."

Explanation: The ending suggests optimism and the possibility of social progress.

4. Collective Strength

Many small actions can combine to create significant change.

Evidence:

"A lot of small hands in a monstrous hall"

Explanation: Ordinary people working together possess great power.

5. Courage

Helen Suzman's determination serves as an example of bravery in the face of adversity.

Explanation: The poem celebrates moral courage and standing up for what is right.

Poetic Devices

1. Repetition

Example:

"Nothing happens until something does."

This line appears several times throughout the poem.

Effect:

Emphasises the poem's main message.

Creates a memorable refrain.

Reinforces the need for action.

2. Metaphor

Example:

"the broken voices of the hushed"

The phrase symbolises oppressed and silenced people.

Effect: Highlights suffering and injustice.

3. Symbolism

Small Hands

Symbolise ordinary people.

Hall

Represents society or the wider world.

Feather

Symbolises a seemingly insignificant action.

Lever and Fulcrum

Represent the tools or opportunities needed to create change.

Effect: Shows how small forces can produce large results.

4. Alliteration

Example:

"broken voices of the hushed"

Example:

"place to stand"

Effect: Creates musicality and emphasis.

5. Imagery

Visual Imagery

"A lot of small hands in a monstrous hall"

Readers can picture a crowd gathering together.

Auditory Imagery

"the distant buzz"

The sound suggests quiet activity that gradually grows stronger.

Effect: Makes the poem vivid and engaging.

6. Contrast

The poet contrasts:

Silence vs action

Weakness vs strength

Oppression vs freedom

Inactivity vs change

Effect: Highlights the transformative power of action.

7. Enjambment

Many lines flow into the next without punctuation.

Effect: Creates momentum and mirrors the movement towards change.

Structure

Form

Free verse

Stanzas

Five stanzas of varying lengths.

Refrain

The repeated line:

"Nothing happens until something does"

acts as a chorus throughout the poem.

Circular Structure

The poem begins and ends with similar words.

Effect: Shows that change starts when someone decides to act.

Tone

The tone develops throughout the poem:

Beginning

Reflective

Frustrated

Patient

Middle

Encouraging

Determined

Ending

Hopeful

Triumphant

Inspirational

Message of the Poem

George Szirtes uses Helen Suzman's life as an example of how determined individuals can challenge injustice. The poem argues that meaningful change begins when people refuse to remain silent. Even small actions, when combined with courage and persistence, can transform society.

Key Quotation

"it is possible to prove that even Earth may be made to move."

This quotation summarizes the poem's message: no challenge is too great when people are willing to act.

Evaluation 

How does George Szirtes present emotions and memories in "Song"?

In your answer, consider:

Language

Imagery

Structure

The poet's message

(25 marks)

Sample IGCSE Model Answer

George Szirtes presents emotions and memories in "Song" through vivid imagery, symbolism, and a musical structure. The title immediately suggests that the poem will explore feelings through the idea of music. Throughout the poem, the song acts as a metaphor for life experiences and memories.

The poet uses imagery to help readers visualise emotional experiences. These images make abstract feelings seem more concrete and relatable. The language is reflective and thoughtful, creating a calm and contemplative mood.

Symbolism is important because the song represents more than music. It symbolises memories, relationships, and personal experiences that remain with people over time. The speaker reflects on these experiences, suggesting that memories continue to influence the present.

The structure of the poem contributes significantly to its meaning. Enjambment creates a flowing rhythm that mirrors the movement of music. The organisation of ideas allows readers to move naturally from one reflection to another.

The tone is reflective and sometimes nostalgic. The poet encourages readers to think about their own memories and experiences. Through musical imagery and careful language choices, Szirtes demonstrates that memories are powerful and enduring.

Overall, the poem suggests that life is like a song: filled with different emotions, shaped by experiences, and remembered long after particular moments have passed.