Analyze the poem "The night-jar and Inkosazana Yasezulwini" by answering the following: a) Identify and explain the effectiveness of the figure of speech in line 1. b) Explain the meaning of lines 2-4

a) The figure of speech in line 1, "The speckled bird as brown as dust," is a simile.

b) This figure of speech is effective because it vividly describes the night-jar's excellent camouflage, highlighting how it blends seamlessly with its earthy environment, making it difficult to spot during the day.

In lines 2-4, the speaker means that the night-jar is a nocturnal bird that rests hidden inside a bush during the day to avoid the bright sunlight. At night, it becomes active and pecks at the window pane, drawing the speaker's attention.

The image painted in lines 7-10 is a serene and magical summer night scene. It depicts a tranquil evening where "fishes bite the wobbling moon" (a surreal image of moonlight on water and fish activity) and "moths rise to silvery fruit," suggesting a gentle, widespread natural beauty and activity under the night sky.

A synonym for the word 'glides' in line 11 is floats.

The role of the sandman is to induce sleep and pleasant dreams by sprinkling magical sand into people's eyes, as a mythical figure associated with bedtime.

The setting described in lines 16-18 is a peaceful, idyllic, and natural place in the hills. It features a "grass-house," "sugar-spunes" (likely a type of plant or natural feature), and lilies, and is notably free from storms, emphasizing its tranquility.

The tone the night-jar uses in line 25 ("Go, waking sleeper, call to her,") is instructive or guiding.