Song of a Goat

Zifa is largely responsible for his own downfall due to his tragic flaw of hubris, a common trait in tragic heroes. His overweening pride prevents him from accepting his impotence, a significant...

The themes in "Song of a Goat" revolve around the consequences of defying cultural norms and fate, as well as personal inadequacy. The protagonist, Zifa, suffers from impotence and is ultimately...

The symbolism in the title "Song of a Goat" reflects the tragic and defiled nature of Zifa's family relationships. In their culture, a goat's sacrifice is meant to be cleansing, but due to betrayal...

In Song of a Goat, several individuals fit the mold of archetypal characters, or people who act in ways that conform to common patterns found in literary works. Protagonist Zifa is the heroic figure...

In "Song of a Goat" by John Pepper Clark, Zifa is impotent, not sterile. Although he is married, he cannot impregnate his wife, creating tension and conflict in the story. His wife eventually becomes...