'The Changeling' by Russell Edson
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A man had a son who was an anvil. And then sometimes
he was an automobile tire.
I do wish you would sit still, said the father.
Sometimes his son was a rock.
I realize that you have quite lost boundary, where no
excess seems excessive, nor to where poverty roots hunger to
need. But should you allow time to embrace you to its bosom
of dust, that velvet sleep, then were you served even beyond
your need; and desire in sate was properly spilling from its
borders, said the father.
Then his son became the corner of a room.
Don't don't, cried the father.
And then his son became a floorboard.
Don't don't, the moon falls there and curdles your wits into
the grain of the wood, cried the father.
What shall I do? screamed his son.
Sit until time embraces you into the bosom of its velvet
quiet, cried the father.
Like this? Cried his son as his son became dust.
Ah, that is more pleasant, and speaks well of him, who
having required much in his neglect of proper choice, turns
now, on good advice, to a more advantageous social stance,
said the father.
But then his son became his father.
Behold, the son is become as one of us, said the father.
His son said, behold, the son is become as one of us.
Will you stop repeating me, screamed the father.
Will you stop repeating me, screamed his son.
Oh well, I suppose imitation is the sincerest form of
flattery, sighed the father.
Oh well, I suppose imitation is the sincerest form of
flattery, sighed his son.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Changeling: An Unconventional Masterpiece
Oh, The Changeling by Russell Edson! What a marvelous piece of literature it is! The poem is so unconventional, yet so enchanting that it leaves the reader in a state of awe. The Changeling is a work of art that beautifully blends the surreal and the mundane, the whimsical and the profound, and the absurd and the thought-provoking.
The Poem: An Overview
The Changeling is a narrative poem that tells the story of a mother who, in her desperation to have a child, ends up exchanging her baby with a changeling. The poem takes a surreal turn when the changeling starts to grow in an unusual manner, causing the mother to question her decision. The poem ends with a twist that leaves the reader wondering about the true identity of the changeling.
The Use of Surrealism
Surrealism is a prominent feature of The Changeling. The poem is full of bizarre events and images that are not bound by the laws of reality. For instance, the changeling is described as growing in an unusual manner, with one foot in the air and the other on the ground. The poem also features talking animals, such as the cat that speaks to the mother and the dog that barks in response to the changeling's strange growth.
The use of surrealism in The Changeling adds to the poem's whimsical and dreamlike quality. The surreal elements in the poem also serve a symbolic purpose. The changeling's unusual growth can be seen as a metaphor for the mother's changing relationship with her child. The talking animals, on the other hand, can be seen as a representation of the mother's inner turmoil and confusion.
The Changeling: A Critique of Traditional Motherhood
The Changeling can be interpreted as a critique of traditional motherhood. The mother in the poem is depicted as someone who is desperate to have a child, even if it means making a deal with the devil. The poem questions the notion that motherhood is a natural and instinctive role for women. It also challenges the belief that a mother's love is unconditional and unbreakable.
The changeling's unusual growth can be seen as a metaphor for the difficulties that arise when a child does not conform to societal expectations. The mother's reaction to the changeling's growth highlights the pressure that society puts on mothers to raise "normal" children. The poem also questions the idea that a mother's love is all-encompassing, as the mother in the poem struggles to accept the changeling as her own.
The Changeling: A Story of Identity
The Changeling can also be interpreted as a story of identity. The changeling's unusual growth and the mother's reaction to it can be seen as a commentary on the fluidity of identity. The poem suggests that identity is not fixed and can be shaped by external factors.
The changeling's true identity is left ambiguous in the poem, adding to the sense of fluidity. The changeling can be seen as a representation of anyone who feels like they do not fit into societal norms. The mother's struggle to accept the changeling can be seen as a commentary on society's tendency to reject those who are different.
The Importance of Language
The Changeling makes effective use of language to convey its themes and ideas. The poem's surreal imagery and unconventional narrative structure are complemented by its use of language. The use of language in the poem is both playful and profound.
The poem's use of repetition is particularly effective. The repetition of phrases such as "one foot raised" and "one foot down" adds to the poem's dreamlike quality. The repetition of phrases also serves a symbolic purpose. The repeated image of the changeling's unusual growth can be seen as a metaphor for the mother's changing perception of her child.
The Changeling: A Masterpiece
In conclusion, The Changeling by Russell Edson is a masterpiece of poetry. The poem's use of surrealism, its critique of traditional motherhood, its exploration of identity, and its effective use of language make it a work of art that is both thought-provoking and enchanting. The Changeling is a poem that leaves a lasting impact on the reader, as it challenges our beliefs and perceptions about the world around us.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Changeling by Russell Edson is a classic poem that has captivated readers for decades. This poem is a masterpiece of surrealism, and it is a perfect example of how poetry can be used to express complex emotions and ideas. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and symbolism used in The Changeling.
The poem begins with a simple statement: "I am a changeling." This statement sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it introduces the idea of transformation and change. The speaker of the poem is not content with their current state, and they long for something different. This desire for change is a common theme in literature, and it is one that many readers can relate to.
As the poem progresses, the speaker describes their desire to become a bird. This desire is expressed through vivid imagery, as the speaker describes the sensation of flying and the freedom that comes with it. The imagery used in this section of the poem is particularly powerful, as it allows the reader to experience the speaker's desire for transformation on a visceral level.
The theme of transformation is further explored in the second half of the poem, as the speaker describes their desire to become a tree. This desire is expressed through a series of metaphors, as the speaker compares themselves to a tree and describes the process of growth and change that they long to experience. The use of metaphors in this section of the poem is particularly effective, as it allows the reader to understand the speaker's desire for transformation in a more abstract way.
Throughout the poem, the speaker's desire for transformation is expressed through a series of vivid and surreal images. These images are often unsettling, and they create a sense of unease in the reader. This sense of unease is intentional, as it reflects the speaker's own discomfort with their current state and their longing for something different.
The use of symbolism in The Changeling is also worth noting. The bird and the tree are both powerful symbols, representing freedom and growth respectively. By expressing their desire to become these symbols, the speaker is expressing their desire to experience these qualities for themselves.
In conclusion, The Changeling is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the theme of transformation in a unique and surreal way. Through vivid imagery, powerful metaphors, and unsettling symbolism, the poem captures the speaker's desire for change and their discomfort with their current state. This poem is a testament to the power of poetry to express complex emotions and ideas, and it is a must-read for anyone interested in the genre.
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