'The Family Monkey' by Russell Edson

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We bought an electric monkey, experimenting ratherrecklessly with funds carefully gathered sincegrandfather's time for the purchase of a steam monkey.We had either, by this time, the choice of an electricor gas monkey.The steam monkey is no longer being made, said the monkeymerchant.But the family always planned on a steam monkey.Well, said the monkey merchant, just as the wind-up monkeygave way to the steam monkey, the steam monkey has given wayto the gas and electric monkeys.Is that like the grandfather clock being replaced by thegrandchild clock?Sort of, said the monkey merchant.So we bought the electric monkey, and plugged its umbilicalcord into the wall.The smoke coming out of its fur told us something was wrong.We had electrocuted the family monkey.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Family Monkey: A Delightful Yet Thought-Provoking Poem

Russell Edson's "The Family Monkey" is a poem that captivates the reader with its whimsical and absurd imagery. Through the lens of a family's pet monkey, Edson offers a commentary on the nature of human relationships and the struggles we face in understanding and connecting with one another.

At first glance, the poem seems to be a simple tale of a monkey, who is taken in by a family and becomes a beloved pet. However, as the poem progresses, the monkey becomes a symbol for the family's dysfunction and the tensions that exist between them.

The opening lines of "The Family Monkey" set the stage for the poem's tone and style. "They bought the monkey at the zoo / and carried him home in a cage / to the backyard where he grew / quieter and sadder each day / until they loved him." The language is straightforward yet poetic, and the imagery of the monkey growing "quieter and sadder each day" sets a melancholic tone for the rest of the poem.

As the monkey becomes more integrated into the family, he begins to take on the roles of each family member. He becomes a mother to the children, a husband to the wife, and a brother to the son. The monkey's ability to fulfill these roles highlights the family's inability to connect with one another on a deeper level. They are reliant on the monkey to provide the emotional support and connection that they are unable to provide for each other.

The poem also touches on the idea of identity and the struggle to understand one's place in the world. The monkey is both a part of the family and an outsider, as he is not human. He is constantly searching for his place in the world and trying to understand his own identity. This struggle is highlighted in the line, "The monkey tried to find the center / of his cage but could not."

Edson's use of imagery is particularly effective in "The Family Monkey." The monkey's cage represents the family's own self-imposed limitations and the barriers that prevent them from truly connecting with each other. The image of the monkey sitting in his cage, looking out into the world, is a powerful metaphor for the human desire for freedom and connection.

The poem's closing lines are particularly poignant. "The monkey had a dream he was a man / and then he woke up dead." This line highlights the monkey's desire to be human and to understand the complexities of human emotion and connection. However, in the end, his desire for understanding and connection is what leads to his demise.

Overall, "The Family Monkey" is a beautifully crafted poem that offers a unique perspective on the nature of human relationships. Edson's use of imagery and symbolism is particularly effective in conveying the poem's message. The monkey's struggles with identity and connection are universal themes that are sure to resonate with readers.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Family Monkey: A Masterpiece of Surrealist Poetry

Russell Edson's "The Family Monkey" is a surrealistic poem that explores the complexities of human relationships through the lens of a family's pet monkey. The poem is a masterpiece of surrealist poetry, using absurdity and humor to reveal the underlying truths of human nature.

The poem begins with a description of the family's monkey, who is "a very nice monkey, with a pleasant disposition and a good sense of humor." The monkey is portrayed as a member of the family, with his own personality and quirks. He is described as being "very fond of his family," and is often seen playing with the children and entertaining the adults.

However, as the poem progresses, it becomes clear that the monkey is not just a pet, but a symbol for the family's dysfunction. The monkey is described as being "very intelligent," but also "very mischievous." He is constantly causing trouble, stealing food and breaking things. The family members are frustrated with him, but they also seem to enjoy the chaos he creates.

The monkey's behavior is a reflection of the family's own dysfunction. They are a group of individuals who are unable to communicate effectively with each other, and who are constantly at odds. The monkey's misbehavior is a way for them to express their own frustrations and desires, without having to confront them directly.

The poem also explores the theme of power dynamics within the family. The monkey is described as being "very strong," and is able to overpower the family members when he wants something. He is also able to manipulate them, using his intelligence and charm to get what he wants. This is a reflection of the power struggles that exist within the family, with each member vying for control and influence.

The poem's use of surrealism is particularly effective in conveying these themes. The absurdity of the monkey's behavior and the family's reactions to it create a sense of disorientation and confusion, mirroring the chaos of the family's relationships. The poem also uses humor to lighten the mood, making it easier for the reader to engage with the difficult themes being explored.

One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of language. Edson's writing is poetic and lyrical, with a rhythm and flow that draws the reader in. He uses vivid imagery to create a sense of the surreal, describing the monkey as having "a face like a mask of leather," and the family as being "like a flock of birds in a storm."

The poem's structure is also noteworthy. It is divided into short, fragmented stanzas, with each one focusing on a different aspect of the monkey's behavior or the family's interactions. This creates a sense of movement and progression, as the poem builds towards its conclusion.

In the final stanza, the poem takes a dark turn. The monkey is described as being "very sick," and the family members are seen trying to nurse him back to health. However, their efforts are in vain, and the monkey dies. The family members are left to mourn his passing, and the poem ends with the image of the monkey's body being carried away.

This final image is a powerful one, symbolizing the family's inability to confront their own dysfunction and the consequences of their actions. The monkey's death is a metaphor for the death of their relationships, and the poem leaves the reader with a sense of sadness and loss.

In conclusion, "The Family Monkey" is a masterpiece of surrealist poetry that explores the complexities of human relationships through the lens of a family's pet monkey. The poem uses absurdity and humor to reveal the underlying truths of human nature, and its use of language and structure is both poetic and effective. It is a powerful and thought-provoking work that will stay with the reader long after they have finished reading it.

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