'On The Eating Of Mice' by Russell Edson

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PloughsharesSummer/Fall 1982A woman prepared a mouse for her husband's dinner,
roasting it with a blueberry in its mouth.At table he uses a dentist's pick and a surgeon's scalpel,
bending over the tiny roastling with a jeweler's loupe . . .Twenty years of this: curried mouse, garlic and butter
mouse, mouse sauteed in its own fur, Salisbury mouse,
mouse-in-the-trap, baked in the very trap that killed it,
mouse tartare, mouse poached in menstrual blood at the full
of the moon . . .Twenty years of this, eating their way through the
mice . . . And yet, not to forget, each night, one less vermin
in the world . . .

Editor 1 Interpretation

On the Eating of Mice: A Critical Interpretation

Introduction

"Have you ever eaten a mouse?" This is the question that Russell Edson asks in his poem, "On the Eating of Mice." At first glance, the poem seems like a simple and absurd piece about a person who eats mice. However, upon closer examination, one will realize that the poem is actually a profound exploration of human nature and morality. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deeper into the poem and discuss its themes, symbolism, and structure.

Themes

At its core, "On the Eating of Mice" is a poem about the nature of human desire and the moral implications of indulging in it. The speaker of the poem is someone who has consumed mice and is asking others if they have done so as well. The poem asks the reader to consider the morality of indulging in one's desires, even if they may be considered taboo or repulsive by society.

The poem touches upon the themes of desire, morality, and the taboo. The speaker's desire to eat mice is portrayed as a primal urge that is difficult to resist. However, the poem also suggests that indulging in such desires may have moral consequences. The speaker's question, "Have you ever eaten a mouse?" is a challenge to the reader to examine their own desires and the moral implications of indulging in them.

Symbolism

The poem makes use of several symbols to convey its themes. The most obvious symbol is the mouse itself, which represents desire. The mouse is a small, vulnerable creature that is easy to catch and consume. In the poem, the mouse is portrayed as something that is both alluring and repulsive. The speaker describes the taste of the mouse as "sweet and bitter," suggesting that indulging in desire may have both pleasurable and unpleasant consequences.

The act of eating the mouse is also symbolic. It represents the act of indulging in one's desires, regardless of the moral implications. The speaker's description of the act as "a kind of love" suggests that indulging in desire can be a passionate and intense experience, much like falling in love.

Structure

The poem is structured in a way that reinforces its themes and symbolism. The poem is composed of four stanzas, each with four lines. The repetition of this structure creates a sense of rhythm and order in the poem. However, the poem's content is anything but orderly. The speaker's admission of eating mice is a jarring and unexpected revelation that disrupts the poem's otherwise orderly structure.

The poem's use of repetition also reinforces its themes. The repeated question, "Have you ever eaten a mouse?" is a challenge to the reader to examine their own desires and the moral implications of indulging in them. The repetition of this question throughout the poem serves to emphasize its importance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "On the Eating of Mice" is a poem that explores the themes of desire, morality, and the taboo. The poem uses symbolism and structure to convey its message that indulging in one's desires may have moral consequences. The poem's repeated question, "Have you ever eaten a mouse?" challenges the reader to examine their own desires and the moral implications of indulging in them.

The poem's absurdity and humor may cause some readers to overlook its deeper meaning. However, upon closer examination, one will realize that the poem is a profound exploration of human nature and morality. "On the Eating of Mice" is a poem that will leave a lasting impression on anyone who reads it.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry On The Eating Of Mice: A Delightful and Quirky Poem by Russell Edson

Russell Edson, a renowned American poet, is known for his unique and surreal style of writing. His poem, Poetry On The Eating Of Mice, is a perfect example of his quirky and imaginative approach to poetry. This poem is a delightful and fascinating read, and in this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail.

The poem begins with the speaker describing a cat who has caught a mouse. The cat is portrayed as a "gourmand" who enjoys the taste of mice. The speaker then goes on to describe the mouse's perspective, imagining what it must feel like to be eaten by a cat. The mouse is depicted as a helpless victim, resigned to its fate.

As the poem progresses, the speaker's tone becomes more playful and whimsical. The cat is described as a "connoisseur" of mice, and the mouse is portrayed as a "delicacy" that the cat savors. The speaker even goes so far as to suggest that the mouse might enjoy being eaten, as it is "a way of returning to the earth."

The poem takes a surreal turn when the speaker describes the cat and mouse as "two lovers" who are "embracing" in a "final consummation." This image is both disturbing and humorous, as it subverts our expectations of what a cat and mouse relationship should look like.

The poem ends with the speaker reflecting on the nature of life and death. The mouse's death is portrayed as a natural part of the cycle of life, and the speaker suggests that we should not mourn its passing. Instead, we should celebrate the fact that the mouse has become a part of the cat, and by extension, a part of the natural world.

One of the most striking aspects of this poem is its use of imagery. Edson's descriptions of the cat and mouse are vivid and imaginative, and he uses language in a way that is both playful and profound. For example, when the speaker describes the mouse as a "delicacy," it is both a humorous and a poignant moment. The word "delicacy" suggests something that is rare and precious, but it also implies that the mouse is a small and insignificant creature.

Another notable aspect of this poem is its use of irony. The speaker's tone is often lighthearted and whimsical, but there is a darker undercurrent to the poem. The image of the cat and mouse as "two lovers" is both funny and disturbing, and it subverts our expectations of what a cat and mouse relationship should look like. Similarly, the speaker's suggestion that the mouse might enjoy being eaten is both absurd and thought-provoking.

The poem also raises interesting questions about the nature of life and death. The speaker suggests that death is a natural part of the cycle of life, and that we should not mourn the passing of the mouse. This is a refreshing perspective, as it challenges our cultural norms around death and mourning. Instead of viewing death as a tragedy, the speaker suggests that we should celebrate the fact that the mouse has become a part of the natural world.

In conclusion, Poetry On The Eating Of Mice is a delightful and quirky poem that showcases Russell Edson's unique style of writing. The poem is full of vivid imagery, playful language, and thought-provoking ideas. It challenges our expectations of what a poem should be, and it encourages us to think differently about life and death. If you're looking for a poem that will make you laugh, think, and feel, then this is the poem for you.

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