'The Jungle Husband' by Stevie Smith

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Not Waving But DrowningDearest Evelyn, I often think of you
Out with the guns in the jungle stew
Yesterday I hittapotamus
I put the measurements down for you but they got lost in the fuss
It's not a good thing to drink out here
You know, I've practically given it up dear.
Tomorrow I am going alone a long way
Into the jungle. It is all grey
But green on top
Only sometimes when a tree has fallen
The sun comes down plop, it is quite appalling.
You never want to go in a jungle pool
In the hot sun, it would be the act of a fool
Because it's always full of anacondas, Evelyn, not looking ill-fed
I'll say. So no more now, from your loving husband Wilfred.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Jungle Husband: A Deconstruction of Gender Roles and Society

As a reader, one can't help but be captivated by the surreal and unsettling world of Stevie Smith's "The Jungle Husband". The poem, published in 1963, tells the story of a woman who leaves her husband for a life in the jungle where she becomes the queen of the animals. On a surface level, the poem could be interpreted as a feminist critique of traditional gender roles and societal expectations that confine women to domesticity. However, a closer reading reveals a complex and multi-layered work that defies easy categorization.

Surrealism and Symbolism

At its core, "The Jungle Husband" is a surrealistic poem that employs vivid imagery and symbolism to create a dreamlike atmosphere. The woman's journey to the jungle can be read as a metaphor for a journey towards self-discovery and liberation. The jungle, with its untamed wilderness, represents a space where societal norms do not apply, and the woman can exist free of the constraints of patriarchal society.

The animals that populate the jungle are symbolic, representing different aspects of the woman's psyche. The elephants represent her strength and power, the tigers her passion and sexuality, and the monkeys her playful and mischievous nature. The woman's transformation into the queen of the animals is a representation of her embracing her true self and asserting her agency.

Deconstruction of Gender Roles

On a surface level, "The Jungle Husband" can be interpreted as a feminist critique of traditional gender roles. The woman leaves her husband, who represents the patriarchal society that confines her to a domestic role, and embraces a life of freedom and independence in the jungle. However, the poem goes beyond a simple critique of gender roles and challenges the very notion of binary gender.

The woman's transformation into the queen of the animals is a rejection of traditional gender norms that divide the world into male and female. In the jungle, the woman is free to embody different aspects of her personality, taking on the traits of the animals that surround her. Her transformation highlights the idea that gender is a construct, and individuals should be free to express themselves in ways that feel authentic.

Critique of Society

"The Jungle Husband" is not just a critique of gender roles but a broader critique of society. The woman's journey to the jungle is a rejection of societal expectations that confine individuals to a predetermined path. Society, represented by the husband, is depicted as cold and sterile, devoid of any passion or creativity.

The poem also critiques the notion of progress and civilization. The jungle, with its untamed wilderness, is a space where the woman can exist free of the constraints of modern society. The animals that populate the jungle are a reminder that humans are not the only inhabitants of the planet and that we must coexist with other species.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "The Jungle Husband" is a complex and multi-layered poem that defies easy categorization. It employs surrealism and symbolism to create a dreamlike atmosphere and challenges societal norms that confine individuals to predetermined roles. The poem critiques not just gender roles but society as a whole, highlighting the need for individuals to embrace their authentic selves and coexist with other species. "The Jungle Husband" is a timeless work of literature that continues to resonate with readers today.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Jungle Husband: A Poetic Exploration of Gender Roles and Relationships

Stevie Smith's "The Jungle Husband" is a classic poem that explores the complexities of gender roles and relationships. Written in 1940, the poem tells the story of a woman who marries a man who is more at home in the jungle than in civilized society. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, Smith challenges traditional notions of gender and love, and invites readers to question their own assumptions about what it means to be a man or a woman.

At its core, "The Jungle Husband" is a love story. The narrator, a woman, falls in love with a man who is wild and untamed, a creature of the jungle. She describes him as "a tiger in the jungle of his mind," and is drawn to his strength and his freedom. But as the poem progresses, it becomes clear that their relationship is not without its challenges. The man is unable to adapt to life in the city, and the woman struggles to understand him and his needs.

One of the most striking aspects of "The Jungle Husband" is its use of imagery. Smith paints a vivid picture of the man as a creature of the jungle, with descriptions like "his eyes were like the eyes of a tiger," and "his hair was like the mane of a lion." These images serve to highlight the man's wildness and his otherness, setting him apart from the civilized world that the woman inhabits. At the same time, the woman is described in more domestic terms, with images of "her neat little house" and "her tidy little garden." This contrast between the wild man and the domestic woman underscores the tension between their two worlds.

Another key theme in "The Jungle Husband" is the idea of gender roles. The man is clearly not a typical "man" in the traditional sense. He is not interested in the trappings of civilization, and he does not conform to the norms of society. Instead, he is more like an animal, driven by his instincts and his desires. The woman, on the other hand, is more conventional in her gender role. She is concerned with keeping a tidy home and maintaining a sense of order in her life. This contrast between the man and the woman challenges traditional notions of what it means to be a man or a woman, and invites readers to question their own assumptions about gender roles.

At the same time, "The Jungle Husband" also explores the complexities of love and relationships. The woman is clearly drawn to the man's wildness and his strength, but she struggles to understand him and his needs. She tries to make him conform to her idea of what a husband should be, but ultimately realizes that this is impossible. In the end, she accepts him for who he is, even though it means giving up some of her own desires and needs. This message of acceptance and understanding is a powerful one, and speaks to the challenges that many couples face in their relationships.

Overall, "The Jungle Husband" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that challenges traditional notions of gender roles and relationships. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, Stevie Smith invites readers to question their own assumptions about what it means to be a man or a woman, and to consider the complexities of love and relationships. Whether read as a love story or a commentary on gender and society, "The Jungle Husband" is a timeless work of poetry that continues to resonate with readers today.

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