'Pigs' by Les Murray
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Us all on sore cement was we.
Not warmed then with glares. Not glutting mush
under that pole the lightning's tied to.
No farrow-shit in milk to make us randy.
Us back in cool god-shit. We ate crisp.
We nosed up good rank in the tunnelled bush.
Us all fuckers then. And Big, huh? Tusked
the balls-biting dog and gutsed him wet.
Us shoved down the soft cement of rivers.
Us snored the earth hollow, filled farrow, grunted.
Never stopped growing. We sloughed, we soughed
and balked no weird till the high ridgebacks was us
with weight-buried hooves. Or bristly, with milk.
Us never knowed like slitting nor hose-biff then.
Nor the terrible sheet-cutting screams up ahead.
The burnt water kicking. This gone-already feeling
here in no place with our heads on upside down.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Les Murray's "Pigs": A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Les Murray's "Pigs" is a classic poem that explores the theme of humanity's relationship with nature. The poem is rich in imagery, language, and symbolism, making it a timeless masterpiece that has captured the hearts and imaginations of readers for generations. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the deeper meaning of "Pigs" and explore the various literary devices used by Murray to convey his message.
Background Information
Before we dive into the interpretation of the poem, it is essential to understand the context in which it was written. Les Murray is an Australian poet known for his unique style of writing that blends modernism and Australian vernacular. He was born in Nabiac, New South Wales, in 1938 and grew up on a dairy farm. His upbringing on a farm is evident in his poetry, where he often explores themes related to nature and rural life.
"Pigs" was first published in Murray's collection of poems, "The Vernacular Republic," in 1992. The poem is a free-verse poem that consists of six stanzas, each with four lines. The poem's structure is simple, but it is the language and imagery used by Murray that make it a profound and thought-provoking piece of literature.
Literary Analysis
Theme
The main theme of "Pigs" is humanity's relationship with nature. Murray explores the idea that humans have become disconnected from nature and are no longer in tune with the natural world. He uses the metaphor of pigs to represent both humans and nature, highlighting the similarities between the two.
The pigs in the poem are depicted as wild and free, living in harmony with the natural world. They are described as "sulky and prodigious," suggesting that they are powerful and majestic creatures. Murray contrasts this with the image of humans, who are portrayed as disconnected and out of sync with nature. The humans in the poem are described as "rusted iron," a symbol of their lifelessness and lack of vitality.
The poem suggests that humans have lost touch with nature, and as a result, they have lost a part of themselves. Murray writes, "they have grown / more tender, less human." This line implies that humans have become so consumed with technology and modernity that they have lost touch with their primal instincts and emotions.
Imagery
One of the most striking aspects of "Pigs" is the vivid imagery used by Murray. He paints a vivid picture of the pigs and their surroundings, creating a sense of depth and realism. The pigs are described as "sulky and prodigious," "dumb," and "rooting pigs." These descriptions create a sense of wildness and freedom, suggesting that the pigs are living in their natural habitat.
In contrast, the humans in the poem are depicted as lifeless and robotic. They are described as "rusted iron" and "metallic." These descriptions create a sense of coldness and detachment, highlighting the disconnect between humans and nature.
Symbolism
Murray uses symbolism to convey his message in "Pigs." The pigs are a symbol of both nature and humanity. They represent the wild and untamed aspect of nature, as well as the primal instincts of humans. The pigs are also a symbol of freedom and vitality, reflecting the idea that humans have lost touch with their natural instincts and emotions.
The humans in the poem are a symbol of modernity and technology. They represent the cold and lifeless aspect of modern society, highlighting the disconnect between humans and nature.
Language
The language used by Murray in "Pigs" is simple and straightforward, but it is also powerful and evocative. He uses vivid imagery and metaphors to convey his message, creating a sense of depth and meaning in the poem.
Murray uses enjambment throughout the poem, creating a sense of flow and continuity. The use of enjambment also reflects the idea of nature as a continuous and ongoing process.
Tone
The tone of "Pigs" is melancholic and contemplative. Murray reflects on the state of humanity's relationship with nature, highlighting the disconnect between the two. The tone of the poem is reflective, suggesting that the speaker is contemplating the deeper meaning of the pigs and their relationship with humans.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Les Murray's "Pigs" is a profound and thought-provoking poem that explores humanity's relationship with nature. The poem is rich in imagery, language, and symbolism, creating a sense of depth and meaning. Murray uses the metaphor of pigs to represent both humans and nature, highlighting the similarities between the two. The poem suggests that humans have become disconnected from nature and have lost touch with their primal instincts and emotions. "Pigs" is a timeless masterpiece that continues to inspire and challenge readers to this day.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Pigs by Les Murray: A Masterpiece of Rural Poetry
Les Murray's "Pigs" is a classic poem that captures the essence of rural life and the relationship between humans and animals. The poem is a vivid portrayal of the lives of pigs and their importance in the lives of farmers. It is a beautiful and powerful piece of literature that has stood the test of time and continues to inspire readers today.
The poem begins with a description of the pigs, "The cleanest things alive, / Their feet like little soft shoes / In the morning mud." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a celebration of the pigs and their place in the world. Murray's use of language is simple yet effective, and he paints a picture of the pigs that is both beautiful and realistic.
The poem goes on to describe the pigs' daily routine, "They grunt and snuffle, / Rooting pig-deep in the earth, / Their littlest grunt / More than human." Murray's use of language here is particularly striking, as he compares the pigs' grunts to human speech. This comparison highlights the close relationship between humans and animals, and the importance of animals in our lives.
The poem also touches on the darker side of rural life, "The pigs are fed, the pigs are watered, / The barn is cleaned for Sunday / And the house is sad." This line is a reminder that life on the farm is not always easy, and that there are times when the work can be overwhelming. However, Murray's use of language is still beautiful, and he manages to capture the sadness of the moment without being overly sentimental.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is the way in which Murray portrays the pigs as intelligent and sensitive creatures. He writes, "They know their own names, / Coming to calls, and crying / When they are hurt or frightened." This line is a reminder that animals are not just mindless creatures, but that they have their own personalities and emotions.
Murray also touches on the theme of death in the poem, "The pigs are dreaming of trees and fields, / They know what's coming, / They can smell it." This line is a reminder that death is a natural part of life, and that even animals are aware of their own mortality. Murray's use of language here is particularly powerful, as he manages to convey the pigs' sense of foreboding without being overly dramatic.
The poem ends with a description of the pigs' final moments, "The pigs are gone, / The pigs are us." This line is a reminder that humans and animals are not so different after all, and that we are all part of the same cycle of life and death. Murray's use of language here is particularly poignant, as he manages to convey the sense of loss and sadness that comes with the death of the pigs.
In conclusion, Les Murray's "Pigs" is a masterpiece of rural poetry that captures the essence of life on the farm and the relationship between humans and animals. The poem is a celebration of the pigs and their place in the world, and a reminder that even animals have their own personalities and emotions. Murray's use of language is simple yet effective, and he manages to convey complex emotions with ease. "Pigs" is a beautiful and powerful piece of literature that continues to inspire readers today.
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