'The Enemies Of The Little Box' by Vasko Popa
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Don't box down to the little box
Which supposedly contains everything
Your star and all other stars
Empty yourself
In her emptiness
Take two nails out of her
And give them to the owners
To eat
Make a hold in her middle
And stick on your clapper
Fill her with blueprints
And the skin of her craftsmen
And trample on her with both feet
Tie her to a cat's tail
And chase the cat
Don't bow down to the little box
If you do
You'll never straighten yourself out again
Editor 1 Interpretation
Literary Criticism of "The Enemies Of The Little Box" by Vasko Popa
As a lover of poetry, I have always been fascinated by the works of Vasko Popa, and "The Enemies of the Little Box" is no exception. This poem is a masterpiece of surrealism, filled with fascinating imagery and thought-provoking ideas. In this literary criticism, I will explore the meaning behind the poem and its significance in the world of literature.
Overview of the Poem
"The Enemies of the Little Box" is a poem written by Vasko Popa, a Serbian poet who is known for his unique style of surrealism. The poem is written in free verse and consists of five stanzas, each with six lines. It was first published in 1963 as part of a collection of poetry titled "The Star Apple."
The poem tells the story of a little box that has many enemies. The box is described as being small and fragile, but it contains something that is very valuable. The enemies of the box are described as being powerful and dangerous, but the box is able to defend itself against them.
Analysis of the Poem
At its core, "The Enemies of the Little Box" is a poem about the struggle between good and evil. The little box represents something that is small and insignificant, but also contains something that is valuable and important. The enemies of the box, on the other hand, represent the forces of darkness and destruction that threaten to destroy the good that is contained within the box.
The poem is filled with surreal imagery, such as the "silver grasshopper" and the "red viper," which adds to its dreamlike quality. These images, while seemingly random, actually serve to create a sense of unease and tension within the poem, as if something dangerous is lurking just beneath the surface.
One of the most interesting aspects of the poem is the way in which the box is able to defend itself against its enemies. The box is described as being able to "grow arms and legs" and "run away," which is a clear reference to the idea of self-preservation. It is also able to "open its mouth" and "swallow" its enemies, which suggests that it is able to consume and destroy the forces of evil that threaten it.
It is also worth noting that the poem does not explicitly state what is contained within the box. This allows the reader to interpret the poem in a variety of ways. Some may interpret the box as containing something physical, such as a treasure or a valuable object. Others may interpret it as containing something more abstract, such as hope or love.
Significance of the Poem
"The Enemies of the Little Box" is a powerful poem that has significant literary and cultural significance. It is a prime example of Popa's unique style of surrealism, which is characterized by its use of vivid imagery, dreamlike qualities, and unexpected juxtapositions.
The poem is also significant in that it is a commentary on the human condition. It explores the struggle between good and evil that exists within us all, and the ways in which we must constantly fight to protect the good that is within us.
Furthermore, the poem has been interpreted as a commentary on the political situation in Yugoslavia at the time of its writing. Popa was a prominent figure in the Yugoslav literary scene, and his work often dealt with social and political issues. "The Enemies of the Little Box" can be read as a reflection of the authoritarian regime that was in power at the time, and the struggle of the individual against oppressive forces.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "The Enemies of the Little Box" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the struggle between good and evil. Popa's use of surreal imagery and unexpected juxtapositions creates a sense of unease and tension, while the poem's message of self-preservation and the fight against evil is both timeless and universal.
The poem's significance in the world of literature cannot be overstated. It is a prime example of Popa's unique style of surrealism and a powerful commentary on the human condition. Its cultural significance as a reflection of the political situation in Yugoslavia at the time of its writing also adds to its importance.
Overall, "The Enemies of the Little Box" is a masterpiece of poetry that deserves to be read and studied by anyone with an interest in the art form.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Enemies of the Little Box: A Masterpiece of Surrealism
Vasko Popa, a Serbian poet, is known for his unique style of poetry that combines surrealism and folk elements. His poem, "The Enemies of the Little Box," is a masterpiece of surrealism that explores the themes of confinement, freedom, and the human condition.
The poem begins with a simple premise: a little box that is being attacked by various enemies. However, as the poem progresses, it becomes clear that the little box is a metaphor for the human condition, and the enemies represent the various forces that seek to control and limit our lives.
The first enemy that attacks the little box is the wind. The wind is a powerful force that can move mountains and shape the landscape. In the poem, the wind represents the forces of nature that are beyond our control. The wind is an enemy because it can destroy the little box, but it is also a reminder of the power and beauty of the natural world.
The second enemy that attacks the little box is the water. Water is a life-giving force that sustains all living things, but it can also be destructive. In the poem, water represents the forces of society that seek to control and limit our lives. Water is an enemy because it can drown the little box, but it is also a reminder of the importance of community and the need for human connection.
The third enemy that attacks the little box is the fire. Fire is a powerful force that can destroy everything in its path, but it can also be a source of warmth and light. In the poem, fire represents the forces of the individual that seek to control and limit our lives. Fire is an enemy because it can burn the little box, but it is also a reminder of the importance of self-expression and the need for individuality.
The fourth enemy that attacks the little box is the mouse. The mouse is a small and insignificant creature, but it can be a nuisance and a threat. In the poem, the mouse represents the forces of fear and insecurity that can limit our lives. The mouse is an enemy because it can nibble away at the little box, but it is also a reminder of the importance of courage and the need to face our fears.
The fifth and final enemy that attacks the little box is the cat. The cat is a predator that can kill and destroy, but it can also be a companion and a source of comfort. In the poem, the cat represents the forces of death and mortality that we all must face. The cat is an enemy because it can devour the little box, but it is also a reminder of the importance of acceptance and the need to embrace the inevitability of death.
Throughout the poem, Popa uses surreal imagery and language to create a dreamlike atmosphere that is both unsettling and captivating. The little box is described as having "four walls and a lid," but it is also said to have "a thousand eyes and a thousand ears." This contradiction creates a sense of ambiguity and mystery that draws the reader in and invites them to explore the deeper meanings of the poem.
The enemies are also described in surreal terms. The wind is said to have "a thousand fingers," the water is said to have "a thousand tongues," the fire is said to have "a thousand eyes," the mouse is said to have "a thousand teeth," and the cat is said to have "a thousand paws." These descriptions create a sense of otherworldliness and emphasize the power and danger of the enemies.
The poem also contains a sense of irony and humor. The little box is described as being "as big as a house," which is obviously an exaggeration. This exaggeration creates a sense of absurdity and humor that lightens the mood of the poem and makes it more accessible to the reader.
In conclusion, "The Enemies of the Little Box" is a masterpiece of surrealism that explores the themes of confinement, freedom, and the human condition. Popa's use of surreal imagery and language creates a dreamlike atmosphere that is both unsettling and captivating. The enemies represent the various forces that seek to control and limit our lives, and the little box represents the human condition. The poem is a reminder of the importance of courage, self-expression, community, acceptance, and the inevitability of death. It is a powerful and thought-provoking work of art that will continue to inspire and challenge readers for generations to come.
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