'The Family Monkey' by Russell Edson
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We bought an electric monkey, experimenting rather
recklessly with funds carefully gathered since
grandfather's time for the purchase of a steam monkey.
We had either, by this time, the choice of an electric
or gas monkey.
The steam monkey is no longer being made, said the monkey
merchant.
But the family always planned on a steam monkey.
Well, said the monkey merchant, just as the wind-up monkey
gave way to the steam monkey, the steam monkey has given way
to the gas and electric monkeys.
Is that like the grandfather clock being replaced by the
grandchild clock?
Sort of, said the monkey merchant.
So we bought the electric monkey, and plugged its umbilical
cord 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 Quirky and Complex Poem
Russell Edson's poem "The Family Monkey" is a whimsical and thought-provoking piece of literature that combines elements of absurdity, humor, and social commentary. The poem tells the story of a family who adopts a monkey and treats him as one of their own, but eventually realizes that he is not a suitable substitute for a human child.
The Plot: A Tragicomedy of Family Dynamics
At first glance, "The Family Monkey" seems like a lighthearted story of a family who adopts a monkey and includes him in their daily lives. However, as the poem progresses, it becomes clear that there are deeper issues at play. The family's decision to adopt a monkey is driven by their desire for a child, and their inability to have one. This sets up a tragicomic scenario where the monkey is used as a substitute for a human child, with all the expectations and disappointments that come with it.
The poem is divided into three parts, each of which explores a different aspect of the family's relationship with the monkey. In the first part, we see the family's initial excitement at bringing the monkey home and their attempts to integrate him into their daily routine. The second part focuses on the monkey's behavior, which becomes increasingly erratic and destructive as he grows older. Finally, in the third part, the family realizes that the monkey is not a suitable substitute for a child and decides to give him away.
The Monkey: A Symbol of Human Desire and Disappointment
One of the most striking aspects of "The Family Monkey" is the way that the monkey is used as a symbol for human desire and disappointment. The family's decision to adopt a monkey is driven by their longing for a child, and their inability to have one. This sets up a complex dynamic where the monkey is both a source of joy and a reminder of their unfulfilled desires.
As the poem progresses, the monkey's behavior becomes increasingly erratic and destructive, mirroring the family's frustration and disappointment. The monkey destroys the house, urinates on the furniture, and refuses to obey the family's commands. This can be read as a metaphor for the way that unfulfilled desires can lead to destructive behavior, both towards oneself and others.
The Family: A Critique of Traditional Family Structures
Another key theme of "The Family Monkey" is its critique of traditional family structures. The family in the poem is portrayed as dysfunctional and unhappy, with the father working long hours and the mother struggling to cope with the demands of caring for a child (or a monkey). The daughter is also unhappy, feeling neglected and forgotten in the chaos of the family's attempts to care for the monkey.
This critique of traditional family structures is further underscored by the family's decision to adopt a monkey as a substitute for a child. The poem suggests that the pressure to conform to societal expectations of what a family should look like can lead to desperate and misguided actions.
The Narrator: A Deceptive and Unreliable Voice
One of the most interesting aspects of "The Family Monkey" is the role of the narrator. At first glance, the narrator seems to be a neutral observer, recounting the family's experiences with the monkey in a matter-of-fact tone. However, on closer inspection, it becomes clear that the narrator is a deceptive and unreliable voice.
Throughout the poem, the narrator employs a deadpan humor that masks the deeper emotional and psychological issues at play. For example, the narrator describes the scene where the father tries to teach the monkey how to read as follows: "The father tried to teach the monkey how to read. But the monkey preferred the taste of the book." This humorous description belies the frustration and disappointment that the father must have felt at the monkey's inability to learn.
Conclusion: A Rich and Multilayered Poem
In conclusion, "The Family Monkey" is a rich and multilayered poem that combines elements of absurdity, humor, and social commentary. Through its depiction of a family who adopts a monkey as a substitute for a child, the poem explores themes of desire, disappointment, and family dynamics. The monkey is used as a powerful symbol for human longing and frustration, while the family is critiqued for its adherence to traditional family structures. The narrator is a deceptive and unreliable voice, adding another layer of complexity to the poem. Overall, "The Family Monkey" is a fascinating and thought-provoking piece of literature that rewards careful reading and interpretation.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Family Monkey: A Masterpiece of Surrealism
Russell Edson's "The Family Monkey" is a surrealistic poem that explores the complexities of human relationships through the lens of a monkey. The poem is a masterpiece of surrealism, a literary movement that emerged in the early 20th century and sought to explore the subconscious mind through the use of dreamlike imagery and illogical juxtapositions.
At first glance, "The Family Monkey" appears to be a simple story about a family who adopts a monkey as a pet. However, as the poem progresses, it becomes clear that the monkey is not just a pet, but a symbol for the family's own inner turmoil and dysfunction.
The poem begins with the family bringing the monkey home and introducing him to their home and their way of life. The monkey is initially fascinated by the family's routines and habits, but soon becomes bored and restless. He begins to act out, stealing food and causing chaos in the household.
This behavior is a metaphor for the family's own dysfunction. The monkey represents the family's repressed desires and impulses, which they have been unable to express in a healthy way. The family's attempts to control the monkey mirror their attempts to control their own inner turmoil.
As the poem progresses, the monkey becomes increasingly violent and destructive. He attacks the family members and destroys their possessions. The family responds by trying to tame the monkey, but their efforts are futile. The monkey is too wild and untamed, just like the family's own inner demons.
The climax of the poem comes when the monkey escapes from the house and runs into the woods. The family chases after him, but they are unable to catch him. The monkey disappears into the wilderness, leaving the family alone and helpless.
This ending is a powerful metaphor for the family's own inability to confront their inner turmoil. The monkey represents their repressed desires and impulses, which they have been unable to face and deal with. By running away, the monkey symbolizes the family's own inability to confront their problems and find a resolution.
Overall, "The Family Monkey" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the complexities of human relationships through the use of surrealistic imagery and metaphor. The monkey represents the family's own inner turmoil and dysfunction, and the poem serves as a warning about the dangers of repressing our desires and impulses.
Edson's use of surrealism is particularly effective in this poem, as it allows him to explore the subconscious mind and the complexities of human relationships in a way that is both imaginative and thought-provoking. The poem is a testament to the power of poetry to explore the human experience in all its complexity and nuance.
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