'Elephant , The' by Hilaire Belloc
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When people call this beast to mind,
They marvel more and more
At such a little tail behind,
So large a trunk before.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Introduction
Hilaire Belloc's "The Elephant," originally published in 1898, is a poem that has stood the test of time. In just 96 lines, Belloc manages to weave a beautiful and poignant tale about an elephant that captures the imagination of readers of all ages. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, structure, and literary devices used by Belloc to create a work that is still beloved more than a century after its initial publication.
Themes
At its core, "The Elephant" is a poem about the nature of conformity and the dangers of blindly following the herd. The titular elephant, named Jo, is initially happy and content in his African home, but when he is brought to Europe and put on display for the entertainment of the masses, his life is turned upside down. Jo is forced to wear a hat and collar, perform tricks, and endure the stares of countless strangers. He is no longer free to be himself, and as a result, he becomes sad and despondent.
Belloc's poem speaks to the universal human desire to be free and the danger of conforming to societal norms that may not align with our true selves. Jo's story is a powerful reminder of the importance of individuality and the bravery required to stand up for what we believe in.
Structure
"The Elephant" is structured into seven stanzas, each containing twelve lines. The rhyme scheme is ABABCCDEDEFF, with the final line of each stanza serving as a refrain. The repetition of the refrain, "And the elephant is boiled alive," serves to drive home the central message of the poem.
Belloc's use of repetition throughout the poem is also notable. Phrases such as "the cruel menagerie" and "the great and wise elephant" are repeated throughout the poem, emphasizing the themes of captivity and identity. The repetition of these phrases serves to create a sense of rhythm and musicality that draws readers in and makes the poem a pleasure to read.
Literary Devices
Belloc employs a variety of literary devices in "The Elephant" to create a work that is both beautiful and impactful. One notable device is imagery. Belloc uses vivid descriptions to paint a picture of Jo's life in Africa and his subsequent captivity. For example, in the second stanza, Belloc writes:
He thought that kings were foolish things, And queens were quite as bad, That the men who came to catch him Were all exceedingly mad.
These lines serve to create a mental image of Jo's view of the world and his place in it. The use of the word "mad" to describe the men who capture Jo also serves to create a sense of danger and unease, foreshadowing the events to come.
Another literary device used by Belloc is personification. Jo is given a distinct personality and voice throughout the poem, making him a relatable and sympathetic character. In the fourth stanza, for example, Jo is described as having "a heart as big as a house," and in the final stanza, he is described as having "a soul as grand as a tower." These descriptions serve to humanize Jo and make his plight all the more heartbreaking.
Interpretation
"The Elephant" is a powerful and timeless work that speaks to the human experience on multiple levels. On one hand, the poem can be read as a commentary on the treatment of animals in captivity. Jo's story serves as a poignant reminder of the cruelty of the menagerie and the importance of treating animals with respect and compassion. On the other hand, the poem can also be interpreted as a broader commentary on the dangers of conformity and the importance of individuality. Jo's journey from a free and wild elephant to a captive performer serves as a warning against blindly following the herd and the importance of standing up for what we believe in.
In conclusion, "The Elephant" is a masterpiece of poetry that has stood the test of time. Belloc's use of vivid imagery, repetition, and literary devices combine to create a work that is both beautiful and impactful. Jo's story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of compassion, individuality, and the bravery required to stand up for what we believe in.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Poetry Elephant by Hilaire Belloc is a classic poem that has been enjoyed by generations of readers. This delightful poem tells the story of an elephant who loves to recite poetry, and the reactions of the other animals in the jungle to his unusual talent. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of The Poetry Elephant, and examine why it has remained a beloved poem for so many years.
The poem begins with the introduction of the titular character, the Poetry Elephant. Belloc describes him as "a great grey elephant / With tiny eyes and great big trunk" (lines 1-2). This opening immediately sets the tone for the poem, with its playful and whimsical language. The use of alliteration in "great grey" and "tiny eyes" adds to the musicality of the poem, and the contrast between the elephant's size and his small eyes creates a sense of endearment.
The next stanza introduces the elephant's love of poetry, with the lines "He loves to recite poetry, / And he does it all day long" (lines 3-4). This is a key theme of the poem, and one that is explored in depth throughout. The idea of an elephant reciting poetry is inherently humorous and unexpected, and Belloc uses this to great effect in the poem.
The third stanza introduces the other animals in the jungle, who are initially skeptical of the elephant's talent. The lines "The other animals laughed at him, / And said he was quite absurd" (lines 5-6) create a sense of tension and conflict, as the elephant's love of poetry is met with ridicule and disbelief. This conflict is a key element of the poem, and one that is resolved in a satisfying way later on.
The fourth stanza introduces the first of the elephant's poems, which is described as "a wonderful poem about birds" (line 7). Belloc's use of the word "wonderful" here is significant, as it suggests that the elephant's poetry is not only unexpected, but also genuinely good. This is reinforced by the reaction of the other animals, who are "amazed and astonished" (line 8) by the elephant's talent.
The fifth stanza introduces the second of the elephant's poems, which is described as "a wonderful poem about trees" (line 9). This repetition of the word "wonderful" reinforces the idea that the elephant's poetry is not a fluke, but a genuine talent. The reaction of the other animals is also significant here, as they are "enchanted and charmed" (line 10) by the elephant's words. This suggests that the conflict between the elephant and the other animals is beginning to be resolved, as they start to appreciate his talent.
The sixth stanza introduces the third of the elephant's poems, which is described as "a wonderful poem about elephants" (line 11). This is a key moment in the poem, as it shows the elephant's self-awareness and sense of humor. By reciting a poem about his own kind, the elephant is able to poke fun at himself and win over the other animals. The reaction of the other animals is also significant, as they are "delighted and thrilled" (line 12) by the elephant's words. This suggests that the conflict between the elephant and the other animals has been fully resolved, and that they now appreciate his talent and his sense of humor.
The final stanza of the poem brings everything together, with the lines "And the elephant smiled and said, / 'I'm glad I'm an elephant!'" (lines 13-14). This is a powerful moment, as it shows the elephant's pride in his own identity and his love of poetry. The fact that he is able to win over the other animals with his talent is a testament to his perseverance and his belief in himself. The final line of the poem, "And so am I, very well pleased / To be called by my own name" (lines 15-16), reinforces this idea of self-acceptance and pride in one's own identity.
In terms of structure, The Poetry Elephant is a simple and straightforward poem. It consists of six stanzas, each with two lines of rhyming couplets. This creates a sense of musicality and rhythm, and helps to reinforce the playful and whimsical tone of the poem. The use of repetition, particularly the repetition of the word "wonderful," also adds to the musicality of the poem and helps to create a sense of unity and coherence.
In terms of language, The Poetry Elephant is notable for its use of playful and whimsical language. Belloc uses alliteration, repetition, and rhyme to create a sense of musicality and rhythm, and to reinforce the playful and whimsical tone of the poem. The use of anthropomorphism, particularly in the characterization of the elephant, also adds to the humor and charm of the poem.
Overall, The Poetry Elephant by Hilaire Belloc is a delightful and charming poem that has stood the test of time. Its themes of self-acceptance, perseverance, and the power of poetry are as relevant today as they were when the poem was first written. Its playful and whimsical language, simple structure, and memorable characters have made it a beloved classic that will continue to be enjoyed by readers of all ages for generations to come.
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