Poem Analysis - Those Two

A Microcosm of Modern Angst

Allen Ginsberg's "Those Two" is a deceptively simple poem, presenting a snippet of conversation between two trees. Its tone is initially one of complaint, quickly followed by dismissive judgment. The poem, though brief, captures a sense of modern alienation and existential unease, reflecting the anxieties of a world grappling with industrialization and its consequences. The poem’s conversational form mirrors the everyday, yet it delves into deeper themes of discontent and fractured connection.

Echoes of Ecological Concern and Ginsberg's Vision

While the poem doesn't explicitly state environmental concerns, the first tree's complaint about the gasoline smell of the car hints at the environmental impact of industrial society. Ginsberg, a prominent figure in the Beat Generation, was known for his counter-cultural stance and critiques of mainstream American values. “Those Two” may be viewed as a subtle commentary on the clash between nature and technology, a theme resonating with many of Ginsberg's other works and the broader anxieties of the modern age. It's a quiet protest against the intrusions of the man-made world upon the natural one.

Discontent, Judgment, and the Fragility of Connection

The poem explores several themes. The first is discontent. The first tree is unhappy, expressing its dislike of the car. The second theme is judgment, where the second tree immediately labels the first as "neurotic" and criticizes its appearance ("bent over"). This quick dismissal highlights a lack of empathy and understanding. The final theme touched upon is the fragility of connection. Instead of offering support or understanding, the second tree exacerbates the first tree's distress. Their interaction reveals a breakdown in communication and a failure to provide solace, suggesting a broader commentary on the challenges of genuine connection in a disconnected world.

Symbols of Industrial Intrusion and Psychological Strain

The "white car" serves as a central symbol, representing the intrusion of industrial society into the natural world. Its gasoline smell signifies pollution and the damaging effects of technology on the environment. The first tree's discomfort can be interpreted as a metaphorical representation of nature's suffering under the weight of human progress. The image of the tree being "bent over" is a potent symbol of psychological strain. It reflects a burden, perhaps the weight of environmental degradation or the pressure of societal expectations. Is the "bent over" tree a victim of the car pollution, or is the second tree's interpretation accurate?

Final Reflections on a Simple Yet Profound Dialogue

"Those Two" is a powerful miniature, distilling complex themes of environmental concern, social alienation, and psychological distress into a seemingly simple conversation. The poem’s strength lies in its ability to evoke a sense of unease and prompt reflection on the state of our relationship with nature and with each other. Ginsberg, through these two trees, highlights the pervasive discontent and the judgmental tendencies that can undermine genuine connection, leaving the reader to ponder the broader implications of this brief, unsettling exchange. The poem serves as a quiet reminder to listen and empathize rather than dismiss and judge.