Poem Analysis - Two Flies

Introduction: Petty Annoyance and Existential Dread

Charles Bukowski's "Two Flies" is a darkly humorous and surprisingly profound poem that explores themes of frustration, insignificance, and the interconnectedness of life. Initially, the poem feels like a rant against a minor annoyance – buzzing flies. However, as the poem progresses, it evolves into a contemplation on the shared experience of being alive, even in suffering, and the unsettling intrusion of the mundane into deeper existential reflections. The tone shifts from irritation to a kind of grudging empathy, and finally to a weary acceptance.

The Theme of Insignificance: Insects Versus Empires

One of the central themes of "Two Flies" is the insignificance of the individual and the pettiness of human concerns in the grand scheme of things. The speaker contrasts his suffering – inflicted by "insects" – with the suffering of "other men" who endure "dictates of empire, tragic love…" This juxtaposition highlights the absurdity of focusing on minor irritations when more significant problems exist in the world. However, it also suggests that all suffering, regardless of its source, is valid and impactful to the individual experiencing it. The flies, though seemingly insignificant, become the speaker's personal torment, forcing him to confront his own limitations and frustrations.

Agony and Empathy: The Shared Plight of Living Things

The poem develops a theme of shared suffering and a reluctant empathy between the speaker and the flies. The speaker describes the flies as "angry bits of life" and "loose chunks of soul left out of somewhere," suggesting a sense of incompleteness and dissatisfaction. This anthropomorphism invites the reader to see the flies not merely as pests but as fellow creatures struggling with existence. The lines "we are woven together in the air and the living; it is late for both of us" underscore this connection, implying that both the speaker and the flies are subject to the same existential limitations and the inevitable march of time. The speaker's ultimate act of violence, killing the larger fly, further complicates this dynamic, leaving him feeling "soiled" and disturbed, highlighting the moral implications of taking even the smallest of lives.

The Ruined Paper: Symbolism of Disruption and Awareness

The recurring image of the paper, initially meant for reading, serves as a potent symbol of disruption and a lost sense of normalcy. The flies prevent the speaker from engaging in his desired activity, interrupting his attempts to escape into the world of information and ideas. The fact that the "paper, of course, is ruined" after the fly-killing incident suggests that the encounter has irrevocably altered the speaker's perception. He can no longer return to his previous state of detached observation. The ruined paper represents the intrusion of the raw, visceral experience of life – even in its most minute forms – into the realm of intellectual pursuits. It's a reminder that even the smallest interactions can have a profound impact on our lives, leaving us changed and perhaps a little more aware of our place within the larger ecosystem of existence.

Conclusion: Interconnectedness in the Mundane

"Two Flies" ultimately reveals the profound in the mundane, exploring how even the simplest encounters can expose our deepest fears and anxieties. Bukowski masterfully uses the image of the flies to highlight themes of insignificance, shared suffering, and the interconnectedness of all living things. The poem's final image, with the speaker watching the surviving fly, suggests a weary acceptance of this interconnectedness and an acknowledgment that even the smallest of creatures can disrupt our lives and force us to confront our own mortality. The poem's significance lies in its ability to find meaning not in grand narratives or epic struggles, but in the everyday annoyances and unexpected connections that shape our experience of being alive.