Poem Analysis - Despair Is Sitting On A Bench

A Silent Invitation to Despair

Jacques Prévert’s “despair is sitting on a bench” is a chilling exploration of the seductive nature of hopelessness. The poem begins with a seemingly innocuous scene – a man on a bench – but quickly evolves into a cautionary tale about the irreversible consequences of succumbing to despair's allure. The tone is initially observational, almost detached, but becomes increasingly ominous and ultimately resigned as the reader witnesses the protagonist's tragic transformation. The poem is less an argument and more a stark depiction of how easily one can be drawn into a state of perpetual suffering.

The Allure of Negativity: A Dangerous Invitation

One of the central themes is the insidious nature of despair. The poem presents despair not as a violent force, but as a subtle invitation. The man on the bench, with his ordinary appearance and simple gesture, represents this insidious quality. He doesn’t force anyone to sit with him; he merely waits and subtly encourages interaction. The repetition of "he calls to you when you pass" and "he gestures to you" emphasizes the persistent, gentle pull of negativity, suggesting that despair is always present, waiting for a moment of weakness to take hold.

Lost Innocence and the Inability to Move On

Another significant theme is the loss of innocence and the inability to experience joy once despair has taken root. The poem contrasts the man on the bench with the vibrant life surrounding him: children playing, passersby moving freely, and birds flying away. These images highlight what the man has lost and what the person who sits next to him will also forfeit. The lines "you will never play anymore / like those children, you know that you will never / pass by anymore / tranquilly like those passersby" underscore the permanent damage inflicted by despair, making it impossible to return to a state of carefree existence.

The Mirror of Suffering: Shared Despair

The poem uses the image of the smile as a powerful symbol of shared suffering and the perpetuation of despair. Initially, the man on the bench smiles, and this smile leads to unbearable suffering for the person who joins him. Then, the victim begins to mimic the same smile, trapping them in a cycle of pain. The line "you smile the same smile / exactly" suggests a loss of individuality and a complete absorption into the world of despair. This mirrored smile becomes a visual representation of the shared burden and the inability to break free.

The Irreversible Choice

The most vivid image is undoubtedly the man sitting on the bench, an image that embodies the static and unchanging nature of despair. He is "seated" and "motionless," representing the lack of progress and the absence of hope. The poem ends with the protagonist also "sitting motionless on the bench," highlighting the paralyzing effect of despair. The finality of the poem lies in the realization that once one succumbs to despair, escape becomes virtually impossible, leaving them trapped in a state of perpetual suffering and stagnation. It serves as a potent reminder to resist the allure of negativity and to cherish the joys and freedoms of life before they are lost.