Poem Analysis - The Message

A Journey's Tragic End

Jacques Prévert's "The Message" is a stark and emotionally resonant poem that traces a life's trajectory, or perhaps, more accurately, its abrupt termination. The poem adopts a detached, almost clinical tone, cataloging a series of simple actions and locations. This initial simplicity gradually darkens, morphing into a palpable sense of urgency and ultimately, tragedy. The overall impression is one of inevitability and the fragility of human existence.

Echoes of Existentialism: The Absurdity of Life

While a specific historical event doesn't necessarily inform the poem, Prévert, writing in post-World War II France, lived in a world grappling with existential questions and the aftermath of immense loss. This context may subtly influence the poem's pervasive sense of the absurd. The poem's focus on everyday actions followed by a sudden and seemingly random death reflects the existentialist idea that life is inherently meaningless, and we are born into a world without inherent purpose.

Mortality and the Fleeting Nature of Existence

One of the poem's central themes is mortality. The poem builds from mundane actions – opening a door, sitting on a chair – to a rapid descent towards death. The phrase "someone is still running" introduces a sense of desperation and flight, suggesting an attempt to escape an unknown fate. The abrupt shift from running through the woods and jumping into a river to "the hospital where someone died" emphasizes the sudden and unpredictable nature of death. These images powerfully illustrate how quickly life can transition from the ordinary to its inevitable end.

The Chilling Symbolism of the Journey

The poem is rich in symbolism, with the journey itself serving as a metaphor for life. Each location—the door, the chair, the road, the woods, the river, the hospital—represents a stage in this journey. The river, in particular, is a potent symbol of transition and the unknown. The act of jumping into the river can be interpreted as a desperate attempt at escape or perhaps even a suicidal act. The ambiguity surrounding this action adds to the poem's unsettling effect, leaving the reader to ponder the circumstances surrounding the individual's death.

Anonymity and Universal Experience

The repeated use of the pronoun "someone" creates a sense of anonymity, transforming the individual into a representative of all humanity. The poem is not about a specific person, but about the universal experience of life and death. This anonymity allows readers to project their own experiences and anxieties onto the poem, making its message even more impactful. Ultimately, "The Message" is a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the inevitability of death, presented with a stark simplicity that resonates deeply.