Poem Analysis - It Allows A Portrait In Line Scan At Fifteen

A Fragmented Portrait of Autism

Les Murray’s “It Allows A Portrait In Line-scan At Fifteen” is a poignant and fragmented depiction of a young autistic boy's life and experiences. The poem moves between moments of profound understanding and jarring observations, creating a complex portrait that resists easy categorization. The tone is a mixture of clinical detachment, parental love, and a persistent sense of bewilderment, shifting from admiration to frustration and back again. It feels observational and empathetic.

The Prison of "It" and Glimmers of Personhood

One major theme explored in the poem is the internal struggle of the autistic individual against an unnamed "It." This "It" seems to represent the controlling aspects of autism that limit expression, understanding, and connection. "It does not allow proportion," the poem states, highlighting the extreme and often overwhelming nature of emotions and reactions. "It long forbade all naturalistic films," suggesting a preference for the ordered and predictable world of animation. However, the poem also emphasizes the boy’s personality and capabilities, showing how he transcends the limitations imposed by "It." His encyclopedic knowledge of soils and breeds of fowl, his artistic talent, and his ability to surf and bowl demonstrate a richness of inner life. The poem contrasts the limitations with his capabilities to demonstrate the person inside.

Communication and Miscommunication

The theme of communication, or rather the difficulty of communication, runs throughout the poem. The boy's early reliance on "single phrases" and his tendency to repeat phrases as teaching highlight the challenges he faces in expressing himself and understanding others. The phrase "Eye contact, Mum! means he truly wants attention. It dislikes I-contact," emphasizes the complex nature of social interaction for autistic individuals. His aversion to banter and the terror caused by questions about girlfriends further underscore the difficulties in navigating social norms. However, there are also moments of successful communication, such as when he correctly identifies "Plane" after hearing "Blane," showing his capacity for language and connection.

The World Through a Unique Lens

The poem features vivid imagery related to the boy's specific interests and obsessions. The recurring image of soil, particularly fertile soil, symbolizes a connection to the earth and a deep understanding of the natural world. "He knows the map of Earth’s fertile soils, and can draw it freehand," illustrating his unique gift. Another recurring image is that of fruit, which represents both a source of fascination and a trigger for distress. "When he ran away constantly it was to the greengrocers to worship stacked fruit," but "when he worshipped fruit, he screamed as if poisoned when it was fed to him." This ambivalent relationship with fruit suggests a complex and perhaps inexplicable connection to the world around him. His fascination with Cyborgs is also a vivid image, perhaps representing a desire for control, predictability, and a lack of emotional complexity that contrasts with the overwhelming nature of his own feelings.

A Lasting Impression of Complexity and Hope

In conclusion, "It Allows A Portrait In Line-scan At Fifteen" is a powerful and multifaceted poem that offers a glimpse into the life of an autistic individual. It emphasizes both the challenges and the unique capabilities of the boy, highlighting the constant struggle between the limitations imposed by "It" and the potential for connection and expression. The poem’s fragmented form mirrors the complexities of autism, and it resists easy answers, instead leaving the reader with a lingering sense of wonder and respect for the individual depicted. The final line, "I gotta get smart! looking terrified into the years. I gotta get smart!" conveys both the vulnerability and the determination of the boy as he faces the future, making it an honest and meaningful poem.