Poem Analysis - Pigs

Introduction: From Primeval Freedom to Industrial Slaughter

Les Murray's "Pigs" is a visceral and unsettling poem told from the perspective of pigs, tracing their existence from a primal, free state to a horrifying industrialized death. The poem moves from a tone of rough, untamed power to one of confusion, fear, and ultimately, annihilation. The narrative voice, a collective "us," emphasizes the shared experience of the pigs, highlighting their journey from natural creatures to victims of human industry. The poem evokes a sense of lament and a critique of humanity's relationship with nature, particularly concerning food production.

The Lost Eden of Natural Existence

One of the central themes is the loss of a natural, Eden-like existence. The poem contrasts the pigs' earlier life in the wild, described with vivid imagery of "tunnelled bush," "soft cement of rivers," and a raw connection to the earth ("snored the earth hollow"), with their later confinement and slaughter. The pigs recall a time when they were powerful and self-sufficient ("Us all fuckers then. And Big, huh?"), even violent, killing a dog. This period represents a state of primal freedom, where they were governed by instinct and the natural order. The "cool god-shit" they ate contrasts sharply with the "burnt water" of their demise, symbolizing a transition from sustenance provided by nature to the destructive force of human intervention.

The Dehumanizing Force of Industrialization

The poem profoundly explores the dehumanizing effects of industrialization, not just on the pigs but implicitly on the humans involved. The shift in tone and language from confident primal description to confused, fragmented terror reflects the disruption of the pigs' natural existence. The lines "Nor the terrible sheet-cutting screams up ahead. The burnt water kicking," depict a slaughterhouse scene, devoid of compassion, and reduced to sensory horror. The "sheet-cutting screams" and "burnt water" are anonymous agents of death. The fact that pigs "never knowed like slitting nor hose-biff then" suggests they are not prepared for the reality of what they are about to face.

The Symbolism of Inversion and Loss

Recurring imagery of inversion and loss is crucial to understanding the poem's message. The phrase "This gone-already feeling here in no place with our heads on upside down" is particularly potent. It not only depicts the physical position of the pigs during slaughter but also symbolizes the complete upending of their natural order and purpose. This image suggests a profound disconnect from their former existence and the annihilation of their being. "Burnt water" is a striking symbol. Water is an essential component of life, but here it is corrupted by fire, representing the destructive forces of industry that taint and ultimately extinguish life.

Concluding Thoughts: A Lament for Lost Connection

"Pigs" serves as a lament for a lost connection to nature and a harsh critique of the industrial processes that disconnect us from the reality of our food. The poem uses the experience of the pigs to explore themes of freedom, loss, and the consequences of human intervention in the natural world. Ultimately, the poem's power lies in its ability to evoke empathy for creatures reduced to commodities, forcing us to confront the ethical implications of our choices and the hidden costs of progress. The poem asks if the benefits of industrialization are worth the sacrifice of innocent life and a disconnect from the natural world, which are questions with no easy answers.