Poem Analysis - I Feel

A Seething Rage: Introduction to Montgomery's "I Feel"

Lucy Maud Montgomery's "I Feel" is a surprisingly fierce and darkly humorous outburst disguised as a simple declaration of feeling. The poem begins with a calm, almost childlike statement before quickly escalating into a violent fantasy of retribution. This stark contrast between the initial understatement and the subsequent gruesome imagery creates a tone of sardonic anger, revealing a deep-seated frustration beneath the surface. The poem’s brevity and directness amplify the impact of its shocking content.

The Anonymity of the Offender: Contextual Absence

While we don't have specific historical or social context provided in the footnote, the poem speaks to a timeless frustration experienced by creative individuals. The object of Montgomery's ire remains unnamed and undefined ("unholy perpetrators"), suggesting that the issue isn't about a specific person, but rather a broader category of individuals or a particular kind of offensive behavior. This lack of specificity universalizes the poem, making it relatable to anyone who has felt creatively stifled or insulted by perceived laziness or lack of effort in others.

Creative Frustration: The Poem's Central Theme

The primary theme of "I Feel" is undoubtedly creative frustration. The poem’s narrator expresses an overwhelming urge to punish those who produce work that is "without form / And void." The intensity of the violent imagery – dragging, cutting into small pieces, and burying in the sea – underscores the depth of the narrator's displeasure. The final lines reveal the specific trigger for this anger: the offenders are "too lazy / To hunt up rhymes." This suggests that the poem is a reaction to perceived carelessness or lack of dedication in artistic creation, specifically concerning the craft of poetry. The implication is that a lack of effort disrespects the art form itself.

Violent Imagery: A Symbolic Outburst

The poem's most striking element is its violent imagery. The fantasy of dismemberment and burial at sea is jarring, especially considering Montgomery's reputation for gentler works. This vivid imagery can be interpreted as a symbolic representation of the narrator's desire to obliterate the offending work and the attitudes behind it. The act of "cutting them / Into small, irregular pieces" perhaps symbolizes a deconstruction of their inferior creations. The "depths of the blue sea" represent a place of permanent removal and oblivion, signifying a desire to erase the offensive art entirely. The excessive nature of the violence amplifies the intensity of the speaker's passion for artistic integrity. A possible interpretation is that it is an intentional exaggeration to highlight the absurdity of the narrator's emotions and the extreme feelings it evokes.

A Call for Artistic Integrity: Conclusion

"I Feel" is a powerful, albeit darkly humorous, expression of artistic frustration. Through its shocking imagery and direct language, Montgomery's poem reveals a deep-seated passion for artistic integrity and a disdain for those who approach creation with laziness or a lack of commitment. The poem, therefore, serves as a call for dedication and effort in artistic pursuits, suggesting that anything less is an affront to the art form itself. It’s a reminder that even seemingly gentle souls can harbor fierce opinions and strong reactions when it comes to matters of creative passion.