Poem Analysis - The Animals In That Country

Introduction: A Tale of Two Realities

Margaret Atwood's "The animals in that country" presents a stark contrast between two distinct ways of viewing animals and, by extension, the relationship between humans and the natural world. The poem begins with a sense of the surreal and stylized, then transitions to a more grounded, almost brutal, reality. The initial tone is one of detached observation, tinged with irony, which gradually gives way to a more somber and reflective mood. The poem explores themes of anthropomorphism, the nature of violence, and the dehumanization of the natural world in modern society.

Anthropomorphism and the Illusion of Humanity

One of the central themes of the poem is the dangers and implications of anthropomorphism, the attribution of human characteristics to animals. In the "first country," animals are depicted as possessing human-like qualities. The "ceremonial cats" suggest a society with rituals and social hierarchy, while the fox hunt is presented as a performance steeped in "manners," obscuring the inherent violence. The bull's "elegant death" is a carefully constructed spectacle, emphasizing human control and glorification of violence. The line, "(when he rolled / on the sand, sword in his heart, the teeth / in his blue mouth were human)," is particularly striking, blurring the lines between animal and human, suggesting that the violence inflicted upon animals is, in a sense, violence inflicted upon ourselves. This manufactured humanity allows for the continuation and justification of violence, as it masks the true suffering of the animal.

Violence and the Imposition of Meaning

The poem confronts the theme of violence through the contrasting depictions of animal death in the two countries. In the first country, violence is ritualized and aestheticized. The bull's death is "elegant" and "heraldic," transforming a brutal act into a spectacle of honor and tradition. His "name" is "stamped on him," showcasing how humans impose meaning and control onto the animal's existence, even in death. Conversely, in the second country, animal deaths are devoid of such ceremony. "Their deaths are not elegant." This stark contrast highlights the ways in which society attempts to sanitize and legitimize violence against animals through cultural narratives and rituals, concealing the raw reality of their suffering.

The Dehumanization of Nature

The poem powerfully depicts the dehumanization of nature in the modern world. In the "second country," the animals are reduced to fleeting images: "Their eyes / flash once in car headlights / and are gone." This imagery suggests a world where animals are merely obstacles or momentary distractions, their existence rendered insignificant and transient. Their deaths are unremarkable, and "They have the faces of / no-one," highlighting their lack of individuality and recognition in a society that prioritizes human interests above all else. The absence of interaction with nature is a stark contrast to the rich, albeit artificial, relationship in the first country. The poem suggests that this disconnect leads to a profound loss of empathy and understanding.

Symbols and Haunting Images

The images of the "ceremonial cats" and the "bull, embroidered / with blood" serve as recurring symbols that underscore the themes of artificiality and the imposition of human meaning on the natural world. The cats evoke a sense of contrived social order, while the blood-embroidered bull represents the glorification of violence through cultural practices. The phrase "tapestry of manners" is particularly evocative, suggesting that human behavior is a carefully constructed facade. The contrasting image of "eyes flash[ing] once in car headlights" encapsulates the anonymity and fleeting nature of animals in the modern landscape, highlighting the detachment and disregard that characterize the relationship between humans and nature in the "second country." Is Atwood suggesting that anthropomorphizing animals is a form of exploitation, or that without recognition of their individuality, their plight is overlooked?

Conclusion: Reflections on Humanity's Relationship with Nature

"The animals in that country" serves as a poignant meditation on humanity's complex and often contradictory relationship with the natural world. By juxtaposing two vastly different representations of animals, Atwood challenges us to examine the ways in which culture, tradition, and societal structures shape our perceptions and interactions with the environment. The poem ultimately suggests that our treatment of animals reflects our own values and the degree to which we are willing to acknowledge and respect the intrinsic worth of all living beings. The shift from romanticized anthropomorphism to stark, indifferent dehumanization underscores the profound responsibility we bear in shaping the future of our planet and its inhabitants.