Poem Analysis - February

Overall Impression: A Bleak Midwinter Reflection

Margaret Atwood's "February" is a darkly humorous meditation on winter's despair, the animalistic nature of existence, and the human tendency toward self-destruction. The poem blends mundane domesticity with bleak philosophical pronouncements, creating a tone that oscillates between cynical observation and wry self-awareness. The speaker navigates the month's oppressive atmosphere, finding moments of sardonic humor in the face of existential dread. This is not a poem of delicate beauty, but of stark honesty and unflinching examination of life's absurdities. The poem's mood moves from a detached observation of the speaker's surroundings to one of dark humor, and finally ending on a note of resigned command.

Historical or Authorial Context

While specific historical events aren't explicitly referenced, Atwood, as a Canadian author, is acutely aware of the harshness of Canadian winters. This lived experience undoubtedly informs the poem's bleak portrayal of February. Understanding Atwood's broader body of work, which often explores themes of power, survival, and gender, also sheds light on the poem's cynical perspective on human nature and societal norms.

Mortality, Animality, and Self-Destruction: Thematic Threads

One of the main themes present is mortality, and this is woven through the poem. The poem opens with a cat checking to see if the speaker is dead, a stark reminder of life's fragility. The "skewered heart in the centre" of February symbolizes emotional vulnerability and the potential for pain. Then we see the animalistic side of people and animals in the poem. The cat’s behavior, the tomcat’s territorial aggression, and the comparison of humans to sharks eating their young all highlight the primal instincts that drive behavior. This animality extends to the human realm, suggesting that we are not as far removed from our base instincts as we might like to believe. Finally, there is self-destruction which is explored through the lines about pollution, "war", and "famine" in the bedsheets. It indicates the ways humans collectively and individually contribute to their own demise. The speaker's desire for unhealthy food mirrors this self-destructive tendency.

Cat as Symbol: More Than Just a Pet

The cat is a recurring symbol, embodying both comfort and a primal reminder of mortality. It is a domestic creature but also a predator, a "black fur sausage" with "Houdini eyes." The cat's presence highlights the tension between the civilized world of home and the wild, untamed forces that still govern existence. The cat’s indifference to the speaker’s state, whether alive or dead, underscores the cold, impersonal nature of the universe. The command in the last stanza, for the cat to "get rid of death," is ironically directed at a creature that represents the very essence of instinct and survival, an impossible task.

Vivid Imagery: Painting a Picture of Despair

The poem is filled with vivid imagery that contributes to its overall feeling of bleakness. The "pewter mornings" create a dull, metallic atmosphere. The description of the cat’s breath as "burped-up meat and musty sofas" is both repulsive and oddly familiar. The image of "famine crouches in the bedsheets, ambushing the pulsing / eiderdown" is particularly striking, linking domestic comfort with a sense of impending doom. The sharp, visual images contribute to the poem's visceral impact, forcing the reader to confront the discomfort and ugliness of winter and existence. Is the "skewered heart" literal or figurative? The ambiguity allows for a deeply personal interpretation of February's emotional toll.

Concluding Insight: Finding Dark Humor in the Void

"February" is a powerful exploration of the darker aspects of human existence. Through its bleak imagery, cynical tone, and recurring symbols, the poem confronts mortality, animality, and self-destruction. However, amidst the despair, there is a subtle thread of dark humor, a recognition of the absurdity of it all. The speaker's craving for French fries with vinegar in the face of existential dread is a testament to the human capacity to find small moments of pleasure even in the bleakest of circumstances. Ultimately, the poem suggests that even in the depths of winter, life, in all its messy and imperfect glory, persists.