Poem Analysis - More And More
Yearning and Consumption: An Overview
Margaret Atwood's "More and More" explores the complex and often contradictory nature of desire. The poem begins with a yearning for unity and absorption, a dissolving of boundaries between the self and the world. However, this initial idealistic vision quickly gives way to a darker, more predatory understanding of this desire. The tone shifts from hopeful and almost mystical to cautionary and somewhat menacing, highlighting the potential dangers inherent in an all-consuming need.
The Elusive Dream of Unity
One of the poem's central themes is the unattainable ideal of complete unity. The speaker initially envisions a harmonious assimilation, "a wish to assimilate the world," including the "you" addressed in the poem. This is portrayed through the gentle imagery of a plant's "cool tricks with oxygen" and a "harmless green burning," suggesting a symbiotic relationship. However, this idyllic vision is quickly shattered by the recognition of the speaker's own limitations: "Unfortunately I don't have leaves." This line marks a turning point, acknowledging the inherent inability to achieve such a pure and passive absorption, highlighting the gap between desire and reality.
The Shadow Side of Hunger
The theme of destructive desire emerges as the poem progresses. The speaker acknowledges her "eyes / and teeth and other non-green / things," which represent a more active and potentially harmful way of engaging with the world. This shift signals a departure from the gentle "osmosis" initially imagined. The subsequent warning, "So be careful, I mean it," introduces a threatening undercurrent, revealing the potential for the speaker's desire to become possessive and consuming. The "hunger" described is not a gentle yearning but a force that "draws / everything into its own / space," suggesting a violation of boundaries and a loss of individual autonomy. It reflects a darker side of human nature and the potential for desire to morph into something harmful.
Dehumanizing Need: The Animalistic Metaphor
The poem employs animalistic imagery to illustrate the irrationality and intensity of this hunger. The final image, a "starved dog's logic about bones," is particularly striking. It reduces the speaker's desire to a primal, instinctual drive, devoid of reason or empathy. This metaphor underscores the idea that some desires are beyond rational control and are rooted in a deep, almost unconscious need. This image suggests that the speaker's hunger is not a conscious choice but a deeply ingrained instinct. The comparison to a starved dog also emphasizes the desperation and potential for violence associated with this kind of insatiable longing.
Final Reflections on Unsustainable Desire
In conclusion, "More and More" offers a complex exploration of desire and its potential consequences. The poem moves from an initial vision of harmonious assimilation to a stark recognition of the destructive potential inherent in unchecked hunger. The shift in tone, the vivid imagery, and the animalistic metaphor all contribute to a powerful message about the dangers of a desire that seeks to consume and erase boundaries. The poem ultimately leaves the reader with a lingering sense of unease, prompting reflection on the nature of human desire and its capacity for both creation and destruction. It's a meditation on the fine line between yearning and consumption, and the impossibility of truly merging with another without potentially losing oneself – or consuming the other in the process.
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