Poem Analysis - Postcards

Atwood's Disillusioned Postcard: Beyond the Tourist Trap

Margaret Atwood's "Postcards" isn't a cheerful greeting from a sunny vacation. Instead, it’s a stark and unsettling message revealing a reality far removed from the idealized image of paradise. The poem's tone is cynical and disillusioned, shifting between moments of weary resignation and flashes of intense emotional pain. This is a postcard filled not with promises, but with truths that undercut any superficial charm. It presents a complex picture of a place, and perhaps a relationship, marked by decay, hardship, and a persistent sense of longing.

Echoes of Colonialism and Instability

While the poem doesn't explicitly detail a specific historical context, its imagery subtly hints at a post-colonial landscape. The "fractured coke bottles," "backed-up drains," and "race of cripples" suggest a society struggling with poverty and its legacy. The "prisoners, their heads shaved by bayonets" and the "ten crates of queasy chicks" evoke violence and exploitation, implying a systemic oppression that extends beyond the individual. The presence of a "local paper" clipping about democracy adds a layer of ironic commentary, suggesting a fragile or perhaps failing attempt at self-governance in the face of deeply ingrained issues. These elements contribute to the overall feeling of unease and suggest a world far removed from the idyllic postcards typically sent from such places.

Love as a Destructive Force

One of the central themes in "Postcards" is the destructive potential of love and longing. The opening line, "I'm thinking about you. What else can I say?" establishes the poem as an address to a distant lover, but the subsequent descriptions quickly undermine any romantic notions. Love is not portrayed as a comforting or uplifting force; instead, it is likened to "a sickness," "a hollow cave / in the head, filling & pounding, a kicked ear." This violent and visceral imagery suggests that the speaker's feelings are overwhelming and painful. The repetition of "goes on / & on" emphasizes the relentless nature of this emotional suffering, highlighting the idea that love, in this context, is more of a burden than a blessing. The mirage-like quality of the distant lover further reinforces the notion that this love is unattainable and perhaps even illusory.

The Corrosion of Paradise: Imagery of Decay

The poem is saturated with vivid images that paint a picture of decay and corruption. The "mango on the verge / of rot" serves as a central symbol, embodying the contrast between outward appearance and inner deterioration. It mirrors the deceptive nature of the postcard itself, which promises a tropical paradise but conceals the underlying reality of "fractured coke bottles" and "the smell / of backed-up drains." The "pocked road to school" and the "crumbling dream" of the hotel being built further contribute to this sense of disintegration. Even the natural elements, such as the "air clear sweat, mosquitoes," are presented in a negative light, emphasizing discomfort and disease. This consistent imagery of decay serves to undermine any romanticized notions of the setting and highlights the harsh realities faced by its inhabitants. The "race of cripples" stands out as particularly striking, an image of systemic suffering and desperation.

A Lingering Question of Connection

The question "A universe that includes you / can't be all bad, but / does it?" is a poignant turning point in the poem. It reveals the speaker's desperate attempt to find meaning and solace in the presence of their beloved, even from a distance. However, the uncertainty expressed in the question underscores the fragility of that connection. Is the imagined presence of the lover enough to redeem the bleak reality of the speaker's surroundings? Or is the lover merely a "mirage," a fleeting and ultimately unattainable image? The poem leaves this question unanswered, suggesting that the speaker themselves is unsure whether the connection is real or simply a product of their longing and loneliness.

Despair and Longing in a False Paradise

In conclusion, "Postcards" is a powerful and unsettling poem that deconstructs the idealized image of a tropical paradise. Through its cynical tone, vivid imagery of decay, and exploration of destructive love, Atwood paints a portrait of a place marked by hardship, exploitation, and a profound sense of disillusionment. The poem's significance lies in its ability to expose the gap between appearance and reality, and to question the nature of connection and hope in a world that seems to be crumbling. The ambiguous ending leaves the reader with a lingering sense of unease, prompting reflection on the complexities of love, loss, and the enduring human capacity for both suffering and longing. Ultimately, Atwood uses the postcard format to subvert expectations and offer a poignant commentary on the realities hidden beneath the surface of idyllic landscapes.