Poem Analysis - Fightin Was Natural

Introduction: A Descent into Brutality

Maya Angelou's "Fightin’ Was Natural" is a stark and visceral portrayal of boxing, moving beyond the superficial glory to expose the raw pain and disillusionment inherent in the sport. The poem begins with a sense of grim acceptance, almost a matter-of-fact acknowledgement of violence. However, as the poem progresses, the tone darkens, revealing the brutal reality and culminating in a chilling realization of the personal cost. The movement is a clear progression from a resigned familiarity to a stark, despairing understanding.

The Bitter Lure of Recognition

One of the poem's main themes is the illusory promise of success and validation. The opening lines, "Fightin’ was natural, / hurtin’ was real, / and the leather like lead / on the end of my arm / was a ticket to ride / to the top of the hill," suggest that fighting, despite its inherent pain, is perceived as a pathway to upward mobility. The "ticket to ride" and "top of the hill" imagery symbolize ambition and the desire for a better life. However, this promise is undercut by the reality of the violence described later, highlighting the false hope and the brutal cost of chasing this dream. The poem suggests that the pursuit of recognition through violence is a flawed and ultimately destructive path.

Pain as a Defining Reality

Another core theme is the overwhelming presence of pain. The poem doesn't shy away from graphic imagery, detailing the physical toll boxing takes on the body. "The sting of the ointment / and scream of the crowd / for blood in the ring" paints a vivid picture of the immediate aftermath of a fight. The lines, "the smack of four hammers, / new bones in my jaw, / the guard in my mouth, / my tongue startin’ to swell," are particularly brutal, evoking the sounds and sensations of severe physical trauma. The pain isn't just physical; it's also emotional and psychological, contributing to the overall sense of despair and disillusionment. The repetition of "real" after each depiction of the fight emphasizes that even though the fighter may have sought glory, all that remains is the ever-present pain.

The Loss of Innocence and the Fall from Grace

The poem also explores the theme of lost innocence and the descent into a personal hell. Initially, fighting is presented as "natural," implying an inherent, perhaps even instinctive, quality. This suggests a naive acceptance of violence as a part of life. However, the final lines, "Fightin’ was livin'. / Boxin’ was real. / Fightin’ was real. / Livin’ was … hell," mark a stark realization. The equation of "fightin'" with "livin'" initially suggests purpose and vitality. However, the abrupt shift to "Livin' was…hell" signifies a profound loss of innocence. The fighter realizes that their pursuit of success through violence has led not to fulfillment but to a state of torment and despair. The implication is that the "natural" inclination to fight has corrupted their life, leading to a personal hell.

Recurring Images: Blood, Noise, and Confinement

The poem employs recurring images to reinforce its themes. The image of blood, implied in lines such as "scream of the crowd / for blood in the ring," represents the violence and brutality inherent in boxing. Noise, represented by the "scream of the crowd" and the "clangin’ bell," creates a chaotic and overwhelming atmosphere, reflecting the fighter's disorientation and the relentless pressure they face. Finally, the image of confinement, suggested by "the rope at my back / and the pad on the floor," emphasizes the fighter's trapped position, both literally within the ring and metaphorically within the cycle of violence. The rope, in particular, reminds the reader of the constraints and boundaries of the environment, but perhaps also of the fighter's physical and moral constraints.

Conclusion: A Haunting Revelation

"Fightin’ Was Natural" is a powerful and unsettling poem that unveils the dark side of boxing. Through vivid imagery, repetition, and a gradual shift in tone, Angelou exposes the brutal reality behind the perceived glory of the sport. The poem’s ultimate significance lies in its depiction of the personal cost of violence, highlighting the disillusionment and despair that can result from the pursuit of success through aggression. The poem ends not in triumph, but in a haunting acknowledgment of a life consumed by suffering, leaving the reader to contemplate the true meaning of "livin'." The poem compels us to consider the potential consequences of glorifying violence and the devastating impact it can have on the individual soul.