Poem Analysis - I Call That True Love

Introduction: A Twisted Take on Devotion

Shel Silverstein's "I Call That True Love" is a darkly humorous and deeply ironic exploration of love and relationships. The poem, delivered in a cynical and demanding tone, outlines a series of outrageous expectations and selfish desires presented as the epitome of "true love." The poem's mood is consistently absurd, using exaggeration and morbid scenarios to both shock and amuse the reader, creating a caricature of a self-centered individual's skewed perception of affection. This poem is not meant to be taken at face value, but rather to elicit a sardonic reaction.

The Selfish Pursuit of Love: A Central Theme

One of the primary themes is the speaker's unadulterated selfishness and distorted view of what constitutes love. The speaker lays out a set of demands that are entirely one-sided, focusing solely on personal gratification. From being served steak in bed to having someone take a bullet, the requests highlight a complete lack of empathy or reciprocal affection. The speaker's definition of "true love" is, in reality, a form of extreme servitude and self-sacrifice on the part of the other person. This theme is developed through the hyperbole inherent in each stanza. Each verse describes increasingly outlandish scenarios.

Love as Transaction: An Unequal Exchange

Another crucial theme is the depiction of love as a transactional exchange. The speaker seems to believe that love is something that can be bought or earned through constant attention, devotion, and even criminal acts. The expectation that the partner should take the blame for the speaker's stash, and even actively seek out other women for him, presents a disturbing picture of exploitation disguised as romance. This theme is explored through the repeated phrase "And I call that true love," which underscores the speaker's belief that these outlandish demands are not only reasonable but essential for a genuine relationship.

The Subversion of Romantic Ideals: A Deconstruction of Clichés

The poem acts as a parody of traditional romantic ideals, particularly those found in popular culture. The phrase "true love" is usually associated with selfless acts and mutual respect, but Silverstein's poem completely inverts this notion. The speaker's demands, such as having a partner turn down a movie role or apologize for messing up the rug while dying, are deliberately absurd and undermine the sentimental clichés often associated with love. This subversion is heightened by the poem's use of dark humor and its unflinching portrayal of the speaker's self-centeredness.

Recurring Images of Excess: A Window to the Speaker's Soul

Several vivid images contribute to the poem's overall message. The image of a "great T-bone steak" served in bed symbolizes the speaker's desire for luxury and indulgence. The image of "wine and roasted pheasant" further emphasizes the speaker's extravagant tastes and expectations. The most striking and disturbing image is that of the partner "lyin' on the floor and dyin'" after taking a bullet. This image, though extreme, highlights the speaker's utter disregard for the partner's well-being and the chilling expectation of unwavering loyalty, even unto death. One can interpret the recurring imagery of excess and violent sacrifice as an indication of the speaker's deep-seated insecurity and need for constant validation.

Conclusion: The Bitter Pill of Satire

"I Call That True Love" is a provocative and unsettling poem that uses dark humor and exaggeration to critique our notions of love and relationships. The poem’s lasting significance lies in its ability to expose the potential for selfishness and exploitation within even the most intimate connections. By presenting such an extreme and distorted view of love, Silverstein forces us to confront the often-unspoken expectations and power dynamics that can exist in relationships, ultimately leaving us to question what true love really means. The poem's over-the-top demands invite the reader to contemplate the difference between genuine affection and self-serving manipulation.