Poem Analysis - Mermaid

Introduction: A Cautionary Tale of Love and Expectations

Shel Silverstein's "Mermaid" is a whimsical yet thought-provoking narrative poem that explores the complexities of love and the often-unrealistic expectations we place upon it. Told in a conversational, folksy tone, the poem begins with a lighthearted warning but gradually delves into themes of superficiality, acceptance, and the ultimately subjective nature of attraction. The poem shifts from a cautionary tale to a humorous reflection on the narrator's romantic misadventures and eventual realization.

The Elusive Ideal of Love: Appearance vs. Reality

One of the central themes of "Mermaid" is the tension between idealized love and the reality of imperfection. The old man's initial warning sets the stage, highlighting the narrator's impending struggle with the mermaid's unconventional form. The narrator’s initial attraction is solely based on the mermaid's "upper part," emphasizing the superficiality of his initial desires. This theme is further developed through the narrator's disappointment when he discovers the mermaid's tail is "not too smart," revealing his inability to accept her complete being. The poem suggests that true love requires embracing flaws and looking beyond surface appearances.

The Green Hair and Silvery Scales: Symbolism of the Mermaid

The mermaid herself functions as a potent symbol throughout the poem. Her physical description – "hair is green as seaweed and her skin is blue and pale" – evokes both beauty and the uncanny. These images represent the allure of the unknown and the captivating power of something different. The "seaweed bed" and "tortoise shell" pillow symbolize the mermaid's alien yet strangely comforting world. The mention of shrimps and caviar, served on a silver dish, hints at a luxurious lifestyle but also underscores the artificiality of their relationship. Ultimately, the mermaid's captivation by the millionaire's diamond suggests that even the most alluring facade can be tempted by material wealth, raising questions about the authenticity of her love for the narrator.

A Fishy Tale of Love and Acceptance: Embracing Imperfection

Another prominent theme is the idea of acceptance and challenging conventional beauty standards. The ending of the poem provides a satirical twist: the narrator finds happiness with a mermaid whose "upper part was an ugly old fish but the bottom part was a girl." This reversal challenges the reader's own expectations and subverts the traditional mermaid myth. The narrator's declaration, "I don't give a damn about the upper part," signifies a profound shift in perspective. He has learned that true connection is not dependent on physical perfection but on a deeper, more meaningful compatibility. He seems to have accepted this new mermaid completely, embracing what society might deem unattractive.

Scales of Justice: What Defines True Beauty?

The recurring imagery of the mermaid's physical form is central to the poem's message. The focus on the "upper part" versus the "bottom part" highlights the arbitrary nature of beauty standards. The poem compels us to consider why certain physical traits are deemed desirable while others are not. Is the narrator's initial preference for the mermaid's upper body simply a result of societal conditioning, or is there something more inherent in our attraction to certain physical attributes? By presenting two mermaids with contrasting features, Silverstein invites us to question our own biases and explore the subjective nature of beauty.

Conclusion: The Unconventional Happy Ending and the Search for True Connection

"Mermaid" is a deceptively simple poem that uses humor and fantastical imagery to explore complex themes of love, acceptance, and societal expectations. Through the narrator's journey from superficial attraction to genuine connection, Silverstein suggests that true love requires embracing imperfections and challenging conventional notions of beauty. The unconventional happy ending, with the narrator finding contentment with a mermaid deemed "ugly" by traditional standards, offers a whimsical yet profound message about the importance of looking beyond appearances and valuing inner qualities in our search for meaningful relationships. The poem, therefore, is a celebration of unconventional love and a testament to the idea that beauty truly lies in the eye of the beholder.