Poem Analysis - Peanut Butter Sandwich

A King's Absurd Obsession: Introduction

Shel Silverstein's "Peanut-butter Sandwich" is a whimsical and humorous poem that tells the story of a king whose life revolves entirely around his peculiar love for peanut-butter sandwiches. The poem begins with a lighthearted and playful tone, exaggerating the king's infatuation. However, the mood shifts to one of frustration and even a touch of desperation as the king's obsession leads to a sticky predicament that engulfs his entire kingdom, ultimately returning to a humorous conclusion.

The Folly of Obsession: A Central Theme

One of the main themes of the poem is the folly of obsession. The king's single-minded devotion to peanut-butter sandwiches is depicted as absurd and ultimately self-destructive. He neglects his royal duties, his health, and the well-being of his kingdom, all for the sake of satisfying his craving. The poem suggests that an unbalanced focus on any one thing, even something as seemingly harmless as a peanut-butter sandwich, can lead to negative consequences and a distorted sense of reality.

Power and Priorities: A Kingdom Defined by Sandwiches

The poem also explores the theme of power and priorities. The king's power is absolute, and he uses it to dictate the priorities of his entire kingdom. He decrees that his subjects should learn only how to make peanut-butter sandwiches in school, highlighting the absurdity of his reign. This theme suggests a critique of leaders who prioritize their own desires and whims over the needs of their people, leading to a misallocation of resources and a distorted societal structure.

The Absurdity of Solutions: When Everything Sticks Together

A third theme evident in the poem is the absurdity of solutions. When the king's jaw becomes stuck, the poem presents a series of increasingly ridiculous attempts to free him, involving a dentist, a plumber, a carpenter, firemen, and eventually the entire kingdom. This sequence of escalating and ineffective solutions emphasizes the ridiculousness of the situation and satirizes the tendency to overcomplicate simple problems. It can be interpreted as a commentary on the human condition, where complex solutions are often sought for straightforward issues.

Sticky Symbolism: Peanut Butter as a Metaphor

The peanut-butter sandwich itself serves as a central symbol in the poem. It represents the king's obsession, stubbornness, and ultimately, his downfall. Its sticky nature mirrors the king's inability to let go of his fixation. The image of the "brown and sticky" mess that permeates the king's surroundings symbolizes the all-consuming nature of his obsession and its negative impact on everything around him. The final "puff of dust, a screech, a squeak" after twenty years of effort, followed by the king's craving for another sandwich, suggests a cycle of addiction or unwavering infatuation despite adverse consequences.

A Humorous Warning: Conclusion

"Peanut-butter Sandwich" is a lighthearted yet insightful poem that uses humor and exaggeration to explore the dangers of obsession, the misuse of power, and the absurdity of human behavior. While the poem is undeniably silly, it also carries a subtle message about the importance of balance, perspective, and the potential consequences of allowing any one thing to consume our lives. Ultimately, the poem's significance lies in its ability to entertain while simultaneously prompting reflection on our own priorities and passions.