Poem Analysis - Theyve Put A Brassiere On A Camel

A Absurdist Commentary

Shel Silverstein's "They've Put A Brassiere On A Camel" is a lighthearted yet pointed poem that uses absurdity to critique societal pressures and expectations. The poem's tone is playful and nonsensical, creating a humorous image while subtly revealing a deeper commentary on conformity. The repetitive structure and simple language contribute to its accessibility, inviting readers to consider the ridiculousness of forcing artificial standards onto the natural world. The poem maintains a consistent tone of whimsical satire throughout.

The Absurdity of Imposed Decency

One of the central themes of the poem is the absurdity of imposing human notions of decency onto animals. The poem highlights this through the central image of a camel being forced to wear a brassiere. The reason given is that she "wasn't dressed proper, you know," which immediately sets up the idea that someone has decided what is and isn't acceptable for a camel to wear. This is further emphasized by the lines about dressing up ducks and pigs, extending the reach of the absurd imposition. The poem mocks the human tendency to project our own values and standards onto things that are fundamentally different. It suggests a shallow understanding of what it truly means to be "decent," reducing it to mere outward appearance.

Conformity and the Loss of Individuality

The poem also touches on the theme of conformity and the potential loss of individuality. The camel "had nothing to say," implying a lack of agency and the silencing of natural expression. The fact that "they squeezed her into it, I'll never know how," suggests that the process of forcing conformity is often uncomfortable and unnatural. The poem can be interpreted as a commentary on how societal pressures can stifle individual expression and force people to conform to artificial standards, even when those standards are nonsensical. The poem implies that this imposed conformity leads to a loss of authenticity and natural beauty.

The Brassiere as a Symbol of Societal Expectations

The brassiere itself serves as a potent symbol of societal expectations and the pressure to conform to artificial standards of beauty and decency. It's an object designed to shape and conceal, representing the ways in which society attempts to mold individuals into preconceived notions of what is acceptable. The fact that it is being put on a camel, an animal with no need for such an garment, amplifies the absurdity of the situation. It also underscores the idea that these expectations are often arbitrary and imposed from the outside. The brassiere becomes a symbol of the superficiality of these expectations and the lengths to which people will go to enforce them.

Whimsical Critique: A Final Insight

In conclusion, "They've Put A Brassiere On A Camel" is a deceptively simple poem that uses humor and absurdity to critique societal pressures and the imposition of artificial standards. Through the image of a camel being forced to conform to human notions of decency, Silverstein cleverly highlights the ridiculousness of trying to force conformity and the potential loss of individuality that results. The poem invites readers to question the standards we uphold and consider the consequences of trying to mold the world to fit our narrow perspectives. The poem is a whimsical yet insightful reminder that true beauty and decency lie in embracing naturalness and individuality rather than enforcing artificial constraints.