Poem Analysis - Tryin On Clothes

Introduction: A Search for Belonging

Shel Silverstein's "Tryin' On Clothes" is a simple yet profound poem about the search for belonging and self-discovery. The poem begins with a playful tone, as the speaker literally tries on different roles and identities symbolized by clothes. This lightheartedness gradually shifts towards a sense of contentment and acceptance as the speaker finds solace and belonging in nature. The poem celebrates the idea that true comfort and identity come not from external roles, but from a connection with the natural world.

The Unsatisfying Nature of Societal Roles

The first half of the poem focuses on the speaker's attempts to adopt conventional roles, represented by the "farmer's hat" and the "dancer's shoes." The farmer's hat, too small and floppy, symbolizes a life of labor or tradition that doesn't quite fit the speaker. Similarly, the dancer's shoes, "too loose" and unsuitable for walking, suggest a pursuit of superficiality or a life detached from practical reality. The repetition of phrases like "Didn't fit" and "Didn't feel right" emphasizes the speaker's discomfort and the ultimate failure to find satisfaction in these imposed identities.

Nature as a Source of True Identity

The poem pivots when the speaker turns to nature. Instead of trying on clothes representing professions, the speaker tries on the "summer sun" and the "grass beneath bare feet." This sensory imagery creates a feeling of immediate comfort and connection. The phrase "Felt good" marks a significant shift in tone from dissatisfaction to contentment. Nature, unlike the societal roles, offers a sense of belonging and authenticity. The bare feet on the grass symbolize vulnerability and a direct, unmediated relationship with the earth.

The Symbolism of "Clothes" and the Importance of Feeling "Dressed"

The poem uses the metaphor of "clothes" to represent the roles and identities we adopt in life. The speaker isn't just trying on literal garments; they are exploring different ways of being. The final lines, "Finally, finally felt well dressed, / Nature's clothes fit me best," are particularly significant. Feeling "well dressed" suggests a sense of completeness and self-acceptance. The poem implies that true fulfillment comes not from conforming to societal expectations, but from embracing one's natural self and finding harmony with the environment. Could the poem also be interpreted as suggesting societal roles are stifling, and that we were all born into a state of ‘nakedness,’ or naturalness, that we should strive to return to?

Conclusion: A Celebration of Natural Identity

"Tryin' On Clothes" is a deceptively simple poem with a powerful message about the search for identity and belonging. Silverstein uses vivid imagery and a clear, accessible style to illustrate the speaker's journey from dissatisfaction with societal roles to finding comfort and fulfillment in nature. The poem ultimately celebrates the idea that true happiness comes from embracing our natural selves and connecting with the world around us, suggesting that nature provides the most authentic and fulfilling "clothes" we can wear.