Poem Analysis - Bump

A Whimsical Look at Fear

Spike Milligan's "Bump" is a lighthearted and humorous take on the nature of fear. The poem, brief and to the point, suggests that the things we fear in the dark are not inherently frightening, but rather, our perception and susceptibility to suggestion create the fear. The tone is initially playful and almost dismissive of fear, shifting slightly to a more introspective consideration of its origins. The poem manages to convey a simple yet profound message about controlling one's own anxieties.

Dismissing External Threat, Highlighting Internal Vulnerability

One of the poem's central themes is the idea that fear is not an external force, but an internal construct. The opening lines, "Things that go 'bump' in the night/ Should not really give one a fright," immediately establish this notion. Milligan downplays the actual source of the "bump," suggesting it is not inherently scary. Instead, he implies that the real issue lies within ourselves. The poem isn't about monsters under the bed, but about how our minds interpret and amplify harmless stimuli.

Ears and Darkness: Gateways to Apprehension

The poem uses the image of "the hole in each ear" as a pathway for fear. This is a crucial symbolic element. The ear, typically associated with receiving information and understanding, is here presented as a vulnerable opening through which fear can enter. This suggests that fear is often born from what we hear – rumors, anxieties, or simple sounds in the dark that our imagination distorts. Paired with this, the "absence of light" is presented as an aggravating factor, symbolizing ignorance or uncertainty, which allows imagined threats to take root.

The Power of Suggestion and The Unknown

The "bump" itself acts as a symbol, representing the unknown or the unexpected. It is deliberately vague, allowing the reader to project their own anxieties onto it. Milligan’s cleverness is that he presents a potentially frightening situation, only to dismantle its power by suggesting the fear is self-imposed. He implies that the power of suggestion, fueled by darkness and a receptive mind, is the true source of the fright. Is Milligan also suggesting that fear is amplified in absence of rational explanation or logic? The poem leaves this for the reader to consider.

Confronting Fear with Reason

In conclusion, "Bump" is a deceptively simple poem that offers a valuable insight into the nature of fear. Milligan suggests that fear is not an inherent quality of external stimuli, but rather a product of our own internal vulnerabilities, amplified by ignorance and a susceptible imagination. By identifying the "hole in each ear" and the "absence of light" as key elements in creating fear, the poem encourages us to confront our anxieties with reason and understanding. It is a reminder that often, the things we fear the most are simply manifestations of our own minds.