Poem Analysis - Contagion

A Whimsical Look at Illness

Spike Milligan's "Contagion" is a playful and absurd take on the concept of infectious diseases. The poem adopts a lighthearted, almost nonsensical tone, creating a world where the rules of contagion are delightfully illogical. It begins with a warning about elephants, shifts to leopards and their spotted consequences, and ends with a peculiar observation about the ever-fortunate herring. The poem's humor lies in its unexpected twists and the utter lack of scientific accuracy, making it a charming piece of nonsense verse.

Nonsense and the Subversion of Expectations

One of the central themes of the poem is the subversion of expectations. Milligan takes familiar ideas, such as catching a disease, and twists them into something completely absurd. The idea that an elephant can be "trodden on" and then needs "confining to bed" because it's contagious turns the conventional understanding of illness on its head. Similarly, the notion that leopards give you "lots and lots - of spots" is a literal interpretation of their appearance, rather than a symptom of disease. This playful manipulation of logic is key to the poem's humor and its commentary on the often-irrational fears surrounding illness.

The Absurdity of Contagion

The poem explores the absurdity of contagion itself, exaggerating the concept to ridiculous levels. The image of a contagious elephant needing bed rest is immediately funny because of the animal's size and the implied difficulty of confining it. The leopards offer a visual gag, linking their spots directly to a form of "contagion," stripping the term of its usual medical significance. The final stanza then takes a sharp turn towards the completely improbable, with the herring being "cured" upon being caught if it happened to be ill at sea. The poem isn't meant to be taken literally but serves as a comedic exaggeration of how easily ideas of contagion can spread, often based on misinformation or fear.

Symbolism in the Ordinary

While seemingly straightforward, the poem utilizes symbolism within the ordinary. Elephants, with their immense size and perceived gentleness, are unlikely vectors of disease. Leopards, known for their distinctive spots, become walking representations of a superficial contagion – visible but perhaps not deeply harmful. The herring, a common fish, is elevated to a symbol of resilience and immunity, almost magically "cured" upon capture. These choices amplify the poem's playful mood. The herring in particular is a humorous symbol of health. Is its "cure" a sardonic comment on the brutal efficiency of the fishing industry? Does the very act of being caught resolve any potential ailment, in the ultimate sacrifice to the ecosystem? Milligan, with his background in comedy, often uses simple images to suggest deeper, slightly skewed perspectives.

A Final Dose of Milligan's Wit

In conclusion, "Contagion" is a quintessential example of Spike Milligan's whimsical and irreverent style. It's a poem that doesn't take itself, or the topic of disease, too seriously. By subverting expectations and embracing absurdity, Milligan crafts a piece of nonsense verse that entertains while playfully poking fun at the often-irrational fears surrounding contagion. The poem's enduring charm lies in its ability to make us laugh at the illogical, offering a lighthearted perspective on a serious subject and showcasing Milligan's unique brand of comedic genius.