Poem Analysis - The Lion

A Humorous Take on Fear and Avoidance

Spike Milligan's "The Lion" is a short, humorous poem that offers a rather unconventional survival strategy for dealing with a lion attack. The poem's tone is lighthearted and absurd, presenting a comical scenario that contrasts sharply with the potential danger of the situation. There is no shift in mood; the poem maintains its whimsical and slightly ironic tone throughout. The simplicity of the language and the outlandish advice contribute to the poem's comedic effect.

Cowardice as a Survival Strategy

One of the main themes explored in the poem is cowardice. The advice given – to find fresh underpants, lie still, and pretend to be ill – is the antithesis of brave, confrontational behavior. The poem suggests that perhaps, in the face of overwhelming danger, the most effective strategy is to avoid confrontation altogether. This is delivered with a wink and a nudge, implying the unlikelihood of this actually working, highlighting the absurdity of extreme fear leading to such measures. The poem does not praise cowardice but rather uses it as a vehicle for humor.

The Absurdity of Danger

The poem explores the theme of the absurdity of danger. The juxtaposition of the terrifying threat of a lion attack with the ridiculous advice to "find fresh underpants" and "pretend you are very ill" underscores the inherent absurdity of life-threatening situations. The poem's humor comes from exaggerating the response to fear, pushing it to the point of the ridiculous. It highlights the human tendency to react irrationally in moments of panic, even if the proposed solutions are completely ineffective.

Illness as Invisibility

The image of "pretending to be very ill" functions as a somewhat dark yet humorous form of self-preservation through deception. By mimicking sickness, the speaker hopes to become uninteresting or unappetizing to the lion. Illness, normally a negative state, is ironically presented as a potential shield. This image emphasizes the desperation of the situation and the willingness to resort to any means necessary to survive, however improbable the success may be. It also plays on the idea that animals often target the weak or vulnerable, but perhaps not those that already appear to be at death's door.

A Comical Reflection on Mortality

In conclusion, "The Lion" is a lighthearted and humorous poem that uses absurdity to explore themes of cowardice, the absurdity of danger, and self-preservation. The poem's simple language and outlandish advice create a comical effect, highlighting the irrationality of fear and the lengths to which people will go to avoid danger. Its significance lies in its ability to poke fun at the human condition, reminding us not to take ourselves too seriously in the face of life's challenges, even if those challenges include a hungry lion.