Poem Analysis - Look At All Those Monkeys

A Whimsical Look at Society's Absurdities

Spike Milligan's "Look At All Those Monkeys!" is a lighthearted and absurd poem that uses humor to subtly critique societal norms. The poem begins with a naive, almost comical question about monkeys and their employment prospects, then escalates into a series of increasingly ridiculous scenarios involving commuting monkeys and privileged Pekinese dogs. The overall tone is playful, with a hint of satirical commentary on class structures and the arbitrary rules of society. A shift occurs in the final stanza as the speaker acknowledges the absurdity, creating a sense of shared understanding and amusement.

The Theme of Unexamined Assumptions

One of the central themes of the poem is the danger of unexamined assumptions. The initial question, "Why don't they all go out to work / And earn a decent wage?" reveals a human-centric worldview that fails to consider the different nature and needs of monkeys. The speaker's naive expectation that monkeys should conform to human labor practices highlights how easily we project our own values and systems onto other beings. This assumption is then challenged by the son's response, prompting a reassessment of the initial premise.

Animal Imagery and Societal Parody

The poem's use of animal imagery serves as a satirical lens through which to view society. The image of monkeys commuting on the "Morden-Edgware line" is inherently absurd, but it also subtly mocks the dehumanizing aspects of modern urban life. The special treatment afforded to the Pekinese dogs, with their "allocation" and dedicated "Peke hour," is a clear parody of privilege and the arbitrary rules that govern social hierarchies. By assigning human-like roles and privileges to animals, Milligan exposes the illogical and often unfair structures within society.

An Undercurrent of Class Commentary

Although presented in a humorous way, the poem also hints at a commentary on class distinctions. The Pekinese dogs, representing the upper class, enjoy preferential treatment, while the monkeys, perhaps symbolizing the working class, are expected to conform to the demands of labor. The line "Don't travel during Peke hour" underscores the separation and unequal access to resources. While not explicitly stated, this imagery subtly raises questions about the fairness and justification of social hierarchies.

The Poem's Endearing and Absurdist Conclusion

In conclusion, "Look At All Those Monkeys!" is a deceptively simple poem that employs humor and absurd imagery to explore themes of unexamined assumptions, societal structures, and class distinctions. The poem's strength lies in its ability to provoke thought through laughter, inviting readers to question the often-illogical rules and expectations that govern our world. The final image of the elephant raising his hat is a fittingly surreal ending, reinforcing the poem's overall message of embracing the absurd and challenging conventional thinking.