Poem Analysis - Natural History

Introduction: A Satirical Coup

Sylvia Plath's "Natural History" is a short, sharp satirical poem depicting the downfall of intellect and the rise of brute force. The poem employs a mock-heroic tone, initially presenting "Monarch Mind" in elevated terms before abruptly shifting to a stark, almost brutal depiction of his overthrow. This tonal shift reflects the poem's central theme: the inherent instability of intellectual power in the face of popular resentment. The poem is a concise allegory, packing a powerful punch in its brevity.

The Reign of Reason

The poem opens with the grand figure of "Monarch Mind," presented as a king reigning over the "coarse country" of the human condition. The language used to describe him is deliberately exaggerated and ironic. He is "Blue-blooded," "bedded in ermine," and "gorged on roast," suggesting a decadent and detached lifestyle, even as his "subjects hungered." The key element here is that his "love engrossed" is "Pure Philosophy." This indicates an obsession with abstract thought, a detachment from the practical needs of his people. The poem subtly critiques the idea of a ruler who prioritizes intellectual pursuits over the welfare of those he governs.

The Inevitable Uprising

The poem's central theme is the rebellion against detached intellectualism. The "subjects," described as "earthborn commoners," represent the masses. Their hunger and poverty stand in stark contrast to the king's opulence and philosophical musings. This disparity breeds resentment, culminating in a violent uprising. The phrase "sick of their ruler's godling airs" captures their weariness with his perceived arrogance and detachment. The rebellion is described graphically: they "put royal nerves to the rack," emphasizing the brutal and visceral nature of the overthrow.

Symbolism: From Egghead to Brute

The symbols in the poem are particularly striking. "Monarch Mind" is labeled "King Egg-Head," a derogatory term for intellectuals. This nickname immediately undermines his authority and reduces him to a caricature. The "crown usurped by the low brow" is a powerful image. The "low brow" symbolizes the lack of intellectual capacity and refinement, the ascendancy of primal instincts over reason. "Prince Ow" represents this force, a figure of "base, barbarous" power, a complete antithesis to the deposed "Monarch Mind." The poem uses these symbols to emphasize the conflict between intellect and brute force.

A Bitter Conclusion

"Natural History" is a pessimistic commentary on the fragility of intellect in the face of societal unrest. The poem suggests that pure reason, when divorced from practical concerns and compassion, is vulnerable to being overthrown by more primal forces. The poem's final image, the "base, barbarous Prince Ow" taking the throne, leaves the reader with a sense of unease. It suggests a cyclical pattern in history, where intellectualism is periodically supplanted by more primitive and potentially destructive forces. The poem is a stark reminder of the importance of balancing intellectual pursuits with a concern for the well-being of society as a whole.