Themes
This is the key theme explored in the poem, involving moral conflict and societal divisions.
What is division or conflict?
The poet uses this device to contrast humanity’s idealistic impulses with harsh realities.
What is juxtaposition?
This phrase describes the feeling of a world overwhelmed with environmental destruction and fear.
What is "the proliferation of sewers and fears"?
In the first stanza, the poet urges humanity to be kind, but the reality is this instead.
What is hostility?
In the poem, the sea is described as being in this state due to environmental damage.
What is clogging?
The poem critiques the lack of this between people, despite the need for it in a time of crisis.
What is compassion?
"We have two hearts, one for each tribe," this literary device suggests a split in human identity.
metaphore
This line contrasts humanity's wish for truth with the reality it faces, symbolized by shadows.
What is "but instead it shows only shadows"?
This element of nature is described as "nearing extinction," symbolizing environmental collapse.
breath air
The phrase "the sea clogging, the air nearing extinction" refers to the harmful effects of this global issue.
What is pollution?
Atwood suggests that people are divided into opposing sides, symbolized by these.
What are tribes?
The phrase “the gifts we bring / even in good faith maybe / warp in our hands” uses this device, as it suggests actions turning into something else.
What is symbolism?
The poem’s opening line refers to these creatures that are disappearing from the world due to environmental damage.
What are animals?
The line "we have two hearts" suggests that humans are caught between these two conflicting forces.
What are good and evil?
This process, contributing to environmental degradation, is suggested by the line "the proliferation of sewers."
What is industrialization?
Despite the world’s deteriorating state, humans fail to do this, which could help resolve conflicts.
What is forgive each other?
The contrast between “truth” and “shadows” is an example of this poetic device, where a false or incomplete reality is revealed.
irony
This part of the poem talks about the contradictory nature of human interaction.
What is "we touch as though attacking"?
The poem suggests that even actions meant in good faith often become this.
What are manipulations or tools of power?
The poet refers to "the gifts we bring" that, despite being in good faith, end up as harmful tools, symbolizing this environmental issue.
What is human interference with nature?
This theme is represented by humanity's tendency to turn well-meaning actions into tools for manipulation.
What is corruption of good intentions?
In the line "we hold them up to the light," Atwood uses this to represent the search for clarity and truth.
imagery
The phrase “the sea clogging, the air nearing extinction” highlights the destructive forces of this global issue.
What is pollution?
The constant reference to "shadows" suggests that humanity's search for clarity is often hindered by this.
What is uncertainty or ambiguity?
Atwood uses the image of nature in decline to symbolize the broader crisis caused by this global issue.
What is climate change?