Tis The Voice Of The Lobster
"Tis The Voice Of The Lobster" is a poem written by Lewis Carroll, which was first published in 1865. The poem is part of Carroll's larger work, "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," and it is known for its humor, nonsense, and surrealism. The poem is often read as a critique of Victorian society and morality, but it is also a playful and imaginative work that continues to captivate readers today.
The Meaning Behind the Poem
At first glance, "Tis The Voice Of The Lobster" appears to be a nonsensical and absurd poem. The poem follows a conversation between a group of characters, including a Mock Turtle, a Gryphon, and a Lobster, who sing a song about the "whiting" fish. The poem's repetition and wordplay, such as "he weeps: / Whose presence is oppressing him?" create a sense of confusion and disorientation.
However, as with much of Carroll's work, there is more to the poem than meets the eye. "Tis The Voice Of The Lobster" can be read as a satire of Victorian society and its values. The poem highlights the class distinctions and social hierarchies of the time, as the characters are all animals who are anthropomorphized and take on human roles and behaviors.
Furthermore, the poem's focus on the "whiting" fish can be read as a commentary on the exploitation and consumption of natural resources by humans. The characters sing about how the "whiting" is caught, killed, and prepared for consumption, highlighting the cruel and destructive nature of human industry.
The Structure of the Poem
"Tis The Voice Of The Lobster" is structured as a dialogue between the characters, with each character taking a turn to speak. The poem is divided into stanzas, each of which follows a similar structure of repetition and variation. The poem's use of repetition, such as the repetition of the words "weeps, weeps," creates a musical and rhythmic quality to the poem.
The poem also features a chorus, which is sung by all of the characters together. The chorus repeats the phrase "Will you walk a little faster?" which adds to the poem's sense of whimsy and playfulness. The chorus is also significant as it suggests that the poem is meant to be performed, rather than simply read.
The Significance of the Lobster
The Lobster is one of the central characters in the poem, and his presence is significant for several reasons. Firstly, the Lobster represents the lower class, as he is a humble and unassuming creature who is often exploited by humans for food.
Secondly, the Lobster's voice and song are significant as they represent a type of subversive resistance to authority. The Lobster's song recounts the killing of the "whiting," which can be interpreted as a critique of human violence and destruction. The Lobster is therefore a symbol of rebellion against the societal norms and conventions of the time.
The Legacy of the Poem
"Tis The Voice Of The Lobster" has had a lasting impact on literature and popular culture. The poem's playful and nonsensical tone has inspired countless writers and artists, and it continues to be read and analyzed today.
The poem's themes of social critique and subversion have also made it an important work in the history of satire and political commentary. The poem has been read as a critique of imperialism, capitalism, and other forms of oppression, and it remains relevant to contemporary debates about power and social justice.
Conclusion
"Tis The Voice Of The Lobster" is a complex and multifaceted poem that has captivated readers for over a century. The poem's surrealism, humor, and social critique make it a unique and significant work in the literary canon. Whether read as a political commentary or simply as a playful and imaginative work, the poem continues to inspire and entertain readers today.