Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Jerboa" is a poem by Marianne Moore, first published in her collection "Selected Poems" in 1935. The poem is named after the small desert rodent found in North Africa and Asia, known for its jumping abilities.

Explanation:

The poem is about the Jerboa, an animal that is small and inconspicuous, yet is able to survive in a harsh desert environment. Moore uses vivid imagery to describe the Jerboa's appearance and behavior, highlighting its unique characteristics such as its ability to jump great distances and its large ears for detecting predators. She also contrasts the Jerboa with other animals, such as the "tiger's yellow arrogance," emphasizing the Jerboa's unassuming nature.

Poetic Elements:

• Form: Free verse
• Theme: Nature, survival, adaptability
• Imagery: Moore uses detailed and sensory imagery to describe the Jerboa and its environment, such as "bleached wood and coarse grass," "hot saline waste," and "a jittery shadow against the moonlight."
• Tone: The tone is admiring and respectful of the Jerboa's survival skills.
• Sound: The poem has a musical quality with its use of alliteration, internal rhyme, and repetition, such as "thistle down tufts, tufts from dry weeds," and "grass-seed tufts, tufts from the wind's hoard."
• Language: The language is precise and descriptive, with scientific terms used to describe the Jerboa's physical characteristics.

Conclusion:

"Jerboa" is a celebration of the resilience and adaptability of nature, particularly in the face of challenging environments. Moore's use of vivid imagery and descriptive language invites the reader to appreciate the unique qualities of this small creature, and to reflect on the wonders of the natural world.

Poem Snippet: 

"His ears are small,

His tail is slender and long.

His eyes are black,

He is a night roamèr."