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DREAMS OF THE ANIMALS, by             Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography


"Dreams of the Animals" by Margaret Atwood is a poignant and thought-provoking poem that explores the inner lives of animals, both wild and captive, through the lens of their dreams. Atwood uses vivid imagery and contrast to highlight the natural instincts and desires of animals, as well as the impact of human encroachment on their worlds. The poem is a meditation on freedom, natural instinct, and the silent sufferings of animals in captivity.

The opening lines of the poem introduce the concept that animals mostly dream of other animals, "each / according to its kind." This simple yet profound statement underscores the interconnectedness of the animal kingdom and the inherent nature of animals to exist within their own ecosystems and social structures. The mention of "certain mice and small rodents" having nightmares of a "huge pink / shape with five claws descending" subtly introduces the theme of predation and fear, hinting at the omnipresent dangers animals face in the wild.

Atwood then delves into the specific dreams of various animals, creating a rich tapestry of natural imagery. Moles dream of "darkness and delicate / mole smells," frogs dream of their own kind "sparkling like wet suns / among the lilies," and fish dream in "red and black striped / dreams" of "defense, attack, meaningful / patterns." These descriptions celebrate the beauty and complexity of the natural world, highlighting the unique experiences and perceptions of each species.

The mention of birds dreaming of territories "enclosed by singing" adds another layer to the poem, suggesting the importance of communication and space in the animal kingdom. However, the poem takes a darker turn with the line "Sometimes the animals dream of evil / in the form of soap and metal," alluding to the unnatural and often harmful interventions of humans in the lives of animals.

The poem then focuses on the dreams of captive animals, providing a stark contrast to the earlier images of animals dreaming in their natural habitats. The "silver fox in the roadside zoo" dreams of escape and of expressing its natural predatory instincts, while the "caged armadillo / near the train / station" has been driven to insanity by its unnatural living conditions. The iguana in the pet shop, despite its "royal-eyed" appearance, is reduced to dreaming of the sawdust in its enclosure, a poignant symbol of the reduction of its world to the most basic and unfulfilling elements.

"Dreams of the Animals" is both a celebration of the natural instincts and desires of animals and a critique of the ways in which human actions constrain and harm them. Atwood's use of dream imagery serves as a powerful metaphor for the inner lives of animals, inviting readers to consider the moral and ethical implications of our relationship with the animal world. Through its lyrical beauty and haunting imagery, the poem challenges us to reflect on our own roles in either supporting or disrupting the natural dreams and realities of animals.


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