Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

THE BLUE HOG, by         Recitation by Author         Poet's Biography

"The Blue Hog" by Norman Dubie is a dark and intense poem that explores themes of revenge, violence, and the haunting consequences of traumatic events. The poem narrates a chilling act of retribution against a hog that has committed an unspeakable act, blending elements of the grotesque with rural life to underscore the deep disturbances that can lurk beneath the surface of daily existence.

The poem begins with the speaker discovering acid in an old battery in a barn, setting a scene filled with decay and forgotten objects. This setting reflects the underlying violence and degradation that permeates the poem. The description of the barn, with cows making sea noises and cobwebs plated gold, adds a surreal quality that intensifies the unsettling atmosphere.

The "sin for the taking" introduces the idea of moral ambiguity and the blurred lines between right and wrong. The speaker’s decision to choose acid and a fishline for a disturbing purpose hints at premeditation and the depth of her vengeance. The mention of the "blue hog" immediately after this choice foreshadows the grim events that will unfold.

The backstory of the hog, having killed the speaker's sister’s child, adds a layer of tragedy and horror to the narrative. The refusal to butcher the hog because eating it would symbolically equate to consuming the child illustrates the complex emotional and ethical dilemmas faced by the characters. This decision emphasizes the profound impact of violence and loss on a community or family, where traditional forms of justice or closure are insufficient.

The speaker's method of exacting revenge—sewing acid into apples and feeding them to the hog—is gruesome and speaks to the depth of her pain and anger. The detailed description of the hog swallowing the apples "like smoke" and then realizing its fate too late adds a visceral, chilling dimension to the poem.

The final scene, where the hog charges the barn and meets a tragic end, while the horse inside reacts violently, symbolizes the spreading of trauma and disturbance. The mention of the devil still being in the district suggests that the effects of this violent act continue to haunt the area, implying that such deeds leave a lasting scar on the psyche of a community.

Overall, "The Blue Hog" is a powerful poem that uses vivid imagery and narrative to explore the dark repercussions of grief and the extreme lengths to which individuals might go to seek vengeance. The poem leaves readers with a sense of unease about the unresolved and ongoing presence of evil, as symbolized by the devil's continued presence.


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