Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Greed and Aggression" by Sharon Olds delves into the primal aspects of human nature, using vivid and animalistic imagery to explore the complexities of desire, consumption, and the intertwining of love and power. The poem opens with a reflection on a Quaker meeting where the topics of greed and aggression are discussed, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of these themes through the lens of physical and emotional intimacy.

The speaker immediately draws a parallel between the discussed themes and her own experiences, particularly in the context of a physical relationship. The metaphor of laying "the massive weight of my body down on you" likens the act of lovemaking to a tiger's predatory embrace, full of "gluttony and pleasure." This comparison to a tiger consuming an eland underscores the raw, instinctual nature of human desires and the inherent aggression that can accompany them. The "elegant heavy body of the eland" and its "spiral horn pointing to the sky like heaven" evoke a sense of reverence and awe, suggesting that even in moments of primal consumption, there is a recognition of something greater and transcendent.

Olds explores the idea that ecstasy is an inherent part of the tiger's nature, "forced into its nature" much like "forcemeat is cranked down the throat of the held goose." This analogy to foie gras production highlights the forcefulness and inevitability of these natural instincts. The poem suggests that the hunger and glory of eating, of consuming, are embedded in the very essence of the tiger—"packed at the center of each tiger cell." This biological imperative ensures the survival and continuation of the species, with the "stripes of night and stripes of fire-light" symbolizing the dual nature of existence—darkness and light, predation and beauty.

The speaker extends this metaphor to a personal and existential level, contemplating what a deity for tigers might look like—striped and embodying their essential nature. Similarly, if the speaker had a God, it would reflect the dynamic and cyclical nature of life and desire, encapsulating the "renew[al] itself the way you live and live." This God would embody the paradoxical nature of love and consumption, where the act of taking and being taken is both a form of devouring and a means of fulfillment. The speaker describes this deity as one of "complete satiety, greed and fullness, aggression and fullness," suggesting a divinity that encompasses the full spectrum of human experience, including the sometimes conflicting emotions and actions.

The poem concludes with a powerful image of the speaker and her partner drinking "at the body of an animal until we were so happy we could only faint, our mouths running, into sleep." This final image brings together the themes of consumption, satisfaction, and the aftermath of indulgence. The reference to drinking at the body of an animal could symbolize the deep, almost sacramental nature of their physical connection, an act that brings overwhelming joy and contentment, leading to a state of utter exhaustion and peace.

"Greed and Aggression" is a meditation on the fundamental forces that drive both nature and human relationships. Sharon Olds uses the metaphor of the tiger and its prey to explore the intertwining of hunger, desire, love, and consumption, suggesting that these elements are integral to both survival and fulfillment. The poem captures the intensity of physical and emotional experiences, recognizing the complexity and sometimes contradictory nature of human desires. Through vivid imagery and a reflective tone, Olds offers a nuanced exploration of the primal aspects of human nature, suggesting that even in acts of aggression and greed, there can be a profound beauty and a form of divine completeness.

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