Review of poem ‘Monsters’ by Dorothea Lasky

 Review of poem ‘Monsters’ by Dorothea Lasky

Link for the poem -https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poe.../poems/56427/monsters

I request readers to read the poem from the above link, and then only my review. Thanks.

The poem leaves only one question. Who are the monsters? Instantly my reaction is ‘I am not one. I am a kind hearted person of human values.’ Does the poet give any leads about the monsters? Let’s list the leads.

1. The animals in the poem are either carnivores omnivores but none of them is domestic.

2. She found many wild animals unavoidable and had to entertain one in very close quarters, like under the same roof and in the same room.

3. The only way the ‘monster’ can bond is to eat the partner. She became one with the monster and could see through its eyes.

4. So far as the monster is concerned eating the prey and feeling good are fine.

Now it is clear to us she is mentioning relationships that suck, where the partner is a Shylock, or a partner too selfish and coolly cruel. At the end of the poem the narrator sees through the eyes of the monster after it devours her. Is it an exaggeration? Is there not scope for a person to claim her space and bring the partner to senses? Let’s analyze a case where she is successful in establishing her boundaries and claiming her space. That might assure her of her independence and sanity. But would there be any change in the ‘monstrous’ traits of a partner? Won’t there be an eternal distaste and insecurity in bonding with such an animal even after establishing one’s space? Such a partner symbolizes a dead end. There is no scope for mutual bonding and respect and an inclusive relationship. You can breakup with him or her and stare at the most disheartening suspense when look for an alternative– who is camouflaging what? Is there a wild animal masking as a pet?

Modern creative works are on relationships which expose the limitations and vacuum wherever people get close or bond. This poem is one.