Introduction to “The Shout”
The poem “The Shout” psychologically deals with the unrest and violence in society. The word shout is also very persuasive which expresses the gist of the poem. The poet says that the world was a peaceful place in the past. They had limited needs and limited greed. Therefore, violence was not rampant. He compares the past with the present and says that the world is crying over the injustice and cruelties perpetrated in the world in different shapes. The poem revolves around the shout of a boy who later loses his life and he is no more alive to raise his voice. The poet could hear his voice but now that voice has become silent. “The Shout”is ironic and indicates the incapacity of the world to maintain peace and safety of the people while lamenting the world’s policies to silence the voices which often emerge for peace and harmony among the people and nations of the world.
Innocence and “The Shout”
“The Shout”deals with both innocence of the boy and his violent death. He is seen playing with the poet and raising his voice so that it could reach the other side of the divide. The divide symbolizes the seas and his voice for peace could reach all the continents. Then suddenly, the poem takes a serious turn. The boy loses his life in a gunshot. It makes a hole in his mouth so that he could no more speak. The poem cynically looks at the world affairs. The poet himself says in his interview “I think we’re a crueler, more cynical place”. The growing population, burgeoning industrial progress, and growing selfishness among the people and the nations have upset the people psychologically.
The Message of “The Shout”
“The Shout”has a serious message in it. The shout in the poem is meant to awaken the people from their ignorance and slumber. Owing to this slumber, the world is getting more and more violent. In the present context, the poem seems more related when the menace of terrorism is nibbling the peace of the world. The poem seems to have gotten some inspiration from Edvard Munch’s “The Scream” painting. It was also created in the background which symbolizes violence, while screaming is a natural reaction to that. Therefore, this poem is a painting in verse form. The images like the school and the farm evoke feelings of civilization, awareness, and nature. The boy’s shout conveys the message of an innocent and an SOS call for this globe. The gun on the other hand suggests anti-peace elements which have silenced the voices. It shows its domination.
Poet and “The Shout”
Despite this, the poet does not seem disappointed. He knows that the boy’s voice and cry could no more be heard but he believes that its echoes will always reach the world. This voice and shout cannot be suppressed. Moreover, the poet believes that this shout will echo through different forms of arts and literature. Art and literature are very influential in making this world a safe place. All these forms of literature such as poetry, drama, music, and painting are essential for society. They reflect that particular society and reform its ills. All the other forms of reformation can be silenced but expression through literature can hardly be contained. Even in the strict Soviet era, the artists continued writing despite many obstacles.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, it can be said that the poem “The Shout” has shot directly at the world’s most important issue which is related to peace and security. Through an innocent boy’s shout, the poet wants to create a voice that may cross all seas and continents. The boy loses his life but his words resonate in the air and the poet can hear those words. It is a world that has become violent and terror-stricken. Nobody is secure, especially, in third-world countries. The poet does not lose heart and seems to continue his struggle for peace through his writings. The poem psychologically analyses the world’s situation and throws light on its current situation while maintaining hope that the shout will always resonate throughout the world.
Works Cited
Relevant Questions about “The Shout”
- How does Simon Armitage employ narrative structure and point of view in “The Shout,” and what impact does this have on the reader’s understanding of the poem’s central themes and events?
- In “The Shout,” what is the significance of the titular shout and its effects on the characters and the landscape? How does Armitage use sound and imagery to convey the power and mystery of this event?
- Analyze the symbolism and metaphorical elements in “The Shout.” What do the various elements and objects in the poem, such as the rabbit, the gloves, and the stones, represent or signify in relation to the poem’s themes and messages?