A Poetry Commentary on The Jaguar, by Ted Hughes

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A Poetry Commentary on The Jaguar, by Ted Hughes

The Jaguar is a descriptive poem by Ted Hughes. It tells the story of

a jaguar and its life at a zoo. The poem very much describes the

atmosphere of the zoo and how this particular jaguar overcomes this

enclosed surrounding. I think the authors words are very passionate

and strongly link to the character and behaviour of the jaguar. I

think he expects the reader to visualise this scene and have the same

thoughts as the jaguar. I think he also expects us to really stress

key words and read it in a flowing way. Just like the jaguar's

movements. The tone varies between the stanzas. The first two stanzas

suggest a very negative tone, and then this is followed by a quick

transmission word and alters to a triumphant and strong tone. Overall

the sound of the poem portrays strength and admiration.

The poem is written in free verse. The poem uses many enjambments;

which suggests that the rhyming words are not so noticeable. I think

this structure is linked to the life of the jaguar. The jaguar is in

no way disturbed about the fact that it is locked up in a cage.

Instead it follows its own imagination and way of life.

The first stanza suggests to me that it is trying to set the tone and

describe the setting. One example of describing the setting is when

the word 'shriek' appears. As it is onomatopoeia its sound reflects

the sense of atmosphere. It describes what it is like at the zoo and

what noises are to be heard. Simultaneously there is a simile in the

first stanza, which to me emphasises the standard in the zoo. 'Like

cheap tarts to attract,' the audience. The animals are being portrayed
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...Her again we see consonance, since it shows a vital

point. Now near the end, the jaguar's horizons are still growing

although in reality he is condemned to the same amount of space as

before.

The poem it self contains many double meanings, which are connected to

real life and a story which is being told in the poem. To me it seems

to be a source of motivation, and a message behind it saying: you

should believe in your self and overcome difficulties in a smart

manner. I think it also shows what is behind the jaguars thought. It

shows his impression of the zoo and portrays his feelings. To him the

people seem to be a hindrance which the jaguar has to psychologically

overcome. For the audience it is no more than a spectacular ten

minutes of 'wild life' and this thought soon disappears and is

forgotten in the memory.

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