Curiosity Saved the Cat

*Disclaimer-This analysis contains political statements related to the poetical issues at hand.

Alastair Reid's "Curiosity", in chapter six, was very cool. It was sort of an extended metaphor or symbollic poem, yet it was very easy to understang the deeper meaning without ever referring to it. On the surface, this poem is about cats and dogs, but the symbollic meanings are nearly impossible to miss. The cats, always curious and adventurous, with nine lives, represent people who take risks, and live their lives to the fullest. Dogs are those who are always content with what they have, never question, and live in constant fear of death. 

Death also has a symbolic meaning here- the lows of life that accompany a full life. In other words, someone who never tries anything new, or takes any risks, will have less failures. But, according to Reid, they will not fully be living. "Dead dogs are those that do not know that dying is what, to live, each has to do" What's really spiffy about this bit of symbolism is that it also works literally. Death is also ineviatable for the living, and to life in constant fear of it also constrains a life.

Reid definitly seems to take the side of the cats here. In the 4th stanza, the dogs of the world are criticizing the cats for loving too much, being irresponsible, being 'flip-floppers' etc. But then he says, "Well, they are lucky. Let them be nine-lived and contradictory, curious enough to change." And earlier, "Only the curious have, if they live, a tale worth telling at all" He saying a couple things here; first of all that the excesses of being irresponsible, changeable and making mistakes are preferable than being a stick lick a dog- because at least then you did something worth telling about. At least you tried something new. I really don't like these dogs. These are the people who are afraid of change, afraid of giving up their ideas and opinions, afraid to be curious. To me, our dear president comes to mind. He strikes me as someone who's going to stick to his opinions and beliefs, even if they are proven wrong. (WMD's, anyone?) There is no gray middle area for these people, its either one way or another. And it is easier to look at things in this simplistic way. But I have to agree with Reid that, "Curiosity will not cause us to die, only lack of it will".

Comments

[Lee A]

I love this poem and how it laughs in the face of danger. I agree that the author shows how the adventuresome live more and have a much fuller life than the scared dogs. It is why I live for the day because if we live our life to its fullest it is like living the existence of nine people who never take a chance at anything.

[Katie T]

I totally agree: Definitely a good poem. It is very inspiring and makes you want to do something with your life. Carpe diem, anyone? Nonetheless, there is something to be said for the dogs of this world. There is a certain comfort that accompanies those "well-smelt baskets," that the cats will never know. Although it seems great to be a cat, one must also look at the downside. Cats are selfish beings by nature, especially when we're discussing curiosity. Going through your life living only with your own well-being in mind is just as likely to cause death as a lack of curiosity. Deserting your children is not exactly what I look at as an admirable person. And if I am expected to "Let them be nine-lived and contradictory," why can't I leave the dogs of the world alone, as well? Why do I need to criticize the dog's choice of living? If that is how he is comfortable, let him be comfortable. In the mean time, I will find a balance between a dog and a cat, and live my life how I want to live it, and let everyone else do the same. In the well-said words of Montgomery Gentry, "You do your thing, I'll do mine."

[Puyo]

you guys are helping me with my poetry analysis thats due 2morrow

[Rena]

yeah mine too ^^

[Dakota]

Ok, but what about how the stanzas are set up.. do you think that has any meaning?