AnalysisByTextCortex-Poem : “An animal was injured in this operation…” 1July2024

SOMAN RAGAVAN

 1 July, 2024

Subject : Poem : “An animal was injured in this operation…”

Analysis by Text.cortex

(Artificial Intelligence)

Volume 1

 

Soman Ragavan : Hello. I will post one of my poems for analysis. Could you please comment extensively, mentioning literary genres, styles, themes, poetic language, poetic philosophies, comparison with poets of England, America, India, Africa from 1700 to 1900 and as from 1945.

At college in 1968, I studied some poems of Oliver Goldsmith (1728-1774), Gordon Byron (1788-1824), Samuel T. Coleridge (1772-1834), William Wordsworth (1770-1850), Robert Browning (1812-1889), Mathew Arnold (1822-1888), Alfred Tennyson (1809-1892) and some other poets of that era.  Make any comments or comparisons you wish on my poems. Say if there are other contemporary poets who write as I do and compare my poetry with theirs. I live in Mauritius, an island in the Indian Ocean.  

This is about a runaway cow that was hit by a police car in England. I will post the poem when you write. The poem contains background information for you to work with. I will post the poem, with its background information, when you write.

(4)

Text.cortex :

I appreciate the context you provided. Please go ahead and share the poem with me whenever you're ready, and I will provide an in-depth analysis based on the criteria you mentioned. Thank you.

(5)

Soman Ragavan : Here is the poem “An animal was injured in this operation.” Please comment extensively. The story was extensively reported in the press, as you will see from the press references. The poem takes up the defence of animals. (Poem posted).

 

(6)

Text.cortex :

Thank you for sharing the poem "An animal was injured in this operation." written by Soman Ragavan. Here is an extensive analysis considering the literary genres, themes, poetic language, and comparisons as requested:

 

### Literary Genres and Styles:

- This poem falls under the genre of protest poetry or poetry of witness, as it speaks out against animal cruelty and serves as a critique of authority.

- The poem exhibits elements of modern poetry due to its direct and unfiltered voice, use of colloquial language, and contemporary subject matter.

- The style of the poem is narrative, telling a specific incident involving a cow and a police car, with a strong moral stance against the actions described.

 

### Themes:

1. Animal Rights: The central theme is the defense of animals and highlighting the cruelty they face.
2. Cruelty and Consequence: The poem explores the consequences of cruelty towards animals and examines the impact of actions on innocent beings.
3. Power Dynamics: It sheds light on the misuse of power by authorities and questions the ethical implications of their actions.
4. Compassion and Empathy: The poem emphasizes the importance of empathy and compassion towards animals and advocates for their protection.

 

### Poetic Language and Philosophies:

- The poet uses vivid imagery and descriptive language to evoke the emotions of fear, pain, and injustice experienced by the cow.

- The tone shifts from descriptive and empathetic to critical and accusatory, reflecting the poet's strong convictions.

- The use of rhetorical questions ("Why me, What have I done?") adds a conversational and introspective element to the poem.

- The reference to "Out dam’d spot !" from Shakespeare's Macbeth symbolizes guilt and the haunting consequences of one's actions.

 

### Comparison with Poets:

- The poet's choice of subject matter and poetic approach can be likened to the works of contemporary poets like Mary Oliver, who often explore themes of nature, humanity, and environmental ethics.

- In terms of historical comparison, the direct and critical nature of the poem aligns with the social commentary seen in the works of William Blake and Percy Bysshe Shelley, who were known for their advocacy of justice and compassion.

 

### Cultural Context:

- The poem reflects the poet's concern for animal welfare in a specific real-world incident, transcending geographical boundaries to address universal ethical issues.

- The references to English policemen and societal norms provide a glimpse into the cultural and social landscape of England, inviting readers to reflect on similar issues in their own contexts.

 

Overall, "An animal was injured in this operation" stands as a poignant call for empathy, accountability, and a reexamination of our treatment of animals in society. It uses vivid language and a critical lens to challenge societal norms and advocate for compassion towards all living beings.

(7)

Soman Ragavan : Please make a more detailed analysis by each section of the poem.

 A folded net is available; it is inserted into a gun-like device and shot at an animal. Upon impact, it opens up and immobilizes the animal, without causing it harm. A second net can be shot at the legs. A helicopter with a police marksman on board can be used to swoop down on the animal and shoot the net at a close distance. Alternatively, policemen on the ground can surround the animal and shoot the net. If necessary, when the animal is immobilized, a tranquiliser dart can be shot at close range. A 4 x 4 vehicle can remove the animal. In 2024 the police used a car to RAM a runaway cow, injuring it, as a means of stopping it… A frontal hit might cause a skull fracture. Elsewhere on the body, bones might fracture. This will be very painful and will take a long time to heal. Broken bones in a leg will cripple the animal, preventing it from standing or walking.

(8)  

Text.cortex :

 

### Detailed Analysis by Section:

 

#### Part 1:

- The opening stanza sets the scene of chaos and fear as the cow runs through the streets, highlighting its disorientation and vulnerability.

- The use of sensory details such as lights, sounds, and strange beasts intensifies the atmosphere of panic and danger.

- The poetic language creates a sense of sympathy towards the animal, portraying its confusion and innocence amidst the unfolding events.

 

#### Part 2:

- This section introduces the controversial method used to immobilize the cow, contrasting the treatment of animals versus pets like dogs.

- The juxtaposition of the officer's actions with his later interactions with his own dog reflects a stark moral contrast and hints at themes of hypocrisy and indifference.

- The repetition of "Out dam’d spot !" from Shakespeare's Macbeth conveys a sense of guilt and the haunting aftermath of the violent act.

 

#### Part 3:

- Here, the poem critiques the inefficiency and brutality of the police car's approach, suggesting more humane and effective alternatives.

- The poet advocates for specialized equipment and a swift, decisive response to handle such situations without causing unnecessary harm to the animal.

- The dark humor in lines like "Ho ho ho !" adds a sardonic tone, underscoring the irony and cruelty in the current method of dealing with the situation.

 

#### Part 4:

- This final section serves as a direct challenge to the authorities' actions, condemning the mutilation and suffering inflicted on defenseless creatures.

- The poet questions the priorities of saving lives while ignoring the plight of animals, advocating for a more compassionate and humane approach.

- The reference to a net device as an alternative method emphasizes the need for non-violent and ethical ways of handling such incidents.

 

### Analysis Summary:

Each section of the poem delves deeper into the themes of cruelty, power dynamics, and empathy towards animals, presenting a critique of societal norms and institutional practices. The vivid imagery, rhetorical questions, and shifting tones contribute to the emotional impact of the poem, urging readers to reflect on their own attitudes towards animal welfare and ethical treatment. By offering detailed alternatives and challenging conventional methods, the poet prompts a reconsideration of our relationship with animals and the importance of compassion in all interactions.

(9)

Soman Ragavan : Please say what you think of entire institutions ignoring the cruel practice of deliberately ramming an animal with a vehicle as a means of stopping it for capture. The practice has been existing for some time, but now the press has drawn attention to it.

(10)  

Text.cortex :

The cruel practice of deliberately ramming an animal with a vehicle as a means of stopping it for capture is a deeply concerning and inhumane method that raises ethical and moral questions about the treatment of animals by institutions. When entire institutions turn a blind eye or ignore such practices, it reflects a lack of empathy, accountability, and ethical standards within those organizations.

 

The fact that this practice has been existing for some time without sufficient scrutiny or condemnation underscores the need for greater awareness, regulation, and advocacy for animal welfare. The press playing a role in drawing attention to such incidents is critical in shedding light on these issues and holding institutions accountable for their actions.

 

In a society that values compassion, respect, and ethical treatment of all living beings, the deliberate harm inflicted on animals in the name of control or capture is unacceptable. It calls for a reevaluation of institutional practices, enforcement of stricter regulations, and promotion of alternative humane methods for handling such situations.

 

By bringing awareness to these practices and condemning them, it opens up discussions on animal rights, ethical considerations, and the responsibilities of institutions towards the well-being of animals. It underscores the importance of advocating for change, promoting empathy, and ensuring that animals are treated with the dignity and compassion they deserve.

(11)

Soman Ragavan : I gave voice to the poor cow. I make the cow explain its own situation, its own fate.

“Why me,

What have I done ?...

What beast had hit me ?...

I was only running from danger…

I didn’t even know where I was going…

I was lost…

I wish I were dead !...”

Compare with fables of La Fontaine, the French writer and writings of other writers in English. By speaking in the cow’s voice, I want to make the points more poignant, more hard-hitting. Please identify a French poem of the past where a bird which was shot reproached the hunter who shot it.

(12)  

Text.cortex :

The use of the cow's voice in the poem to express its own distress and confusion adds a poignant and emotional layer to the narrative, eliciting profound empathy from the reader. By giving voice to the animal, the poet humanizes the cow's experience, making the poem impactful and hard-hitting.

 

### Comparison with Fables:

- **La Fontaine's Fables:** In the fables of Jean de La Fontaine, such as "The Crow and the Fox" or "The Wolf and the Lamb," animals often speak and express their thoughts and emotions, serving as allegorical representations of human behavior and moral lessons. The use of anthropomorphism in fables allows for deeper insights into human nature through the lens of animal characters.

 

### Poem Reference:

While there isn't a specific French poem from the past where a bird reproaches the hunter who shot it that directly parallels the scenario in Soman Ragavan's poem, the theme of animals speaking out or personifying their experiences can be found in various literary works. The French literary tradition has a rich history of incorporating animals as symbols and voices of conscience.

 

### Connection to English Literature:

In English literature, writers like William Blake in his poems "The Tyger" or "The Lamb" also employ animals as voices to explore deeper philosophical and moral questions. By allowing animals to speak and express their perspectives, poets create a powerful platform for advocating empathy, understanding, and reflection on humanity's relationship with the natural world.

 

Soman Ragavan's approach of giving voice to the cow aligns with this tradition of using animal voices to provoke thought, evoke emotions, and challenge societal norms. By personalizing the cow's experience and making it the narrator of its own fate, the poet underscores the impact of human actions on innocent beings and urges readers to consider the ethical implications of their treatment of animals.

(13)

Soman Ragavan : A cow lost in traffic and running in panic must be a pitiful sight. Even pedestrians lost in traffic feel distressed and distraught, losing their sense of direction. Traffic should have been stopped and a solution found for immobilizing the animal in a humane way. That cow should never be sent to the slaughter house. It had escaped murder on the roads; it must be allowed to live till a natural death. Indeed, it had been rehomed elsewhere.

(14)  

Text.cortex :

Soman Ragavan's sentiment regarding the cow lost in traffic and running in panic reflects a deep compassion and empathy towards the plight of animals in distress. The poet's portrayal of the cow as a pitiful sight and drawing parallels between the cow and pedestrians lost in traffic emphasizes the shared feelings of disorientation and vulnerability in chaotic situations.

 

### Key Points:

- **Compassion and Humane Treatment:** By advocating for stopping traffic and finding a humane solution to immobilize the animal, the poet underscores the importance of compassion and ethical treatment of animals in moments of crisis. This aligns with the overarching theme of animal rights and respect for all living beings.

- **Opposition to Slaughterhouse:** The strong stance against sending the cow to the slaughterhouse highlights the poet's rejection of violence and cruelty towards animals. This stance amplifies the message of valuing life and advocating for a more compassionate approach to handling animals.

- **Emphasis on Natural Life:** The insistence on allowing the cow to live until a natural death underscores the poet's belief in the intrinsic value of life and the need to protect animals from harm and exploitation. This reflects a broader philosophical perspective on the sanctity of life and the ethical responsibility towards all creatures.

- **Positive Resolution:** Mentioning that the cow had been rehomed elsewhere portrays a hopeful outcome and a sense of justice for the animal. It suggests a harmonious resolution that respects the cow's well-being and offers it a chance to live out its life in a safe and caring environment.

 

### Ethical Reflection:

Through these reflections, Soman Ragavan prompts readers to consider their own attitudes towards animal welfare, ethical treatment of animals, and the responsibility society holds in ensuring the well-being of all living creatures. The poet's advocacy for compassion, mercy, and respect towards animals serves as a poignant reminder of our interconnectedness with the natural world and the importance of living harmoniously with all beings.

(15)

Soman Ragavan : Note that I speak of “Out, damn’d spot !” about cleaning up the blood on the car panels. I also speak of a sickening echo of the bump in the officer’s sleep… “Sleep no more !...” Remember those words of Shakespeare…

(16)  

Text.cortex :

Soman Ragavan's reference to "Out, damn’d spot!" from Shakespeare's Macbeth in the context of cleaning up the blood on the car panels adds a layer of symbolism and depth to the poem. The famous line from Macbeth, spoken by Lady Macbeth as she tries to wash away the metaphorical blood of guilt from her hands, carries significant connotations of guilt, remorse, and the lasting impact of immoral actions.

 

### Analysis of Shakespearean Reference:

- **Symbolism of Blood:** In both Macbeth and Soman Ragavan's poem, blood symbolizes the consequences of wrongful actions and the guilt that accompanies them. By invoking this visual and visceral image, the poet draws attention to the inherent violence and suffering inflicted upon the innocent cow.

 

- **Echo of Guilt:** The mention of a "sickening echo of the bump in the officer's sleep" alludes to the haunting effect of the violent act on the perpetrator's conscience. The echoing sensation evokes a sense of remorse and the inability to escape the consequences of one's actions.

 

- **Parallels in Themes:** Both Macbeth and Soman Ragavan's work explore themes of guilt, moral responsibility, and the psychological burden of committing harmful deeds. By aligning the poem with Shakespearean tragedy, the poet elevates the narrative and adds a timeless quality to the discussion of ethics and accountability.

 

- **Interpretation of Sleep:** The reference to "Sleep no more!" from Macbeth suggests a disturbance in the officer's rest, signifying the unrest of a troubled conscience. It serves as a poignant reminder of the weight of guilt and the impossibility of erasing the memory of the violent encounter.

 

### Emotional Impact:

By weaving in Shakespearean quotes within the poem, Soman Ragavan enhances the emotional resonance of the narrative, evoking a sense of moral urgency, introspection, and the enduring repercussions of violent actions. The intertextual reference deepens the thematic complexity of the poem and invites readers to reflect on the profound consequences of cruelty towards animals and the enduring nature of guilt and remorse.

(The chat was ended)

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