Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Carol Frost's poem "Custom" vividly depicts the ritualistic brutality of a bullfight, using it as a metaphor to explore themes of dignity, strength, and the human condition. Through striking imagery and a narrative that captures both the physical and emotional aspects of the spectacle, Frost delves into the complex dynamics between the bull, the picador, and the audience, ultimately reflecting on the nature of power and identity.

The poem begins with an image of the bull seemingly devoid of its natural instincts: "As if it had forgotten everything—hatred, vindictiveness, the meaning of pain—the bull took the ribboned sticks in his back without response, turning away." This initial passivity suggests a loss of will or spirit, evoking sympathy for the bull and setting up a contrast with its later actions. The crowd's reaction, "making fun of the country's breeders," adds a layer of societal judgment and expectation, highlighting the cultural significance of the bull's behavior.

The picador's entrance into the ring marks the next phase of the ritual. The line "If there was an ounce of dignity or strength in the animal, the picador would have to find it with his pole" sets up the expectation of a confrontation that will test the bull's remaining strength and dignity. The description of the picador's probing as "deeply, cruelly, like a king with a scepter" conveys the deliberate and almost regal cruelty of the act, emphasizing the power dynamics at play.

The pivotal moment in the poem occurs when the picador throws his "beautiful hat into the air above the lowered head." This gesture is both a gamble and a taunt, pushing the bull to its breaking point. The bull's response, "rushed again and again like a child, a superbly angry prince, at the horse's side," captures the sudden surge of energy and rage. The comparison to a "child" and an "angry prince" underscores the complexity of the bull's reaction, combining innocence, fury, and a reclaimed sense of pride.

As the fight concludes, the bull is led away to the abattoir, symbolizing the inevitable end of its struggle and the predetermined outcome of the spectacle. The picador's reentry into the ring, as per custom, elicits a roaring response from the crowd. This moment reveals the deeper significance of the ritual: "by his actions they knew they knew better who they were." The audience's reaction suggests that the bullfight serves as a mirror, reflecting their own values, identities, and the societal norms that shape them.

Frost's use of free verse allows the poem to flow naturally, mirroring the progression of the bullfight itself. The imagery is vivid and evocative, capturing both the physicality of the spectacle and the underlying emotional and psychological currents. The repeated references to royalty and nobility—the king with his scepter, the prince—emphasize the themes of power and dignity, while the contrast between the bull's initial passivity and its final burst of energy highlights the complex interplay between strength and submission.

"Custom" is a powerful exploration of the rituals that define and reflect human identity. Through the lens of a bullfight, Frost examines the nature of dignity, strength, and the societal constructs that influence behavior and perception. The poem invites readers to consider the ways in which rituals and customs shape their understanding of themselves and others, and how moments of intense emotion and conflict can reveal deeper truths about the human condition. Frost's nuanced portrayal of the bull, the picador, and the crowd creates a rich, multi-layered narrative that resonates with universal themes of power, identity, and the relentless pursuit of meaning in the face of inevitable outcomes.

Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...