Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Randall Jarrell's poem "The Blind Sheep" is a satirical and thought-provoking piece that explores themes of perception, wisdom, and the acceptance of reality. The poem employs a fable-like narrative to convey a deeper commentary on the nature of knowledge and the sometimes harsh truths about the world.

The poem begins with the introduction of a blind sheep who is about to undergo surgery to restore its sight. The surgeon, an owl with "some local skill," prepares for the procedure with rudimentary tools— "a tooth, a thorn, some battered nails"—which immediately sets a tone of skepticism about the efficacy and sophistication of the surgery. The presence of a cat licking the surgery stump and the owl's unconventional preparation further add to the surreal and slightly absurd atmosphere of the scene.

As the sheep is pushed forward through the crowd, it voices its hesitation: "Wait," bleats the Sheep; "is all prepared?" This shows the sheep's awareness and cautiousness, highlighting its reluctance to undergo the surgery without assurance. The owl lists his surgical instruments— "forceps, scalpel, lancer"—in a clinical manner, but the sheep is not reassured. Instead, it interrupts with a more profound question: "But tell me, friend—how goes the world?"

The owl's response is blunt and devoid of any comforting nuance: "You will find it / Goes as it went ere you were blinded." This statement implies that the world remains unchanged and indifferent, regardless of the sheep's blindness or newfound sight. The owl's remark underscores the inevitability and constancy of the world's harsh realities.

The sheep's reaction is one of disillusionment and rejection: "What?" cries the Sheep. "Then take your fee / But cure some other fool, not me." The sheep realizes that regaining its sight would only expose it to the same "enormity" it once saw, which it now wishes to avoid. The sheep's choice to remain blind is a conscious decision to shield itself from the harsh truths of the world, reflecting a desire for ignorance as a form of self-preservation.

The final lines— "To witness that enormity / I would not give a blade of grass. / I am a Sheep, and not an Ass"—reinforce the sheep's resolution. The sheep values its peace of mind over the ability to see and understand the world, which it equates with enduring overwhelming and potentially distressing truths. The distinction it makes between itself and an ass suggests a belief in its own wisdom and discernment in choosing blindness over enlightenment.

Through "The Blind Sheep," Jarrell presents a critique of the pursuit of knowledge and the confrontation with reality. The poem suggests that sometimes, ignorance can be a deliberate and rational choice when the alternative is to face an unchangeable and indifferent world. The sheep's decision to reject the cure and maintain its blindness is a powerful statement about the nature of wisdom, the burdens of knowledge, and the complexities of human (or animal) perception.

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