Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"We Bring Democracy to the Fish" by Donald Hall is a satirical commentary on the imposition of human ideals, particularly those related to governance and societal organization, onto the natural world. Through the use of metaphor and irony, Hall critiques the notion of forcibly applying human constructs, like democracy and societal structures, to environments where they may be inappropriate or harmful.

The poem opens with a bold statement: "It is unacceptable that fish prey on each other." This line immediately sets the stage for the poem's central theme: the imposition of human moral judgments on natural behaviors. The idea that predation among fish is "unacceptable" reflects a misunderstanding or denial of natural processes, where predation is a fundamental aspect of ecosystems.

Hall continues with the plan for "liberating" the fish: "For their comfort and safety, we will liberate them / into fishfarms with secure, durable boundaries / that exclude predators." The term "liberate" is used ironically, as placing fish in fishfarms is the opposite of liberation; it is a form of confinement. The "secure, durable boundaries" are meant to protect the fish, but they also restrict their freedom, highlighting the contradiction inherent in this supposed act of liberation.

The poem goes on to describe the benefits of this new system: "Our care will provide / for their liberty, health, happiness, and nutrition." Here, Hall's irony is evident. The notion that confinement in a fishfarm equates to liberty and happiness is absurd. This line critiques the paternalistic attitude often found in interventions that claim to be for the benefit of the subjects, whether they are animals or human populations.

The final lines of the poem reveal the ultimate fate of the fish: "Of course all creatures need to feel useful. / At maturity the fish will discover their purposes." This euphemistic language obscures the true intent behind the fishfarms: the fish are being raised for consumption. The idea that they will "discover their purposes" at maturity satirizes the concept of predestination and usefulness, pointing out the cruel irony that their "purpose" is to be harvested.

"We Bring Democracy to the Fish" by Donald Hall uses satire and irony to critique the imposition of human values and systems onto natural environments. The poem highlights the absurdity and contradictions inherent in such interventions, questioning the ethical implications of assuming control over nature for the supposed benefit of its inhabitants. Through its sharp and thought-provoking commentary, the poem encourages readers to reflect on the consequences of applying human constructs to non-human realms and the true motives behind such actions.

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