Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Roast Possum" by Rita Dove is a rich narrative poem that weaves together themes of family history, racial identity, and the transmission of cultural knowledge across generations. Through the story of Thomas and his interaction with his grandchildren, Dove explores how stories and histories are conveyed within families, and how these narratives carry deeper undercurrents of societal attitudes and changes.

The poem begins with a description of the possum, an animal often considered a nuisance in many cultures but also a part of traditional Southern cuisine. Dove sets the scene with an excerpt from the "1912 Werner Encyclopedia," which provides a factual, somewhat detached perspective on the possum, emphasizing its diet and greasy nature. This introduction serves as a grounding point for the more personal and colorful stories that follow.

Thomas, the grandfather in the poem, is depicted sharing tales with his grandchildren, using the possum story as a starting point for a larger narrative about resilience and resourcefulness. His story about personally hunting the possum, with details of shinning up a tree and confronting the animal face-to-face, is not just about the hunt but also about courage and ingenuity. These stories are a way for Thomas to connect with his grandchildren and pass down a sense of family identity and pride.

The focus then shifts to Malcolm, described as "little Red Delicious," who listens intently to Thomas's tales. The interaction between them introduces a subtle dynamic of teaching and learning, observation, and perhaps challenge, as Malcolm studies the older man with "gold hawk eyes." This description suggests a keen intelligence and perhaps a critical engagement with the stories he hears.

As the narrative unfolds, Thomas addresses the temperament of horses, bringing up Strolling Jim, a celebrated racehorse known for his extraordinary calm and skill, which adds another layer to the local lore. The story of Strolling Jim, who was honored with a burial "under a stone, like a man," resonates with the grandchildren, particularly the part about recognition and memorialization, themes that carry significant weight in discussions of heritage and value.

The poem subtly shifts to a darker note when Thomas recalls a potentially controversial point from the Werner Encyclopedia about the intelligence of "Negro children," which he chooses not to share with his grandchildren. Instead, he focuses on the behavior of the possum, using it as a metaphor for resilience and perhaps survival strategies under adversity. The possum's act of "playing dead" until danger passes—referred to as "sullin'"—is a poignant symbol of adaptation and cunning.

Malcolm’s questions about ownership and the funding for Strolling Jim's tombstone introduce a more pragmatic and perhaps skeptical view of the narratives, probing the socio-economic realities behind the stories. The standoff between Malcolm and Thomas, "man to man," highlights a moment of generational tension and the challenge of legacy, questioning who gets to own stories and history.

Thomas's concluding remark, affirming the enjoyment of the possum meal, brings the focus back to the familial and communal aspect of the story. Eating the possum "real slow, with sweet potatoes" is portrayed as an act of communal sharing and pleasure, symbolizing the way in which family narratives are digested and absorbed over time.

"Roast Possum" is a multifaceted poem that delves into the complexities of family storytelling, the preservation of cultural heritage, and the subtle ways in which historical and racial contexts influence personal identity and intergenerational relationships. Through vivid storytelling and nuanced interaction, Rita Dove captures the intricate dance of memory, history, and identity in family life.

POEM TEXT: https://muse.jhu.edu/article/6509/summary

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