Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Snow Joke" by Simon Armitage is a darkly humorous and somewhat tragic poem that tells the story of a man caught in a dangerous situation. The poem begins with a setup that resembles the start of a classic joke, introducing a man from Heaton Mersey who has a complicated personal life, including a wife, a lover, a mistress, and two daughters. This introduction sets a light and playful tone, suggesting the unfolding of a humorous anecdote.

However, the poem quickly takes a darker turn as the man decides to brave a moorland blizzard in his car, despite police warnings. He finds himself stuck in the snow, and the poem shifts to a more introspective mood. The man contemplates various philosophical questions, such as the purpose of a dog chasing its tail or a snake eating itself.

As the snow accumulates on his windscreen, creating a sense of isolation and tranquility, the man takes comfort in the warmth of the whisky from his hip-flask. The serene atmosphere is starkly contrasted with the harsh reality of his situation.

The poem's conclusion reveals the man's tragic fate, found dead and frozen in his car, with the word "VOLVO" imprinted on his forehead. The final stanza adds a touch of irony and dark humor, describing how the locals in a pub argue over who deserves credit for discovering the man. Various theories are presented, from someone mistaking the car's aerial for a twig to someone else claiming to have heard a faint horn sound.

"Snow Joke" masterfully blends humor with a sobering narrative, reflecting on the unpredictability of life and the thin line between comedy and tragedy. Armitage's use of vivid imagery and a conversational tone draws the reader into the story, making the man's fate all the more poignant and impactful.

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