Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

William Matthews' poem "Vermin" delves into the nature of aspiration and the societal conditioning of children. Through a blend of humor and critique, Matthews explores how societal values shape ambitions and how those ambitions often contrast sharply with the realities of adulthood. The poem employs vivid imagery and literary references to highlight the disconnect between childhood dreams and adult realities.

The poem opens with a rhetorical question: "What do you want to be when you grow up? What child cries out, 'An exterminator!'?" This question immediately sets the tone of the poem, highlighting the gap between the idealized dreams of childhood and the less glamorous realities of certain professions. The mention of an exterminator, a job dealing with pests, serves as a metaphor for the often overlooked or undesirable roles that keep society functioning.

Matthews then introduces a specific scene: "One diligent student in Mrs. Taylor's class will get an ant farm for Christmas, but he'll not see industry; he'll see dither." The ant farm, typically a symbol of industriousness and collective effort, becomes a site of chaos and confusion in the eyes of a child. This shift in perception reflects the poem's broader theme of disillusionment with the simplistic moral lessons often imparted to children.

The poem references Max Beerbohm, known for his satirical wit, to underscore its critique: "'The ant sets an example for us all,' wrote Max Beerbohm, a master of dawdle, 'but it is not a good one.'" Beerbohm's commentary, juxtaposed with his own reputation for leisure, adds a layer of irony. The industrious ant, often held up as a paragon of hard work and efficiency, is critiqued as an unsuitable role model. This reflection invites readers to question the values and examples promoted by society.

Matthews further explores the disconnect between childhood aspirations and adult realities: "These children don't hope to outlast the doldrums of school only to heft great weights and work in squads and die for their queen." The ant's life, marked by relentless labor and subservience to a higher authority, mirrors the monotonous and unfulfilling aspects of many adult roles. The children, and implicitly the speaker, reject this future, seeking something more meaningful and autonomous.

The poem's conclusion shifts to a personal reflection: "And we knew what we didn't want to be: the ones we looked down on, the lambs of God, blander than snow and slow to be cruel." Here, Matthews addresses the human tendency to define oneself in opposition to what one does not want to become. The "lambs of God," representing docility and passivity, symbolize a life of mediocrity and lack of agency. The desire to avoid becoming "blander than snow and slow to be cruel" reflects a rejection of conformity and a yearning for individuality and self-determination.

"Vermin" by William Matthews is a thought-provoking exploration of societal expectations and personal aspirations. Through its use of vivid imagery, literary references, and reflective tone, the poem critiques the simplistic moral lessons taught to children and the often unfulfilling realities of adult life. Matthews invites readers to question the values that shape their ambitions and to seek a life defined by authenticity and personal fulfillment, rather than mere adherence to societal norms.

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