Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Small Comment" by Sonia Sanchez offers a sharp and critical examination of human nature, particularly focusing on the concept of bestiality and the inherent instincts that drive individuals and societies. The poem employs a stream-of-consciousness style, blurring the lines between the natural and unnatural, and challenges the reader to reconsider the nature of humanity in relation to its more primal instincts.

The poem begins with a seemingly straightforward assertion: "the nature of the beast is the man." This opening statement establishes the central theme, suggesting that human beings possess an inherent "bestial" quality. Sanchez quickly complicates this notion, clarifying that "the nature of the man is his bestial nature." This line deepens the critique, indicating that beneath civilized behavior lies an instinctual drive akin to that of animals.

Sanchez continues by delving into the idea of "the nature of nature," emphasizing the concept of "bestial survival of the fittest." This Darwinian reference suggests that, at its core, nature—and by extension, humanity—operates on principles of power and dominance. The use of phrases like "the strongest the richest" highlights societal structures that prioritize wealth and strength, often at the expense of ethical considerations.

The poem then explores the duality of being both "unnatural and natural" in the struggle for superiority and survival. Sanchez's wordplay here points to the inherent contradictions in human behavior: while people often strive for moral or ethical superiority, they are simultaneously driven by base, primal instincts. The phrase "bestial unnatural and natural" captures this duality, suggesting that the pursuit of dominance is both an intrinsic and a learned behavior.

As the poem progresses, Sanchez shifts from a general discussion of human nature to a more specific critique of societal behavior: "but to really be with it we will say that the man is a natural beast." This assertion emphasizes the inevitability and pervasiveness of bestial tendencies in humans. The repetition of "bestial" and "natural" reinforces the idea that these qualities are inextricable from human identity.

The poem culminates in a critique of societal growth and expansion, noting that humanity's expansion "on the national scene" leads to an increase in "bestial and natural" behaviors. This final observation suggests a critique of nationalism, imperialism, or global dominance, where the pursuit of power often reveals the most primal and destructive aspects of human nature.

Sanchez concludes with the colloquial question, "you dig?" This phrase invites the reader to engage with the poem's message, challenging them to recognize and reflect on the inherent bestiality within themselves and society at large.

"Small Comment" is a thought-provoking exploration of the complexities and contradictions of human nature. Through her nuanced and critical language, Sanchez dissects the primal instincts that drive individuals and societies, highlighting the often uncomfortable truth that beneath the veneer of civilization lies a fundamental struggle for power and survival. The poem encourages readers to confront these realities and consider the implications of our "natural beast" tendencies on a broader scale.

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