Killer

Judith Wright's poem `The Killer' explores the relationship between Humans and Nature, and
provides an insight into the primitive instincts which characterize both the speaker and the
subject. These aspects of the poem find expression in the irony of the title and are also
underlined by the various technical devices employed by the poet.

The construction of the poem is in regular four-line stanzas, of which the first two stanzas
provide the exposition, setting the scene; the next three stanzas encompass the major action;
and the final two stanzas present the poet's reflection on the meaning of her experience.

In the first stanza, the poet seems to be offering a conventional romanticized view of Nature.
Confronted by the snake, the reaction of the speaker is one of antipathy and fear, coupled with
panic.

The uneven length of the lines in the third stanza mimics the irregular breathing of the speaker
who is transfixed with terror at the sight of the snake: `Black horror sprang from the dark/ in a
violent birth.'

By the use of onomatopoeia, the poet expresses the emotions of the speaker both succinctly
and evocatively. Words such as `dark', `birth', and `earth' have a certain morbidity about them,
and in the context of the statement `I felt the clutch of earth', one feels a premonition of death.

Immediately, the instinct of self-preservation is aroused as the speaker recalls a popular

In Judith Wright's poem "The Killer," the speaker encounters a snake and grapples with the
complex emotions and instincts triggered by its presence. The poem unfolds through a series of
vivid images and shifting perspectives, ultimately leaving the reader to contemplate the
relationship between humans and nature, and the duality of beauty and danger.

The poem opens in a sun-drenched clearing, where the speaker stumbles upon a snake basking
in the "fire-clear" light. The speaker is initially captivated by the snake's beauty, describing its
"colourless eyes" and "smooth scales." However, a sense of unease creeps in as they recognize
its potential threat. The speaker's internal struggle between fascination and fear is palpable.
They vacillate between wanting to "drink at his shallow eye" and feeling the urge to "beat him
into the ground."

The snake remains unfazed by the speaker's emotional turmoil. It embodies a primal force of
nature, indifferent to human judgments and anxieties. The poem concludes without a clear
resolution. The speaker leaves the snake unharmed, but the tension remains unresolved. The
final line, "and watch the water drain / through those colourless eyes," leaves the reader to
ponder the lingering sense of unease and the complex relationship between humans and the
natural world.

Themes

Judith Wright's "The Killer" explores a rich tapestry of themes, each offering a unique lens
through which to appreciate the poem's depth and complexity. Here are some key themes to
consider:

The Duality of Nature:The poem confronts the inherent paradox of nature, where beauty and
danger coexist. The snake, with its "fire-clear" scales and "colourless eyes," embodies both
captivating allure and a lurking threat. This duality challenges us to re-evaluate our simplistic
categorizations of nature and embrace its intricate dance of life and death.

The Conflict Between Fear and Fascination: The speaker's internal struggle between fear and
fascination towards the snake forms a central theme. The initial awe at the snake's "smooth
scales" gives way to a chilling sense of "danger," reflecting the instinctive human fear of the
unknown. However, the speaker's lingering gaze and desire to "drink at his shallow eye" hint at
a deeper fascination with the snake's primal power and captivating beauty.

Human Mortality and the Indifference of Nature: The poem confronts the harsh reality of the
natural world, where death is a constant presence. The snake's presence evokes memories of
past encounters with mortality, "the bones / of lizards on the stones." This juxtaposition
highlights the indifference of nature to human anxieties and the fragility of our own existence
within its vast cycle.

Questioning Violence and Human Judgment: The poem raises questions about the morality of
inflicting violence on another creature based solely on fear. The speaker's initial impulse to
"beat him into the ground" challenges us to consider our tendency to demonize the unknown
and our capacity for cruelty towards other living beings.

Our Place in the Natural World: "The Killer" prompts us to reconsider our relationship with the
natural world. The poem emphasizes that we are not separate from nature, but rather
interconnected and subject to its laws. The snake, with its unwavering presence and indifferent
gaze, reminds us of our place within the larger ecosystem and the importance of respecting its
intricate balance.

By exploring these themes, "The Killer" offers a profound meditation on the complexities of
human interaction with nature.It invites us to confront our fears, recognize our
interconnectedness, and appreciate the awe-inspiring beauty and raw power that lies within
the natural world.

Symbols

"The Killer" by Judith Wright is rich in symbolism, offering layers of meaning beyond the surface
narrative. Here are some key symbols to consider:

The Snake:The poem's central symbol, the snake embodies a multitude of meanings. It
represents both captivating beauty with its "fire-clear" scales and "smooth skin," and a hidden
threat with its potential to be dangerous. This duality reflects the natural world's inherent
paradox, where beauty and danger coexist. Additionally, the snake can be seen as a symbol of
primal power, instinct, and the cycle of life and death.

The Sun-Drenched Clearing: The poem's setting, a sun-drenched clearing, symbolizes openness
and vulnerability. The speaker encounters the snake in this open space, highlighting their
exposed state and heightened awareness of potential danger. However, the sunlit setting also
evokes a sense of warmth and life, counterbalancing the fear triggered by the snake.

Colourless Eyes: The snake's "colourless eyes" are a symbol of mystery and ambiguity. Their
lack of color makes them difficult to read, reflecting the snake's inscrutability and the speaker's
uncertainty about its intentions. This adds to the tension and unease throughout the poem.

Drinking at the Shallow Eye:The speaker's desire to "drink at his shallow eye" is a symbolic
gesture indicating a complex mixture of fascination and fear. Drinking might suggest seeking
understanding or knowledge from the snake, but it can also hold a subconscious element of
wanting to conquer or overpower it. This internal conflict adds depth to the speaker's
emotional state.