'The Prisoners Of The Little Box' by Vasko Popa


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Open little box

We kiss your bottom and cover
Keyhole and key

The whole world lies crumpted in you
It resembles everything
Except itself

Not even your clear-sky mother
Would recognize it anymore

The rust will eat your key
Our world and us there inside
And finally you too

We kiss your four sides
And four corners
And twenty-four nails
And anything else you have

Open little box

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Prisoners of the Little Box: A Fable of Human Condition

Have you ever felt trapped in your own mind, unable to break free from the shackles of your thoughts? Have you ever questioned the meaning of life, wondering whether there is more to it than just existing? Vasko Popa's "The Prisoners of the Little Box" is a profound and thought-provoking poem that explores the complexities of the human condition.

The poem begins with a scene of confinement, where the prisoners are trapped in a little box. The metaphorical box represents the limitations of society, the constraints of our beliefs, and the boundaries of our imagination. The prisoners are unable to see beyond the walls of the box, and their only way of communication is through a small hole.

At first glance, the poem may seem like a simple fable with a clear moral message. However, upon closer examination, the poem reveals a deeper layer of meaning. The prisoners in the little box are not just any prisoners; they represent the human condition, and the box represents the limitations that we impose upon ourselves.

Popa's use of imagery is particularly effective in conveying the theme of confinement. The image of the small hole through which the prisoners communicate emphasizes the limited nature of their existence. The fact that they are unable to see beyond the walls of the box also represents the narrow-mindedness of human beings.

The poem also touches upon the theme of communication. The prisoners in the little box communicate through a small hole, which is a metaphor for our limited means of communication. Popa highlights the importance of effective communication, as the prisoners are only able to survive through their ability to communicate with one another.

The central theme of the poem is the search for meaning in life. The prisoners in the little box are searching for a way out, a way to break free from their confinement. This search for meaning is a universal human experience, as we all seek to find purpose and fulfillment in life.

Popa's use of allegory is particularly effective in conveying this theme. The little box represents the confines of our existence, and the prisoners represent the search for meaning. The fact that the prisoners are unable to escape from the box emphasizes the difficulty of finding meaning in life.

The poem also touches upon the theme of conformity. The prisoners in the little box are all the same, and they all think the same way. This is a reflection of the conformist nature of human beings, as we are often afraid to think outside the box and challenge the status quo.

Popa's use of repetition is particularly effective in conveying this theme. The repeated use of the word "same" emphasizes the monotony and conformity of human beings.

The poem also explores the theme of identity. The prisoners in the little box have lost their sense of identity, and they have become one with the box. This is a reflection of the loss of identity that can occur when we conform to societal norms and expectations.

Popa's use of symbolism is particularly effective in conveying this theme. The fact that the prisoners have become one with the box emphasizes the loss of individuality and identity.

In conclusion, "The Prisoners of the Little Box" is a profound and thought-provoking poem that explores the complexities of the human condition. The poem touches upon a range of themes, including confinement, communication, the search for meaning, conformity, and identity.

Popa's use of imagery, allegory, repetition, and symbolism is particularly effective in conveying these themes. The poem challenges us to think beyond the limitations that we impose upon ourselves and to search for meaning and fulfillment in life.

"The Prisoners of the Little Box" is a powerful reminder of the importance of breaking free from the constraints of society and the limitations of our own minds. It is a fable that encourages us to think outside the box and to embrace the complexities and uncertainties of life.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Prisoners of the Little Box: A Masterpiece of Surrealism

Vasko Popa, the Serbian poet, is known for his unique style of surrealism that explores the depths of human emotions and experiences. One of his most famous works, The Prisoners of the Little Box, is a masterpiece that delves into the complexities of human existence and the limitations that we impose upon ourselves.

The poem is a metaphorical representation of the human condition, where we are trapped in our own little boxes, unable to break free from the constraints of our own minds. The little box represents the limitations that we place upon ourselves, whether it be societal norms, cultural expectations, or personal fears and insecurities.

The poem begins with the lines, "In the little box / They carry their heads / And their souls / And their dreams / And their freedom." These lines set the tone for the rest of the poem, where we see the prisoners carrying their entire existence within the confines of the little box. The use of the word "carry" implies that the prisoners are burdened by their own limitations, and are unable to escape from them.

The next few lines describe the prisoners' attempts to break free from the little box. "They try to break out / But the walls are too thick / And the lid is too heavy / And the lock is too strong." These lines highlight the futility of our attempts to break free from our own limitations. No matter how hard we try, we are unable to escape from the little box that we have created for ourselves.

The poem then takes a surreal turn, where the prisoners begin to transform into different creatures. "One turns into a bird / And flies away / Another into a fish / And swims away / A third into a flower / And blooms away." These transformations represent the different ways in which we try to escape from our own limitations. Some of us try to fly away, while others try to swim away or simply disappear. However, no matter how we try to escape, we are still trapped within the little box.

The final lines of the poem are perhaps the most powerful. "And the little box remains / Empty / And full / And open / And closed / And waiting / And forgotten." These lines represent the paradoxical nature of the little box. It is both empty and full, open and closed, waiting and forgotten. It is a symbol of our own contradictions and complexities, where we are both trapped and free, limited and limitless.

In conclusion, The Prisoners of the Little Box is a masterpiece of surrealism that explores the depths of human existence and the limitations that we impose upon ourselves. It is a powerful metaphor for the human condition, where we are both trapped and free, limited and limitless. Vasko Popa's unique style of surrealism and his ability to capture the complexities of human emotions and experiences make this poem a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers today.

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