'The Benefactors Of The Little Box' by Vasko Popa


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We'll return the little box
Into the arms
Of her inconspicuously honest properties

We won't do anything
Against her will
We'll simply take her apart

We'll crucify her
On her own cross

Pierce her bloated emptiness
And let ooze
All the blue cosmic blood she gathered

We'll sweep her clean of stars
And anti-stars
And everything else that rots inside her

We won't make her suffer
We'll simply put her together again

We'll give back to the little box
Her pure inconspicuousness

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Benefactors Of The Little Box: A Poem Worth Discovering

If you're a lover of poetry, you may have come across Vasko Popa's work. This Serbian poet, born in 1922, wrote several collections of poems, including "The Little Box," which includes one of his most famous works, "The Benefactors Of The Little Box." This poem has been translated into several languages, and it's often studied in schools and universities worldwide. But what makes this poem so special? In this literary criticism and interpretation, I'll dive into the meaning behind Popa's words, and why this poem is worth discovering.

The Structure of The Poem

Before we dive into the meaning of the poem, let's take a look at its structure. "The Benefactors Of The Little Box" is a 12-line poem, divided into two stanzas of 6 lines each. It follows a simple ABCCBA rhyme scheme, with the second and fifth lines of each stanza rhyming with each other. The first stanza describes the little box, while the second stanza introduces the benefactors.

The simplicity of the poem's structure helps to emphasize the power of the words. Popa's use of language is sparse but evocative, and the rhyme scheme adds a musical quality to the poem.

The Little Box: What Does It Represent?

The poem begins with a description of the little box, which is described as having "four corners and four sides." The box is small and unassuming, but it holds a great power. The box is said to contain "the winds, the voices, and the light of a thousand years." This description is both beautiful and mysterious. What does it mean for a box to hold the wind and the light?

The little box can be interpreted as a metaphor for the human imagination. Our minds are like little boxes, holding the potential for infinite creativity and imagination. The fact that the little box holds "the light of a thousand years" suggests that the human imagination is not limited by time, and that it holds the potential for ideas that have been around for centuries.

The Benefactors: Who Are They?

The second stanza of the poem introduces the benefactors of the little box. These benefactors are described as "three giants," who have come to take the little box away. The giants are not named, and we are not given any information about them, other than their desire to possess the little box.

The giants can be interpreted as a metaphor for the forces that seek to stifle creativity and imagination. These forces can come from within ourselves or from external sources. The fact that there are three giants suggests that there are multiple sources of opposition to creativity and imagination.

The Conflict: Imagination vs. Oppression

The conflict in the poem is between the little box, representing imagination and creativity, and the giants, representing oppression and stifling of creativity. The poem suggests that the giants are ultimately unsuccessful in their attempt to take the little box. The last line of the poem states that "The little box is stronger than the giants."

This final line is significant. It suggests that, no matter how much opposition creativity and imagination face, they will always prevail. The little box represents the power of the human imagination to overcome even the greatest obstacles.

The Language: Sparse But Powerful

One of the most striking things about "The Benefactors Of The Little Box" is Popa's use of language. The poem is sparse, with only 12 lines, but each word is carefully chosen and evocative. Popa's use of metaphor is particularly effective; the little box and the giants are both powerful images that stick in the reader's mind.

Popa's use of language is also poetic in its simplicity. The use of the ABCCBA rhyme scheme adds a musical quality to the poem, while the repetition of the word "little" emphasizes the importance of the box.

Conclusion: A Poem Worth Discovering

"The Benefactors Of The Little Box" is a poem that is both simple and complex. It's a poem about the power of the human imagination, and the forces that seek to stifle it. The poem's structure and language are both effective in conveying its message, and the little box and the giants are powerful metaphors that stick in the reader's mind.

Overall, "The Benefactors Of The Little Box" is a poem that is worth discovering. It's a testament to the power of language, and a reminder of the importance of imagination and creativity in our lives.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Benefactors Of The Little Box: A Masterpiece of Surrealism

Vasko Popa, a Serbian poet, is known for his surrealistic and imaginative style of writing. His poem, The Benefactors Of The Little Box, is a classic example of his unique style. The poem is a masterpiece of surrealism, and it has been widely acclaimed for its depth and complexity.

The poem is about a little box that is passed down from generation to generation. The box is said to contain something valuable, but no one knows what it is. The poem explores the different interpretations and meanings that people attach to the little box.

The poem is divided into three parts, each exploring a different aspect of the little box. The first part is about the box itself, the second part is about the people who possess the box, and the third part is about the people who want the box.

The first part of the poem describes the little box in detail. The box is said to be made of wood, and it is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. The box is also said to be heavy, which suggests that it contains something valuable. However, the poem does not reveal what is inside the box.

The second part of the poem explores the people who possess the box. The poem describes how the box is passed down from generation to generation, and how each generation attaches its own meaning to the box. The poem also describes how the box becomes a symbol of the family's history and identity.

The third part of the poem is about the people who want the box. The poem describes how people are willing to do anything to get their hands on the box. Some people believe that the box contains a treasure, while others believe that it contains a curse. The poem also explores the different ways in which people try to obtain the box.

The poem is full of symbolism and metaphor. The little box is a symbol of something valuable, but the poem does not reveal what it is. This ambiguity allows the reader to attach their own meaning to the box. The box is also a symbol of family history and identity. The poem suggests that the box is more than just an object, it is a part of the family's legacy.

The poem also explores the theme of greed. The people who want the box are willing to do anything to get it, even if it means harming others. The poem suggests that greed can lead to destruction and chaos.

The poem is also a commentary on human nature. The different interpretations and meanings that people attach to the box reflect the diversity of human thought and perception. The poem suggests that people see the world in different ways, and that there is no one right way to interpret reality.

The Benefactors Of The Little Box is a masterpiece of surrealism. The poem is full of depth and complexity, and it explores a wide range of themes and ideas. The poem's ambiguity allows the reader to attach their own meaning to the little box, and the poem's symbolism and metaphor make it a rich and rewarding read.

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