Introduction
In Elizabeth Acevedo’s “Rat Ode,” the speaker gives center stage to the uncelebrated rat. The dramatic situation unfolds against a backdrop of an urban landscape. There, the rat is presented as an unglamorous, despised creature amidst the rest of admired and majestic animals. The central subject of the poem is the speaker’s contemplation of this inconspicuous creature and its importance within the human experience.
The most significant conflict in the poem is the one between societal perceptions of the animal and the empathetic perspective of the speaker. The conflict is more profound than it seems at first glance: it is a commentary on how humans overlook the aspects of life that are seemingly insignificant. As I interpret it, the message of the poem is a call to recognize the beauty in the overlooked and the misunderstood. The poem encourages the reader to reconsider preconceived judgments and empathize with those who do not fit into society’s perception of significance.
Discussion
In the poem’s opening lines, the speaker contrasts the rat and more conventionally admired creatures. Lines 1-4 mention different animals, such as nightingales, does, or blackbirds (Acevedo). These animals serve as allusions to ideas of beauty and nobility. These are opposed to rats’ perceived ugliness and lowly status. The speaker says: “They’ve been written,” implying that these animals have been celebrated in literature and art (Acevedo, line 5). The rat is portrayed as an unsung hero, enduring a harsh life in the shadows of human society, while the admired animals are often romanticized.
In the following lines, sound and sensory imagery evoke readers’ senses and emotions. The words “Scuttling between walls” or “the scent of your collapsed corpse” bring a visceral quality to the poem (Acevedo lines 6-7). The speaker intends to make the reader sympathize with the rat’s struggle. The final lines of the first part state: “Your frantic squeals as you wrestle your fur from glue traps” (Acevedo lines 8-9). In this part, the conflict is not between the mentioned creatures. It also relates to the speaker’s perspective and the conventional perspective of the animals. The poem acknowledges the rat’s suffering and survival, challenging how society regards these animals.
In the poem’s second section, the speaker recalls a turning point in how the rat was perceived. This event contributes to the thematic development of the poem. The reference to “July of ’97” and “109th” evoke a specific time and place (Acevedo lines 10-11). This provides historical and cultural context and locates the narrative in real life. The sudden increase in rat population explains the nature of its rise to notoriety (Acevedo lines 11-13). The narrator mentions the nickname “Cat-killer” and describes people’s violence towards these creatures. “Siete blasted aluminum bat into your brethren’s skull’, the jarring and stark description of aggression reads (Acevedo lines 15-16). The comparison “the sound: slapped dominoes” highlights the brutality and the sense of consequence (Acevedo line 17).
By saying, “You reined that summer, rat; knocked down the Viejo’s Heineken,” the speaker suggests that the rats temporarily dominated the area (Acevedo lines 17-18). Their influence disrupted the regular order of things and even led to the destruction of possessions. Finally, despite the extermination attempts, the rats showed resilience and survived: “Half dead, and on fire, you pushed on” (Acevedo lines 21-22). The event described in this section underscores the conflict surrounding the rat’s place in the world and contributes to the broader theme of celebrating underappreciated aspects of life.
In the final part, the speaker delves into the qualities and characteristics of the rat, conveying the message of appreciation for this creature. The poem characterizes the rat as “inelegant” and “simple,” highlighting its humble nature (Acevedo line 23). It is also described as “uncuddled” and “uncoddled,” emphasizing the rat’s self-reliance and sheer tenacity (Acevedo line 27). The rat is not pampered; it forages for survival and scavenges for crumbs (Acevedo lines 25-26). This part also critiques the idea of beauty by contrasting the rat with the “maze-rat of labs: pale, pretty-eyed, trained” (Acevedo lines 28-29). These words suggest that the rat’s beauty lies in its natural state, challenging the conventional notions of attractiveness.
The rat is described as a formidable creature adapted to its environment due to its challenges. Its physical attributes are illustrated with words like “sharp-fanged, clawed, scarred, patched dark” (Acevedo lines 30-31). And it is precisely for this raw beauty, as the narrator states, “they should love you” (Acevedo lines 31-32). Finally, the speaker encourages the rat to embrace its identity and leave a mark on this world (Acevedo lines 32-35). The rat’s resilience, self-sufficiency, and unaltered existence are virtues. The rat symbolizes the marginalized and overlooked; the poem is a plea for empathy and understanding towards them. This section reinforces the poem’s central theme, which is to see the worth in all creatures and individuals, regardless of how society might label them.
Conclusion
Elizabeth Acevedo’s “Rat Ode” is a thought-provoking exploration of the marginalized aspects of life represented through the unassuming rat. The poem employs various elements of poetry, such as imagery, contrast, sound, and sensory detail, to construct a final powerful message. The poem’s value in literature lies in its ability to urge readers to reconsider their judgments and appreciate the beauty of seemingly insignificant things.
“Rat Ode” invites readers to reevaluate their relationship with the natural world. It demonstrates that even the most despised creatures can have a powerful impact on our lives. Personally, this poem resonates with me in its call for empathy. While humanity is becoming crueler, empathizing with those who seem to be neglected by all is of utmost importance. In essence, Acevedo’s work is a testament to the enduring power of poetry to connect people to the world in new and profound ways.
Work Cited
Acevedo, Elizabeth. “Rat Ode.” Beastgirl & Other Origin Myths, Yes Yes Books, 2016.