A poetry commentary on The Jaguar, by Ted Hughes

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A poetry commentary on The Jaguar, by Ted Hughes

The Jaguar is a descriptive poem by Ted Hughes. It tells the story of a jaguar and its life at a zoo. The poem very much describes the atmosphere of the zoo and how this particular jaguar overcomes this enclosed surrounding. I think the authors words are very passionate and strongly link to the character and behaviour of the jaguar. I think he expects the reader to visualise this scene and have the same thoughts as the jaguar. I think he also expects us to really stress key words and read it in a flowing way. Just like the jaguar's movements. The tone varies between the stanzas. The first two stanzas suggest a very negative tone, and then this is followed by a quick transmission word and alters to a triumphant and strong tone. Overall the sound of the poem portrays strength and admiration.

The poem is written in free verse. The poem uses many enjambments; which suggests that the rhyming words are not so noticeable. I think this structure is linked to the life of the jaguar. The jaguar is in no way disturbed about the fact that it is locked up in a cage. Instead it follows its own imagination and way of life.
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The first stanza suggests to me that it is trying to set the tone and describe the setting. One example of describing the setting is when the word 'shriek' appears. As it is onomatopoeia its sound reflects the sense of atmosphere. It describes what it is like at the zoo and what noises are to be heard. Simultaneously there is a simile in the first stanza, which to me emphasises the standard in the zoo. 'Like cheap tarts to attract,' the audience. The animals are being portrayed as being abused and used for entertainment of others.

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