Wodwo
By Ted Hughes
What am I? Nosing here, turning leaves over
Following a faint stain on the air to the river’s edge
I enter water. Who am I to split
The glassy grain of water looking upward I see the bed
Of the river above me upside down very clear
What am I doing here in mid-air? Why do I find
this frog so interesting as I inspect its most secret
interior and make it my own? Do these weeds
know me and name me to each other have they
seen me before do I fit in their world? I seem
separate from the ground and not rooted but dropped
out of nothing casually I’ve no threads
fastening me to anything I can go anywhere
I seem to have been given the freedom
of this place what am I then? And picking
bits of bark off this rotten stump gives me
no pleasure and it’s no use so why do I do it
me and doing that have coincided very queerly
But what shall I be called am I the first
have I an owner what shape am I what
shape am I am I huge if I go
to the end on this way past these trees and past these trees
till I get tired that’s touching one wall of me
for the moment if I sit still how everything
stops to watch me I suppose I am the exact centre
but there’s all this what is it roots
roots roots roots and here’s the water
again very queer but I’ll go on looking
Summary of Wodwo
“Wodwo” by Ted Hughes, first published in 1967, is a captivating dramatic monologue that delves into the consciousness of a primordial human figure. The poem presents a being deeply connected to the natural world, preoccupied with questions of identity, existence, and his place within the ecosystem. Wodwo explores his surroundings by sniffing roots for water, contemplating philosophical ideas, and examining the physicality of his own being. This exploration is not a logical progression, but rather a stream of consciousness that mirrors the raw, unformed thought processes of a creature unbound by conventional understanding.
At its core, “Wodwo” explores themes of nature, individuality, and freedom. The poem positions Wodwo as an entity simultaneously separate from, yet intrinsically linked to, the natural world. His curious investigations and constant questioning of “What am I?” reveal a search for self‑definition in a world where traditional structures of meaning do not apply. The poem is not about providing answers, but about portraying the process of questioning, and the inherent strangeness of being.
Understanding the Poem’s Central Idea
The central idea of “Wodwo” is not a straightforward narrative but rather a depiction of primordial consciousness. Hughes invites us to inhabit the mind of a being stripped of societal conditioning, observing the world with unfiltered curiosity. This allows him to question the very nature of being and to contemplate his own existence without the filters of language or societal norms. The repetition of “What am I?” is not simply a question seeking a label, but an attempt to grasp the fundamental essence of self.
Analysis of Poetic Devices Used in Wodwo
Hughes masterfully employs a range of poetic devices to create a unique atmosphere and convey the complex thoughts within “Wodwo.” These devices contribute to the poem’s evocative power and help shape its meaning.
Assonance & Alliteration
The poem uses subtle assonance and alliteration. For example, the repeated “a” sound in “following a faint stain on the air” creates a musicality that enhances the poem’s rhythm and draws attention to specific phrases. The alliteration in “seemed separated” subtly links ideas and creates cohesion. These effects are not jarringly obvious, but they contribute to the poem’s hypnotic quality.
Anaphora & Repetition
The repeated use of phrases like “I seem…” and the insistent question “am I…?” constitute anaphora. This creates a mesmerizing rhythm and emphasizes Wodwo’s questioning state. The repetition of “roots” and “water” throughout the poem is not merely descriptive; it reinforces the importance of these elements as fundamental to Wodwo’s existence and perception.
Consonance
Consonance, the repetition of consonant sounds, appears in phrases such as “know me and name me to each other.” This creates a subtle sonic texture that enhances the poem’s musicality and draws attention to the interconnectedness of the natural world. The repetition of “s” and “t” in “to the end on this way past these trees and past these trees” further emphasizes the journey and passage of time.
Enjambment
The poem frequently employs enjambment—the continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line to the next—creating a sense of fluidity and mirroring the stream‑of‑consciousness style. For example:
for the moment if I sit still how everything
stops to watch me I suppose I am the exact centre
but there’s all this what is it roots
roots roots roots and here’s the water
again very queer but I’ll go on looking
This technique contributes to the poem’s natural rhythm and allows ideas to unfold organically.
Imagery & Symbolism
Hughes uses vivid imagery throughout the poem to create a strong sensory experience. Phrases like “glassy grain of water” and “rotten stump” appeal to the reader’s senses of sight and smell. Water and roots function as potent symbols. Water represents life, sustenance, and a connection to the natural world, while roots symbolize grounding, origin, and the hidden depths of existence.
Rhetorical Questions
The frequent use of rhetorical questions—questions not meant to be answered—reflects Wodwo’s internal monologue and his attempt to grapple with fundamental questions of existence. “What am I doing here in mid‑air?” and “Have I an owner?” are not pleas for answers; they are expressions of a mind grappling with the mysteries of being.
Free Verse & Structure
“Wodwo” is written in free verse, meaning it does not adhere to a regular rhyme scheme or meter. This stylistic choice mirrors the untamed, primal nature of the subject. The absence of traditional poetic structure reflects Wodwo’s freedom from societal constraints. The poem’s lack of stanzas further emphasizes the continuous flow of consciousness. It feels less like a structured argument and more like an unfiltered glimpse into a mind at work.
Quotes for Reflection
The following lines offer profound insights into the poem’s themes and can be used for discussion or reflection:
for the moment if I sit still how everything
stops to watch me I suppose I am the exact centre
but there’s all this what is it roots
roots roots roots and here’s the water
again very queer but I’ll go on looking
These lines highlight Wodwo’s perceived centrality within the ecosystem while acknowledging the vastness of the world beyond himself. The focus on “roots” and “water” underscores the fundamental connection between all living things.
“Wodwo” is a complex and rewarding poem that invites multiple interpretations. By exploring its themes, poetic devices, and structure, readers can gain a deeper appreciation for Hughes’s masterful portrayal of primal consciousness and the enduring mysteries of existence.