There is a wolf in me, a fox in me, a hog in me, a fish in me, a baboon in me, an eagle in me, and a mockingbird in me.
I got a zoo, I got a menagerie, inside my ribs, under my head, under my heart, and I got something else: a man‑child heart, a woman‑child heart, a father and mother and lover. I came from the wilderness and I am the keeper of the zoo.
Welcome to an insightful exploration of Carl Sandburg’s compelling poem, “Wilderness.” This brief yet profound work invites readers to delve into the intricate landscape of the human spirit, revealing a rich tapestry of instincts, emotions, and primal connections. Through vivid imagery and a powerful central metaphor, Sandburg crafts a declaration of self that resonates with timeless truths about our inner lives.
Wilderness: A Journey into the Self
Carl Sandburg’s “Wilderness” presents a striking portrait of the self as a complex and multifaceted entity. The poem opens with a direct and declarative statement, listing a diverse array of animals that reside within the speaker: “a wolf in me, a fox in me, a hog in me, a fish in me, a baboon in me, an eagle in me, and a mockingbird in me.” This immediate catalog establishes the central idea that human beings are not singular, simple entities, but rather a collection of varied, sometimes contradictory, traits and instincts.
The speaker then expands on this concept, declaring, “I got a zoo, I got a menagerie, inside my ribs, under my head, under my heart.” This powerful metaphor of the inner self as a “zoo” or “menagerie” emphasizes the idea that these animalistic qualities are contained within the physical and emotional core of one’s being. Beyond these primal forces, the poem acknowledges the deeply human aspects of existence: “a man‑child heart, a woman‑child heart, a father and mother and lover.” This inclusion highlights the blend of innocence, maturity, and relational capacities that also define the self.
The poem concludes with a significant statement of origin and responsibility: “I came from the wilderness and I am the keeper of the zoo.” This line suggests that the fundamental, untamed aspects of human nature originate from a primal, natural source. Furthermore, the speaker embraces the role of “keeper,” implying a conscious awareness and stewardship of these diverse inner forces. The central idea of “Wilderness” is that the human self is a rich, complex blend of primal instincts, diverse animalistic traits, and deeply human emotional and relational capacities, all stemming from an untamed origin and requiring deliberate management.
A noteworthy aspect of this poem is its bold, declarative tone and its direct engagement with the reader. Sandburg’s choice of common, recognizable animals makes the poem’s message universally accessible, inviting contemplation on one’s own inner “zoo.”
Unpacking the Layers: An In-Depth Analysis of Wilderness
“Wilderness” achieves its profound impact through Sandburg’s masterful use of literary and poetic devices. A closer look at these techniques reveals the depth and resonance of the poem’s message.
The Inner Menagerie: Metaphor and Symbolism
The core of “Wilderness” lies in its central metaphor, which vividly portrays the human psyche. The speaker’s declaration, “I got a zoo, I got a menagerie, inside my ribs, under my head, under my heart,” establishes the self as a vibrant collection of diverse elements. This metaphor suggests that the human personality is not a monolithic entity but a dynamic interplay of various instincts and characteristics, much like different animals coexisting within an enclosure.
Each animal listed symbolizes a distinct facet of human nature:
- Wolf: Represents primal instincts, wildness, and perhaps a predatory or independent spirit.
- Fox: Symbolizes cunning, cleverness, and adaptability.
- Hog: Suggests indulgence, appetite, and a connection to basic physical desires.
- Fish: Evokes a sense of the subconscious, fluidity, or deep, ancient instincts.
- Baboon: Points to social dynamics, hierarchy, or more boisterous, untamed aspects.
- Eagle: Represents aspiration, keen vision, freedom, and soaring ambition.
- Mockingbird: Symbolizes mimicry, creativity, adaptability, and the ability to echo or interpret the world.
The poem extends beyond purely animalistic traits by introducing deeply human elements: “a man‑child heart, a woman‑child heart, a father and mother and lover.” These lines symbolize the full spectrum of human emotional development, from innocence and vulnerability to nurturing instincts and romantic love. This juxtaposition underscores Sandburg’s view of humanity as a complex synthesis of both primal and highly evolved characteristics.
The “wilderness” itself functions as a powerful symbol. When the speaker states, “I came from the wilderness,” it signifies that these fundamental, untamed aspects of the self are not acquired but are inherent, originating from a primal, natural source that predates societal conditioning. The final declaration, “I am the keeper of the zoo,” symbolizes the individual’s conscious role in acknowledging, understanding, and managing these diverse inner forces, suggesting a journey of self-awareness and integration.
Crafting the Core: Poetic Devices in Wilderness
Sandburg employs several poetic devices to enhance the poem’s impact and convey its message with clarity and force.
Declarative Voice and Structure
The poem’s strength is rooted in its direct, declarative voice. The repeated phrase “There is a [animal] in me” creates a powerful sense of assertion and acceptance. This parallel structure emphasizes the multiplicity of the speaker’s inner world, giving each animal equal weight in the overall composition of the self. The repetition of “I got a zoo, I got a menagerie” further reinforces the central metaphor, driving home the idea of the self as a contained collection of diverse forces. The rhythmic quality created by these repetitions makes the poem memorable and impactful.
Vivid Word Choice and Imagery
While concise, the poem uses strong, evocative word choice to create vivid imagery. The simple listing of animals immediately conjures their characteristics in the reader’s mind. The physical locations mentioned for the inner “zoo”—”inside my ribs, under my head, under my heart”—create a visceral sense of these forces residing deep within the speaker’s core being. This imagery grounds the abstract concept of the self in tangible, bodily experience. The phrases “man‑child heart” and “woman‑child heart” also create poignant images of innocence and vulnerability, while “father and mother and lover” evoke images of nurturing, guidance, and passion.
Sound Devices: Assonance, Consonance, and Alliteration
Sandburg subtly weaves sound devices into the poem, contributing to its musicality and cohesion.
- Assonance: The repetition of vowel sounds, such as the short ‘i’ sound in “in me” throughout the first line, creates a subtle internal rhythm and a sense of intimacy. The short ‘a’ sound in “head” and “heart” in the second stanza also connects these vital locations.
- Consonance: The repetition of consonant sounds, like the ‘m’ sound in “me,” “menagerie,” “man‑child,” “mother,” and “lover,” creates a soft, flowing connection between these words. The ‘h’ sound in “head” and “heart” provides a gentle emphasis on these crucial internal spaces.
- Alliteration: The repetition of initial consonant sounds, though not overtly dominant, appears effectively. Examples include “wolf in me,” “fox in me,” “fish in me,” and “man‑child heart, a woman‑child heart, a father and mother and lover.” These instances add a subtle sonic texture, making certain phrases more memorable and impactful.
Conclusion
“Wilderness” by Carl Sandburg is a powerful and enduring poem that offers a profound meditation on the complexity of human nature. Through its striking central metaphor of the self as an inner “zoo” and its direct, declarative voice, the poem invites readers to acknowledge and embrace the diverse array of instincts, emotions, and primal connections that reside within. It celebrates the intricate blend of animalistic and deeply human traits that define us, all originating from an untamed source. By presenting the speaker as the “keeper of the zoo,” Sandburg ultimately suggests a path toward self-awareness and the conscious integration of all aspects of one’s being. This concise yet rich poem continues to captivate, encouraging a deeper understanding of the wild, multifaceted heart of humanity.