Hunting Snake, written by Judith Wright, is a poem that addresses the destructive nature of humans and the detrimental impact they have on the environment. Through the use of vivid imagery and symbolism, the poem paints a bleak picture of the destruction caused by humans and the lasting impact it has on the natural world.
The poem begins with the speaker describing the "hunting snake" as it slithers through the grass, searching for prey. This image immediately sets the tone for the poem, as the hunting snake represents the destructive nature of humans. The speaker goes on to describe how the snake "strikes" and "seizes" its prey, further emphasizing the predatory nature of humans and their destructive impact on the environment.
The poem then shifts to a more abstract level, using imagery to describe the destruction caused by humans. The speaker describes the "dead grass" and the "withered ferns," symbolizing the destruction of natural habitats and the loss of biodiversity. The "blackened logs" and the "ash heap" also symbolize the destruction of the natural world, as they represent the remnants of a forest fire, likely caused by human activity.
Throughout the poem, the speaker's tone is one of sadness and despair, as they witness the destruction caused by humans and the lasting impact it has on the natural world. The speaker laments the loss of the "dear earth" and the "precious life" that has been destroyed, emphasizing the value of the natural world and the importance of preserving it.
In the final stanza, the speaker shifts their focus to the future, expressing hope that humanity will learn from its mistakes and work to protect the environment. The speaker calls on humans to "break the circling chain" of destruction, suggesting that humans have the power to change their destructive ways and work towards a more sustainable future.
In conclusion, Hunting Snake is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that addresses the destructive nature of humans and the impact they have on the environment. Through vivid imagery and symbolism, the poem paints a bleak picture of the destruction caused by humans and the lasting impact it has on the natural world. However, the poem also holds out hope for the future, suggesting that humans have the power to change their ways and work towards a more sustainable future.