Ted Hughes’s "Pike" Symbolizes the Violent Trait in Human Being. Elucidate.

    Ted Hughes's poem 'Pike' is a powerful and evocative exploration of the violent and primal nature of human beings. The poem tells the story of a pike, a predatory fish that is feared and respected for its power and aggression. Through his use of vivid imagery and powerful language, Hughes explores the themes of violence, power, and the primal instincts that lie within us all.

"Pike" Symbolizes the Violent Trait in Human Being:

    One of the main themes of 'Pike' is the idea of violence and aggression as primal and instinctive traits that are inherent in human beings. Hughes uses the image of the pike to symbolize these traits, describing the fish as a "monster" that is "perfectly harmless" until it is provoked. The poem describes how the pike is driven by a primal instinct to survive and dominate, and how it will attack anything that threatens its existence.

    However, as the poem progresses, Hughes also explores the idea that violence and aggression are not solely the domain of the natural world, but are also present in human beings. The poem describes how the pike is a reflection of the violent and aggressive tendencies that lie within us all, and how these tendencies can be unleashed by the right circumstances. Hughes uses powerful language to convey the sense of danger and unpredictability that these tendencies can create, describing the pike as a "gigantic brooding monster" that is both feared and respected.

    Through his portrayal of the pike, Hughes is commenting on the violent and primal nature of human beings, and is highlighting the danger that these instincts can pose when they are unleashed. The poem is a powerful reminder of the importance of self-control and restraint, and of the need to recognize and manage our own violent tendencies.

    In conclusion, Ted Hughes's 'Pike' is a powerful and evocative exploration of the violent and primal nature of human beings. Through his use of vivid imagery and powerful language, Hughes explores the themes of violence, power, and the primal instincts that lie within us all. The poem is a powerful reminder of the importance of self-control and restraint, and of the need to recognize and manage our own violent tendencies in order to create a more peaceful and harmonious world.