Analysis of The Bull Moose :: Bull Moose Essays

synopsis of The Bull Moose   The Bull Moose by Alden Nowlan is a exquisitely crafted verse form which reminds us of how far man has strayed from Nature. Through a carefully constructed series of contrasted images, Nowlan laments, in true Romantic fashion, mans separation from Nature.   The strength of the over-the-hill moose is impressive. On his death march, he nonetheless comes lurching and stumbling in punishing and powerful strides to the pole-fenced pasture- the edge of civilization. A clustering quickly gathers, a crowd of men and women, old and young - all notable for their insensitivity and deficiency of respect. They confuse the moose with one of their own domesticated animals, like the cows or collie or gelded moose or ox, failing to contain the nobility and ancient wisdom of this moose from the purple mist of trees. The vista becomes obscene as men pry open his jaws with bottles and pour beer round his throat. The symbolic crown of thistles hammers ho me the innocent suffering perpetrated by these giggling and snickering buffoons.   provided this moose is no shaggy and cuddlesome doll. Living in granting immunity beyond the fences of civilization, this king of the spruce, cedar, and tamarack meets his degraded executioners with overwhelming power. The deep bellowing of this magnificently horned ancient blood god contrasts sharply with the runty and cowardly whine of the automobile horns.   Nowlans sympathy for the moose and his disgust for world is forcefully expressed in a natural free verse. This poem calls us to rethink the arrogant self-righteousness we hold toward Nature. By fencing ourselves in, mayhap we shut ourselves away from those qualities necessary to make us truly human.     Teachers Comments  This essays strives to be concise, i.