‘Hunting Snake’ by Judith Wright

first impressions …

When I  first read ‘Hunting Snake‘ by Judith Wright, it appeared to me as if the narrator was simply encountering a snake. The poem is focused on a snake, albeit a graceful, breath-taking one. Wright, being an environmentalist, has a love for nature and is thus fascinated by the ‘great black snake’ as it passes by on the ground. Throughout the poem Wright uses language techniques to effectively convey the sense of confusion, shock and curiosity at the appearance and actions of the snake.

” … great black snake went reeling by … ”

‘sun glazed his curves of diamond scale’

closer analysis / personal opinion…

Like ‘Horses’ by Edwin Muir, this poem is very descriptive and depicts its subject (in this case a snake) as a fascinating creature. Wright intentionally uses many language features such as a simple rhyme scheme, caesura, juxtaposition and hyperbole to describe every intent and movement of the snake to a very sophisticated level. There is also, to some extent, reference to some biblical imagery as the subject of the poem is a snake which is traditionally regarded as evil.

Personally, my favourite feature of this poem is its use of juxtaposition to highlight how the snake is both a thing of beauty and danger. The most obvious example of juxtaposition is the use of three verbs at the beginning of the fourth stanza: ‘Cold, dark and splendid he was gone …’. A snake is traditionally depicted as an evil creature, an example being when it is seen in The Bible. This is further alluded to when it is shown to be ‘black’. Black is a colour generally associated with evil. The words ‘Cold’, ‘dark’ and splendid’ all have different connotations. Their contrast works effectively in conveying Wright’s view of the snake as a creature which has its own kind of beauty; that it is both graceful and deadly at the same time. Furthermore, the depiction of the snake as not being evil suggests that Wright wishes for people to learn to appreciate the beauty of all things. After all, everything is a creation of God.

A simple rhyme scheme is prevalent throughout the poem except for the last stanza. The consistent rhyme structure (ABAB) may indicate that the narrator is trying to remain calm throughout the experience of seeing the snake and that the snake intrigues Wright so much that it is only until after the snake is out of view that she feels some panic. Furthermore, the rhyme scheme is an important part of conveying the narrator’s mind-set and thoughts. Caesura contributes to the poem in the same manner.

” … we walked, and froze half-through a pace. ”

The use of caesura creates a sudden change in reading pace that is paralleled in the poem when the narrator freezes in her path after seeing the snake. Overall, caesura and juxtaposition are effective in adding dimension to the otherwise simple poem.

Hyperbole is used in the poem when Wright describes the snake’s appearance: ‘sun glazed his curves of diamond scale’. The description is similar to the way a person would describe a dragon – ‘scales as hard as diamonds’. This interesting allusion to dragons through her use of hyperbole adds an element of ‘unrealness’ to the snake – the narrator is mystified by the appearance of the reptile. Dragons are also generally regarded as majestic, regal creatures; Wright may be suggesting that snakes also have as powerful a presence as dragons.

‘Head-down, tongue flickering on the trail’

final opinion …

On the surface, the poem seems to be simply describing a scary encounter with a snake. Upon closer examination, the poem has more than just one dimension in its meaning. Wright cleverly uses symbolism and allusion to certain things to demonstrate the sophisticated, mystical nature of a traditionally dangerous animal.

– Max