Shel Silverstein Poem Analysis 8

The Boa Constrictor Song

By Shel Silverstein

 “The Boa Constrictor” poem or better said song is extremely surprising. It may not sound like a song/poem for children as it depicts a rather scary scene: a man being eaten alive by a snake. To some kids, especially those who are really afraid of snakes, it may not seem attractive or amusing at all, but things are said in such an unexpected and hilarious way that you can no longer feel scared.

The scene is growing step by step, the man being eaten first up to his toe, then up to his knee, then up to his middle, his chest, his neck until he gets completely “swallered”. The attitude is quite an optimistic one as, despite the unfortunate incident, the poet is presenting everything in an entertaining, funny light.

The ending of the poem is what truly makes it funny as it simply shows the boa constrictor snake burping after such a delicious and satisfying meal.

Everyone should try and read this poem as it is something different from any poem for children I have read. The nicest thing about it is that it leaves it to the reader to actually interpret its meaning, allowing endless ways of interpretation and encourages us to see the bright and funny side of even such unhappy stories.