Red Balloon - Abse

This poem is symbolic of Abse’s religion which was Judaism. Throughout the poem, the religion grows in importance in his day to day life despite outside interference. Anti-Semitism was rife across Europe at the time with the rise of Fascism in Nazi Germany at the time, stereotypical views on Jews turned sour and many people , not just in Nazi Germany, adopted these views and beliefs. This poem also brings out Abse’s resilient nature because he sticks with his beliefs and continues to until he needs help from close family. In regards to linking this with Larkin, some poems that could be linked with this are : Faith Healing and Water. The obvious link to water is to do with the religious side of the poem, also Faith healing can be linked because it describes some women’s persistence in pursuing their beliefs despite popular opinion on the contrary.

The title of the poem 'Red Balloon' conveys something to us. A balloon is a fragile object which could represent Abse's psychological state. 'Red is also the colour of blood which connotes ideas of a violent nature to this poem. In the first stanza Abse comments that the town 'was startled'. This could have a wider significance that people in general are surprised about Abse's beliefs, due to fascist ideas forming in the 1930s. The balloon is also 'wind-blown' which suggests that the balloon has been blown off course. This balloon acts as a metaphor for Abse's religion, so it's as if his religion was guided to him from a very early age.

In stanza two Abse comments that 'oddly, it landed where I stood' this gives us this idea of fate. However nearer the end of this stanza it seems as if his religious belief is becoming more of an obsession. 'I breathed on it, I polished it, till it shone like living blood'. It's as if he is bringing this religion to life.

We get the sense of a paradox occurring in stanza three. Abse comments 'that it was my shame and my joy', revealing that the balloon can bring the best and the worst out of him. We also get the imagery of the 'rude boys' who would probably bully Abse because it was unusual for the religion of Judaism to be in Wales. We also get the turning point in this poem where it 'ceased to be a toy', conveying this idea that Abse has now grown up, he is ignoring what people think of him and his religion has become more improtant to him now. In a sense, it used to be a plaything but now it is a reality.

Within stanza four we get a sense that Abse's religion is making his lifestyle better. 'It soared higher like happiness towards the dark blue sky'. Abse is on course for a better future, he has risen up from his past after enduring anti-semitism. This is what the rising of the balloon is a metaphor for.

'My only precious' in stanza five supports the view further that Abse is now obssessed with his religion. The quote 'however long they swear their love' suggests that he has become judgemental of others and his opinions on his beliefs. We get this idea that he thinks judaism is superior to other religions.

Within stanza six we get a further insight into this fascist ideology that dominated Europe during the 1930s. 'It's a Jew's balloon' suggests he has become a target from people in his community. In a sense, he is individual to other people in Wales at the time. 'Stained with our dear Lord's blood'. This supports the anti-semite remarks. This supports the growing tensions across the world, especially in Nazi Germany during the time. 'That I'm a jew is true' suggests that Abse is confident in his belief now, he has accepted his Jewish identity and this has made him who he is today.

Stanza seven also supports the stereotypes during this time period. He is surprised that people can be judgemental of him just because of his religion. 'Your red balloon's a Jew's balloon' is a very generalised comment and shows the lack of understanding of the Judaism faith.

Violence is conveyed in stanza eight where Abse comments 'some unsheathed their dirty knives' . But despite the adversary behaviour he still sticks to his religion through the quote 'but still it would not burst'.

Violence is further conveyed in stanza nine where Abse comments 'They bled my nose, they cut my eye'. The representation of the nose could suggest the appearance of the Jew during the 1930s. It was commonly known that they were meant to have long noses. 'Give up, give up your red balloon' suggests that others are making him giving up his religion, which is a part of his life, he doesn't understand why they feel so prejudice towards him at all.

The last stanza conveys Abse's inner feelings about this situation. 'Father, bolt the door, turn the key' suggests that in a time of desperation he turns to his family, even though his Father dead at the time.