CHAINSAW VERSUS THE PAMPAS GRASS (Maham)

The poem ‘Chainsaw Versus the Pampas Grass’ is written by Simon Armitage. One of the predominant themes in this poem is the idea of masculinity VS femininity. The main way in which Armitage presents this theme is through the use of personification. The chainsaw is personified throughout the poem in order to portray several stereotypical aspects of masculinity, for example the phrase “knocked back” in stanza 1 implying grudging desire to complete the task it has been set and there’s a sense of inability to refuse a challenge. Also this illustrates a masculine gesture with a violent imagery.

Also the personification shows the chainsaw as if its sulking e.g. “ Back below stairs on its hook, the chainsaw seethed”(stanza 8) which implies that the chainsaw and men in particular, will remain  angry for a long time after the loss of a battle, without moving on and admitting defeat. However this can be contrasted with the first stanza where “the chainsaw swung nose-down” which links to disappointment and an initial start to defeat. This reflects on the nature of a man where he may experience many things before actually starting the task.

Meanwhile, the pampas grass represents many stereotypical aspects of femininity, for example in stanza 4 there is an example of narcissism (self-importance) “The pampas grass with its ludicrous feathers and plumes”, in which the word “ludicrous” advocates elegance and a sense of being quite self-centred, proposing that the pampas grass/ women have a high opinion on themselves and reflects their nature. Moreover there is a desire for attention e.g. “taking the warmth and light...stealing the show”, which implies that the pampas grass (representation of women) will go to great lengths and measures to be the centre of attention, often imposing itself on others in order to direct their attention towards it.

 Also the preoccupation with physical appearance e.g. “sunning itself” suggest that women will spend large amounts of time trying to make themselves look attractive and grab people’s attention are always standing out in the crowd.  Lastly throughout the whole poem the chainsaw tried to defeat the pampas grass but at the end it is said that it’s “corn in Egypt” which means it comes back in a bundle and in richer condition (denser) and it reflects a sort of mocking of the chainsaws effort of trying to get rid of it. “Wearing a new crown” shows that the pampas grass has won this year as well because it supreme and dominant as there’s a new crown being gifted to her.