Red Balloon

When researching this poem, I found that the symbolism of the balloon in question has been interpreted in many different ways; for example, it can be seen as representing happiness and confidence, and the importance of keeping these two things alive. However, in my opinion (and in the opinion of others), the balloon itself is symbolic of Abse's Judaism - it represents religion and identity, and the poem shows how these two things are often challenged throughout a person's life.

    The first two stanzas give a description of the balloon's journey towards Abse as it 'sailed across the startled town, / over chapels, over chimney-pots,' before he possessed it and polished it until 'it shone like living blood.' Abse's use of the word 'startled' could possibly suggest the fact that Judaism was not something Cardiff - the town in which he grew up - was used to or familiar with; it was something to be shocked by, something out of the ordinary. The repetition and alliteration used in the second line of the first stanza creates a childlike persona, which is very effective as Abse is talking about his childhood in this poem. The phrase 'living blood' is a juxtaposition - it creates a shocking, slightly sinister tone which creates a foundation for the rest of 'Red Balloon'.

     'It was my shame, it was my joy' - the opening line of the third stanza could reflect the way in which Abse's religion became everything about him, bringing him positivity and negativity all at the same time. It could be argued that this line shows the reader how Judaism was a huge part of his life. Abse then describes how 'From all of Wales the rude boys came, / it ceased to be a toy.' The phrase 'rude boys' suggests isolation and intimidation, and the next line could possibly represent how Abse was beginning to understand what his religion meant, and with this knowledge it became significant - it was no longer just a word.

     In the fourth stanza, Abse refers to the balloon as '...my balloon, my red balloon'; this use of a possessive pronoun depicts how protective he was over his religion, and although it appears to have made him vulnerable at times (as seen later in the poem), it made him strong and he felt possessive of his uniqueness. Abse then tells of how his balloon 'soared higher like a happiness', and it could be argued that this echoes his emotions. This stanza could be seen as portraying the positive effects of his religion; it was not just something that brought on bullying and discrimination, but also something which inflicted happiness on Abse and consolidated his identity. This interpretation is strengthened in the first two lines of the next stanza: 'Nine months since, have I boasted of / my unique, my only precious'. He appears proud of what isolates him and sees his religion as something which sets him apart, makes him special.

     However, the next half of this stanza change the tone of the poem; 'but to no one dare I  show it now / however long they swear their love.' This suggests a shame and shyness which contrasts with Abse's previous boastfulness. This echoes the first line of the third stanza, which also contrasts 'shame' with 'joy'. Again, Abse appears to be portraying how Judaism made him feel a wide variety of emotions. This presents religion as a very powerful, life-altering force. 'however long they swear their love' suggest that Abse has a lack of trust in people, even those he is close to; when reading this line it raised the question: who/what created this insecurities? This is partly answered in the seventh stanza, where Abse tells of someone exclaiming 'Your red balloon is a Jew's balloon, / let's get it circumcised.' This language is degrading and vulgar, and extremely disrespectful towards Abse's religion. It gives the reader an insight into the more unpleasant side of the religion he followed which made him 'unique', and suggests that he was bullied and discriminated because of it.

     The eighth stanza provides the reader with some vivid, deeply unpleasant descriptions of 'the boys' attacking Abse's balloon; 'some lunged, some clawed at my balloon'. This could be interpreted as Abse being physically or verbally attacked due to his religion. He then goes on to state how 'still it did not burst' - this emphasises how it is fragile yet he gives it strength, just like his pride in his religion makes him strong and protects him against the discrimination which he is faced with. 'Give up, give up your red balloon' - this repetition makes the statement sound taunting, unfriendly and aggressive. The line could be symbolic of society putting constant pressure on Abse to change his religion.

     The language used in the final stanza creates an extremely childlike and vulnerable tone; 'Father, bolt the door, turn the key, / lest those sad, brash boys return'. A frightened, innocent persona is created, in turn constructing a sad tone which evokes sympathy from the reader (towards Abse). 'to insult my faith and steal / my red balloon from me' - these last lines separate faith from the balloon. This could be seen as the balloon in fact representing happiness, which is consolidated through his right to live peacefully within the religion which he has chosen to serve. The fourth stanza supports this interpretation: 'my red balloon, / soared higher like a happiness'. 

     The themes which this poem follow are religion, isolation, prejudice, Jewish and Welsh partnerships, and identity. 'Red Balloon' could be linked to some of Larkin's poems, these being 'The Importance of Elsewhere', 'Water' and 'As Bad as a Mile'.