William Cowper's "The Snail" Discusses the Metaphor of Privacy in Modern Human Being

Introduction:

The French Revolution and the longing for a return to nature brought forth remarkable beauties, among them, the celebration of individualism and privacy. William Cowper's poetry, heralding the dawn of Romanticism, was highly regarded by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, who acclaimed him as "the best modern poet" for his profound interpretation of nature and representation of modernity. Within this context, the themes of individualism and privacy emerged as quintessentially modern ideas, resonating with the evolving spirit of the times. In William Cowper's poem "The Snail," the metaphor of privacy is presented through the life and behavior of the snail. The snail's characteristics and actions reflect certain aspects of privacy and solitude that can be associated with modern human beings.

Image by azeret33 from Pixabay

Secure Home: 

The snail carries its house on its back, providing a safe and secure dwelling wherever it goes. This can be seen as a metaphor for the private space individuals seek in their lives. In modern society, people often strive to create a personal space, whether physically (a home or room) or emotionally (personal boundaries), where they can feel protected and undisturbed.

The opening lines describe how the snail clings to various surfaces without any fear of falling. The imagery of the snail "growing" with its house attached to different elements of nature suggests a strong sense of belonging and being at one with its surroundings. The snail's home becomes an integral part of its identity:

"To grass, or leaf, or fruit, or wall,

The snail sticks close, nor fears to fall,

As if he grew there, house and all

                                                      Together."

The snail's shell is its sanctuary, providing safety and protection from external threats such as storms or other potential dangers. This highlights the concept of privacy as a form of refuge from adverse conditions in the outside world:

"Within that house secure he hides,

When danger imminent betides

Of storm, or other harm besides

                                                  Of weather."

Self-Reliance and Independence:

 The snail lives a hermit-like life, dwelling alone and being self-sufficient. Similarly, privacy in humans can symbolize the desire for self-reliance and independence.  When it encounters food (symbolic of opportunities or desires), it doesn't require anyone else's presence to enjoy it, suggesting that privacy allows individuals to find fulfillment without external dependencies. People value their autonomy and the ability to make decisions without constant external influence or interference:

"Thus, hermit-like, his life he leads,

Nor partner of his banquet needs,

And if he meets one, only feeds

                                                  The faster."

Retreat from Danger:

 The snail withdraws into its shell when it senses danger, seeking protection from potential harm. This mirrors how privacy can act as a shield from the outside world. In modern times, individuals may withdraw or seek privacy when facing difficult situations, seeking emotional or mental refuge.

Introspection and Contemplation: 

The snail's solitary life encourages introspection, and its simple existence allows it to focus on itself. Similarly, privacy can enable humans to engage in introspection and self-reflection, fostering a deeper understanding of one's thoughts and feelings.

The snail is a solitary creature, and its contentment lies in its own company. It doesn't need material possessions or external validation. This echoes the idea that privacy can lead to a sense of self-satisfaction and fulfillment within oneself:

"Where'er he dwells, he dwells alone,

Except himself has chattels none,

Well satisfied to be his own

                                             Whole treasure."

Avoiding Unwanted Attention: 

William Cowper

The snail avoids interaction with others and is satisfied with its own company. The mention of the snail's "horns" refers to its sensory organs. Even a slight disturbance prompts the snail to withdraw into its shell, demonstrating its ability to retreat and protect itself when it senses intrusion or discomfort. The line hints at the need for personal space and boundaries in human life, where people may wish to avoid unwanted attention, scrutiny, or intrusion into their personal lives:

"Give but his horns the slightest touch,

His self-collecting power is such,

He shrinks into his house, with much

                                                           Displeasure."

Control Over Boundaries: 

The snail's ability to retreat into its shell at will showcases its control over its boundaries. In the same way, individuals may use privacy as a means to establish and maintain control over their personal boundaries, deciding when and how to interact with others.

The Master of Privacy:

 The snail is the master of its privacy; it possesses complete control over its living space and the degree of interaction it allows with the outside world. Similarly, modern human beings value the autonomy to manage their privacy according to their comfort and needs. In fact, he poem concludes by stating that anyone who cannot recognize the snail's connection to its home is lacking in understanding. The snail and its house are inseparable, emphasizing the strong bond between the individual and their privacy. This speaks to the idea that privacy is an integral part of one's identity, and those who fail to recognize its significance may struggle to understand the person as a whole:

"Who seeks him must be worse than blind,

(He and his house are so combin'd)

If, finding it, he fails to find

                                            Its master."

Conclusion:

In the context of modern human beings, the metaphor of privacy, as presented through the snail, highlights the importance of having personal space, independence, and control over boundaries. It emphasizes the idea that privacy is not just about seclusion but also about self-discovery, protection, and the freedom to decide when and how to engage with others. The snail's behavior and characteristics serve as a representation of the desire for personal space, independence, and self-discovery. The poem celebrates the value of privacy as a source of safety, introspection, and contentment.

Ardhendu De