Original Poem：
This morning we shall spend a few minutes
Upon the study of symbolism, which is basic
To the nature of money. I show you this nickel.
Icons and cryptograms are written all over
The nickel: one side shows a hunchbacked bison
Bending his head and curling his tail to accommodate
The circular nature of money. Over him arches
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
, and, squinched in
Between that and his rump,
E PLURIBUS UNUM
,
A Roman reminiscence that appears to mean
An indeterminately large number of things
All of which are the same. Under the bison
A straight line giving him a ground to stand on
Reads
FIVE CENTS
. And on the other side of our nickel
There is the profile of a man with long hair
And a couple of feathers in the hair; we know
Somehow that he is an American Indian, and
He wears the number nineteen-thirty-six.
Right in front of his eyes the word
LIBERTY
, bent
To conform with the curve of the rim, appears
To be falling out of the sky
Y
first; the Indian
Keeps his eyes downcast and does not notice this;
To notice it, indeed, would be shortsighted of him.
So much for the iconography of one of our nickels,
Which is now becoming a rarity and something of
A collectors’ item: for as a matter of fact
There is almost nothing you can buy with a nickel,
The representative American Indian was destroyed
A hundred years or so ago, and his descendants’
Relations with liberty are maintained with reservations,
Or primitive concentration camps; while the bison,
Except for a few examples kept in cages,
Is now extinct. Something like that, I think,
Is what Keats must have meant in his celebrated
Ode on a Grecian Urn.
Notice, in conclusion,
A number of circumstances sometimes overlooked
Even by experts: (
a
) Indian and bison,
Confined to obverse and reverse of the coin,
Can never see each other; (
b
) they are looking
In opposite directions, the bison past
The Indian’s feathers, the Indian past
The bison’s tail; (
c
) they are upside down
To one another; (
d
) the bison has a human face
Somewhat resembling that of Jupiter Ammon.
I hope that our studies today will have shown you
Something of the import of symbolism
With respect to the understanding of what is symbolized.</p>
Analysis and Interpretation of the Poem
This poem explores the rich <strong>symbolism</strong> embedded in a seemingly simple object: the American nickel. The poet invites readers to look closely at the coin, which is more than just currency—it is a canvas filled with icons and cryptic messages that reveal deeper cultural and historical meanings.</p>
On one side of the nickel, there is a <strong>bison</strong>, a symbol of the American West and a once-mighty creature now nearly extinct. The bison’s posture, bending its head and curling its tail, reflects the circular shape of the coin itself, symbolizing the endless cycle of money and economy. Above the bison arches the phrase <strong>“UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”</strong>, while the motto <strong>“E PLURIBUS UNUM”</strong>—meaning "Out of many, one"—is squeezed between the bison’s body and the text. This motto, a Roman phrase, suggests unity and multiplicity simultaneously, hinting at the complex identity of the nation.</p>
The other side shows the profile of an <strong>American Indian</strong>, a figure representing the original inhabitants of the land. The year <strong>1936</strong> is inscribed, marking the coin’s minting date. The word <strong>“LIBERTY”</strong> curves above the Indian’s head, appearing to fall from the sky, with the letter “Y” leading the descent. The Indian’s downcast eyes symbolize a lack of awareness or perhaps a forced ignorance of the liberty supposedly granted, reflecting the historical injustices faced by Native Americans.</p>
The poem poignantly contrasts the coin’s symbols with harsh realities: the bison is nearly extinct except for a few kept in captivity, and the Native American people have suffered devastating losses and continue to live under restrictive conditions. This contrast serves as a critique of the idealized images on currency versus the true historical and social context.</p>
Background and Author Introduction
This poem was written during a time when the American nickel, especially the Buffalo nickel minted from 1913 to 1938, was a common yet increasingly rare coin. The poet uses this coin as a metaphor to explore themes of history, identity, and symbolism. The reference to John Keats’ <em>Ode on a Grecian Urn</em> suggests a meditation on how objects carry stories and meanings beyond their immediate function.</p>
The author, though unnamed here, demonstrates a deep interest in cultural symbolism and social commentary. By focusing on a mundane object, the poem encourages readers, especially students, to look beyond appearances and question the stories behind symbols they encounter daily.</p>
Lessons and Educational Insights
From this poem, children and students can learn several important lessons:</p>
<ul> <li><strong>Symbolism:</strong> Understanding that everyday objects can carry deep symbolic meanings and historical significance.</li> <li><strong>Critical Thinking:</strong> Encouraging questioning of appearances and exploring the gap between symbols and reality.</li> <li><strong>History and Culture:</strong> Learning about Native American history, the extinction of the bison, and the cultural significance of American currency.</li> <li><strong>Language Arts:</strong> Appreciating poetic devices such as imagery, metaphor, and allusion (to Keats and Roman mottos).</li> </ul>In practical life and learning scenarios, this poem can inspire students to:</p>
<ul> <li>Examine the meaning behind symbols in their environment, such as flags, coins, or logos.</li> <li>Reflect on historical events and their lasting impact on society.</li> <li>Develop skills in interpreting poetry and understanding layered meanings.</li> <li>Engage in discussions about cultural identity and social justice.</li> </ul>
