Envy and Avarice (Poem by Victor Hugo)

Envy and Avarice

By Victor Hugo

Envy and Avarice, one summer day,

Sauntering abroad

In quest of the abode

Of some poor wretch or fool who lived that way — 

You — or myself, perhaps — I cannot say — 

Along the road, scarce heeding where it tended,

Their way in sullen, sulky silence wended;

For, though twin sisters, these two charming creatures,

Rivals in hideousness of form and features,

Wasted no love between them as they went.

Pale Avarice,

With gloating eyes,

And back and shoulders almost double bent,

Was hugging close that fatal box

For which she's ever on the watch

Some glance to catch

Suspiciously directed to its locks;

And Envy, too, no doubt with silent winking

At her green, greedy orbs, no single minute

Withdrawn from it, was hard a-thinking

Of all the shining dollars in it.

The only words that Avarice could utter,

Her constant doom, in a low, frightened mutter,

"There's not enough, enough, yet in my store!"

While Envy, as she scanned the glittering sight,

Groaned as she gnashed her yellow teeth with spite,

"She's more than me, more, still forever more!"

Thus, each in her own fashion, as they wandered,

Upon the coffer's precious contents pondered,

When suddenly, to their surprise,

The God Desire stood before their eyes.

Desire, that courteous deity who grants

All wishes, prayers, and wants;

Said he to the two sisters: "Beauteous ladies,

As I'm a gentleman, my task and trade is

To be the slave of your behest — 

Choose therefore at your own sweet will and pleasure,

Honors or treasure!

Or in one word, whatever you'd like best.

But, let us understand each other — she

Who speaks the first, her prayer shall certainly

Receive — the other, the same boon redoubled!"

Imagine how our amiable pair,

At this proposal, all so frank and fair,

Were mutually troubled!

Misers and enviers, of our human race,

Say, what would you have done in such a case?

Each of the sisters murmured, sad and low

"What boots it, oh, Desire, to me to have

Crowns, treasures, all the goods that heart can crave,

Or power divine bestow,

Since still another must have always more?"

So each, lest she should speak before

The other, hesitating slow and long

Till the god lost all patience, held her tongue.

He was enraged, in such a way,

To be kept waiting there all day,

With two such beauties in the public road;

Scarce able to be civil even,

He wished them both — well, not in heaven.

Envy at last the silence broke,

And smiling, with malignant sneer,

Upon her sister dear,

Who stood in expectation by,

Ever implacable and cruel, spoke

"I would be blinded of one eye!"

Poem Analysis:

Victor Hugo's poem "Envy and Avarice" is a satirical and thought-provoking work that explores the themes of greed, envy, desire, and the consequences of insatiable longing. Through the personifications of two vices, Envy and Avarice, the poem provides a sharp critique of human desires and the perpetual dissatisfaction that accompanies them. This analysis delves into the poem's structure, themes, and the underlying social commentary.

Themes:

Greed and Avarice: The central theme of the poem is the insatiable greed of Avarice, represented as a miserly figure who hoards wealth. Avarice's constant desire for more material possessions symbolizes the destructive nature of unchecked greed.

Envy and Comparison: Envy, the other central character, represents the vice of comparing oneself to others and coveting their possessions or attributes. Envy's unhappiness is rooted in her perception that someone else always has more, leading to perpetual discontent.

Desire and Frustration: The appearance of the god Desire introduces the theme of desire and its role in human suffering. Desire offers both sisters the opportunity to have their wishes granted, but their inability to decide who should speak first reflects the frustration inherent in never being satisfied.

Satire and Critique: The poem serves as a satirical critique of human nature and societal values. It highlights the destructive consequences of greed and envy while mocking the characters' absurd requests.

Analysis:

1. Characterization: Avarice is depicted as a hunched figure, obsessed with a box of wealth. She represents the relentless pursuit of material possessions and is so engrossed in her wealth that she constantly fears losing it. Envy, on the other hand, is portrayed as malicious and discontented, forever comparing herself to others and lamenting their perceived advantages.
2. Desire's Offer: The appearance of Desire introduces an intriguing element to the poem. Desire offers to grant their wishes, but the sisters' inability to decide reflects the idea that desires are often fickle and elusive. Additionally, it underscores the idea that pursuing desires can lead to indecision and dissatisfaction.
3. The Sisters' Wishes: The poem takes a humorous turn when Envy finally speaks. Her wish to be blinded in one eye is ironic, as it demonstrates her willingness to harm herself simply to impair another's vision and, by extension, their happiness. This act of self-sabotage underscores the irrationality of envy.
4. Social Commentary: "Envy and Avarice" offers a social commentary on the destructive nature of greed and envy, which are vices that lead to personal unhappiness and can negatively impact society as a whole. The poem serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of valuing material wealth and comparing oneself to others.

In conclusion, Victor Hugo's "Envy and Avarice" is a satirical and thought-provoking poem that delves into the themes of greed, envy, desire, and the perpetual dissatisfaction that can accompany them. Through vivid characterizations and a satirical narrative, the poem offers a critique of human nature and societal values, highlighting the absurdity of unchecked desires and the destructive consequences of envy and avarice. It serves as a timeless reminder to reflect on the true sources of contentment and fulfillment in life, beyond the pursuit of material wealth.