The Old Snake Fence
Poem Analysis:
James McIntyre’s poem “The Old Snake Fence” describes an old-fashioned type of fence used by early pioneers and reflects on the changing methods of farming and settlement. Through simple language and humorous imagery, McIntyre presents the snake fence as both a useful invention of the past and an inefficient structure in the modern agricultural landscape.
The poem begins by praising the resourcefulness of the early pioneer. After clearing a small area of land, the pioneer could make a fence from the available timber. The fence was built from split rails and arranged in a crooked, zigzag pattern, which explains the comparison to a “snake.” Although its appearance was irregular, the pioneer considered it attractive and, more importantly, useful. The fence successfully performed its practical purpose of protecting crops and marking fields.
McIntyre also emphasizes the simplicity of pioneer life. The old fence could be constructed with only basic tools such as an axe, wedge, and maul. Unlike modern fencing, it did not require posts. This detail highlights the self-reliance and practical ingenuity of early settlers. The fence therefore becomes a symbol of an earlier way of life in which people depended heavily on local natural resources and manual labor.
However, the poet does not romanticize the old fence completely. He points out several disadvantages. Building such fences required a great deal of timber, and the fences occupied valuable agricultural land. The spaces around them could become overgrown with weeds and bushes, while thistles could spread from these neglected areas. Thus, what was once a practical solution eventually became wasteful as farming methods and land use changed.
The poem contrasts the old snake fence with newer forms of fencing, particularly wire and board fences. This contrast represents the broader movement from pioneer methods toward more efficient agricultural practices. McIntyre recognizes that old methods may have been appropriate in their own time, but changing circumstances require new solutions.
“The Old Snake Fence” is both a historical description and a reflection on progress. The fence symbolizes the ingenuity of the pioneers, while its eventual replacement represents technological and agricultural change. McIntyre’s straightforward style, concrete imagery, and gentle humor make the poem an accessible account of rural life and demonstrate how ordinary objects can preserve the history of a changing society.