Content
A boy describes a red balloon that he carries with him at all times, it acts as a metaphor for his Jewish heritage, a 'shame and joy', both a source of comfort and a target of violence.
Analysis
He repeatedly observes the balloon flying over him, signifying its superiority despite its omniscient presence of always 'landing where I stood'. The simile comparing its shining to 'living blood' not only makes it appear part of him but also suggests blood shed and the religious element to the balloon which gives it the 'notoriety' he describes. Describing it both his 'shame' and his 'joy', we later see the shame in the boys 'sigh' in tiresome of the religious priorities in Wales. The repetition of 'my' highlights that not everyone values his balloon as he does and although it soars high 'like happiness', it is poignant that it is going towards the 'deep blue sky'- towards an ominous horizon.
The comical teasing of the boys, 'lets get is circumcised' is uncomfortable and ignorant, displaying the feeling that racism is harmless yet the violence it erupts into exposes its problems. As they 'laugh' and 'curse' there is a clear conflict of pride and embarrassment. The physical 'lunging' with 'knives' not only displays a violent, physical attack on the religion, but implies a psychologically degrading attack seen in the imperative 'give up.'. Yet the boy goes unaffected as the strength of the balloon withstands the force and 'does not burst'.
The use of 'it' when we know it is part of him creates a detachment perhaps in fear but also in shame, which emphasises the later owned 'my balloon from me', which comes after the boys pair him with the balloon- it defines him to others and becomes his whole identity, 'it's a Jews Balloon', yet the lonely 'me' suggests his victimised and isolated position in society unable to share or praise his heritage in public. The graceful motion of it 'floating down' is mirrored in the long stanzas of enjambment.
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