The poems in the collection assess human society as well as the consequences of their action. The poet, Brenda Shaughnessy, aims to show readers to imagine a dystopian future where octopuses take over the world. Human activities have led to their extinction. Octopuses have decided to create a museum in remembrance of human species. As well, they have formed a committee of cephalopod scholars to analyze human culture. The researchers use methods used by humans for their analysis. The detailed examination finds out many mistakes committed by humans.
The prevailing strategy of these poem collections is, perhaps, its transparent surface that walks readers through an imaginary world with mounting determination. The culmination of The Octopus Museum is a set of persona poems showing deterioration of human society. The collection of the poems in this book shows a society where benevolence and altruism are inconsequential. The society displayed by Shaughnessy has overlooked its obligation to both its people and the environment.
Consequently, Shaughnessy seems to be anxious about human activities-environmental destruction, racism, gun violence- that are currently threatening human existence. Humans should understand who they are as individuals and as a society. The poet is against society dominated by violence and exploitation of natural resources. The poems are packed with imagery and music to drive the point home. That makes readers capture a message about the consequences of human activities.
