# Enter Colossus explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Mina Loy.

## What happens

The chapter introduces the birth and early childhood of Colossus, a male child baptized in an Alpine summer resort. His development is marked by rebellious and violent behavior, such as throwing a teapot at a visitor and urinating in a pastor's hat, which contrasts with his mother's attempts to raise him as a gentleman. The chapter ends by linking his monstrous postures to the Christian introspection of Ova.

## Themes in this chapter

### Childhood and Innocence

Colossus's early childhood is depicted as a time of rebellion and criminal tendencies, subverting traditional notions of innocence.

### Alienation and Belonging

Colossus's behavior alienates him from his mother, governess, and society, highlighting his lack of belonging despite his mother's efforts to integrate him.

## Character check-ins

### Ova

Mentioned in the final line as the subject of Christian introspection, juxtaposed with Colossus's monstrous behavior.

## Key lines

> the first time he communes within himself he decides All words are lies

Upon his first moment of self-reflection, Colossus concludes that all language is deceptive.

_This early philosophical stance sets the tone for his character's skepticism and rebellion._

> This palpable evidence of his mother’s unfortunately having given birth to a criminal

His actions provide clear proof that his mother has borne a criminal child.

_The narrator directly labels Colossus as a criminal, emphasizing the theme of inherent deviance._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_17_se/chapters/enter-colossus
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_17_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_17_se/chapters