To Be Of Use

Piercy uses two recognizable animals to symbolize types of admirable workers in “To Be of Use”: the seal and the ox. The seal, a swift, slippery sea mammal, is used as a metaphor for the worker who can enthusiastically swim through the world of work and become a “nativ[e] of that element” (Line 5). These people seem “sure” (Line 4) and “jump into work head first” (Line 2), showing little hesitation. They seem buoyant and plunge ahead with gusto. The use of the seal helps to show how being agile can have advantages.

However, other types of admirable workers exist. The ox can be lauded not for eagerness but steadiness, as it works with “massive patience” (Line 9) under “strain” (Line 10). Metaphorically, these are people who will keep trying until the task is complete, even if it must be done “again and again” (Line 11). Seals are native to both the East and West Coasts of the United States, and pack animals like oxen are used in North American farming, so both animals are widely recognizable. Their behavior suitably compares with worker styles.