Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

John Ashbery's "A Poem of Unrest" delves into the complexities of human understanding, perception, and the elusive nature of self-knowledge. This poem, characteristic of Ashbery’s abstract and contemplative style, invites the reader into a reflective journey through the metaphors of life and self-awareness.

The poem opens with the metaphor of the "river of life," a timeless symbol representing the flow of human existence. Ashbery's depiction of the river, "as it widens and its cities grow dark and denser," suggests the increasing complexity and obscurity of life as one ages. The cities growing "always farther away" could represent the increasing distance from understanding or the feeling of alienation as one confronts life's complexities.

In the lines "And of course that remote denseness suits us," Ashbery touches upon the human tendency to find comfort in the unknown or the unattainable. The comparison to "lambs and clover" introduces a pastoral, almost idyllic imagery, suggesting a simpler, more comprehensible alternative to the chaotic reality of life. This contrast sets a tone of longing for simplicity in a world that is inherently complex.

The crux of the poem lies in the speaker's admission of self-misunderstanding: "But since I don't understand myself, only segments of myself that misunderstand each other." This line reflects a deep sense of internal conflict and fragmentation. Ashbery is exploring the idea that understanding oneself is as elusive and complex as understanding life itself. The notion that different parts of the self are in miscommunication implies a disjointed, multifaceted identity, where complete self-awareness remains just out of reach.

The rhetorical question, "Do those towers even exist?" further underscores the theme of uncertainty and the questioning of reality. It suggests a skepticism about the structures (both literal and metaphorical) that humans build in their attempts to make sense of the world. This could be interpreted as a critique of societal constructs or as a more existential inquiry about the nature of reality itself.

Ashbery's use of the phrase "along those lines so the thought can erect itself, like plywood battlements" is particularly evocative. Plywood battlements, a makeshift and somewhat fragile form of defense, could symbolize the temporary and inadequate constructs of understanding that people create to shield themselves from the complexities of life and the self. This imagery speaks to the human tendency to seek structure and meaning in a world that is often ambiguous and unpredictable.

In summary, "A Poem of Unrest" is a contemplative piece that captures the essence of human uncertainty, the complexity of self-understanding, and the inherent elusiveness of life's meaning. Ashbery's use of rich metaphors and abstract imagery invites the reader to reflect on their own perceptions of self and existence. The poem stands as a poignant exploration of the human condition, characterized by a continuous search for understanding in an ever-changing and often incomprehensible world.

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