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Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained | |||
"Ritual X. The Evening Pair of Ales" by Paul Blackburn is a contemplative piece that explores themes of cultural and generational shifts, the constancy of certain rituals, and the dichotomy between traditional and modern values. Through the setting of a bar and the interactions between an old newspaperman and a younger, "so-hip journalist," Blackburn delves into the nuances of human behavior, the passage of time, and the enduring nature of certain landscapes and experiences. The opening lines, "EAST OF EDEN / is mountains & desert / until you cross the passes into India," immediately evoke a sense of vastness and transition, suggesting both a physical and metaphorical journey. The reference to "East of Eden," possibly alluding to John Steinbeck's novel, introduces themes of paradise lost and the quest for meaning beyond one's immediate surroundings. The uncertainty of time, as indicated by the differing clocks, adds to the poem's exploration of perception and reality. The juxtaposition of "AND WEST IS WEST" with the domestic imagery of "cups and saucers," "plates," "knives and forks," and the turkey sandwich grounds the poem in the familiar and everyday. This setting becomes a stage for the interaction between the old and the new, symbolized by the two journalists and their differing attitudes towards their hats—a traditional sign of respect and manners. The old newspaperman's removal and subsequent replacement of his hat upon sitting down, described as "no challenge, but / it’s visible, the beau geste," signifies a adherence to tradition and a silent assertion of values. The younger journalist's decision to keep his hat on and the cigarette hanging from his mouth represents a departure from these norms, embodying a more casual, perhaps rebellious attitude towards convention. Blackburn's depiction of "East of Eden" as a place where "everything creeps up on you & comes in the night, / unexpectedly," serves as a metaphor for life's unpredictability and the challenges that arise outside the comfort zones of tradition and familiarity. The poem suggests that, despite the allure of the unknown and the embrace of new customs, there is something to be learned from the rituals and gestures of the past. Through "Ritual X. The Evening Pair of Ales," Paul Blackburn offers a nuanced reflection on the complexities of human interaction, the tension between progress and tradition, and the landscapes—both internal and external—that shape our experiences. The poem invites readers to consider the value of ritual, the significance of small acts of defiance or respect, and the ever-present dichotomy between the familiar and the frontier.
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