Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

John Ashbery's poem "Answering a Question in the Mountains" is a rich and layered exploration of introspection, perception, and the journey of self-discovery. Ashbery's characteristic style of abstract imagery and non-linear narrative weaves a complex tapestry that invites reflection and multiple interpretations.

Part I of the poem begins with the speaker venturing into the mountains, symbolizing a retreat into nature and a quest for deeper understanding. The reference to "fabulous dinners of hosts distant and demire" suggests a longing for connection or an exploration of past experiences. The imagery of foxes with "endless lights" following the speaker adds an element of mystery and the unknown to the journey.

The idea of building "the wall / Of the box in which all angles are shown" implies a desire to create a structure or system that encompasses all perspectives or truths. The notion of bouncing like a ball and the "towers of justice" waving to describe angles evoke a sense of fluidity and the multiple dimensions of justice and understanding.

The stanza ends with a reflection on how far the speaker and others have gone to "instruct the birds in our cold ways," indicating a transmission of knowledge or culture, but perhaps also a sense of alienation or imposition.

Part II shifts to a more introspective and metaphysical tone. The call to "ascend the hearts in our hearts" and "ascend trees in our heads" suggests a journey into the inner self and the complexity of human thought. The imagery of pain in the hand of the ungodly, witnessing sentries, and the perfumed toque of dawn adds layers of sensory experience and emotional depth.

The "hysteric evening with empty hands" could symbolize the emptiness or futility of certain endeavors, while the creeping snow and passing of light years underscore the passage of time and the evolving nature of perception. The repeated lines "We see for the first time / We shall see for the first time / We have seen for the first time" emphasize the continual process of discovery and the changing nature of insight.

Part III concludes with a sense of departure or transformation. The speaker's inability to agree or seek since departing in the "laugh of diamonds" and leaving behind the "hosts of my young days" reflects a break from the past and a movement towards a new phase or understanding. This final stanza suggests a relinquishment of old ties or beliefs in pursuit of a new path or revelation.

In summary, "Answering a Question in the Mountains" by John Ashbery is a thought-provoking poem that delves into themes of introspection, the quest for understanding, and the journey through different phases of life. Through a blend of vivid imagery and philosophical exploration, Ashbery invites readers to contemplate the complexities of the human experience, the ever-evolving nature of perception, and the continuous search for meaning and truth.

POEM TEXT: https://search.library.wisc.edu/digital/A4IRH46ST72MDU8X/pages/ABXOG5L2AEI3OY86

Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...