Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Definition of Blue" by John Ashbery is a contemplative and complex poem that weaves together themes of historical development, individuality, and the nature of perception and existence. Ashbery, celebrated for his abstract and multifaceted poetry, creates a narrative rich in metaphor and philosophical reflection, inviting deep contemplation on societal changes, the role of the individual, and the elusive nature of self-understanding. The poem exemplifies his talent for creating a tapestry of tones and styles.

The poem begins by drawing a parallel between the rise of capitalism and the advent of romanticism, highlighting the prominence of the individual up until the late nineteenth century. This historical backdrop sets the stage for an exploration of how societal structures and ideologies evolve and influence personal identity.

The shift to modern times, where mass practices aim to submerge personality by ignoring it, ironically leads to a proliferation of individual expression "branching out in all directions." This paradox highlights the resilience of the individual self against homogenizing forces.

The imagery of impetuses received from everywhere and instantly snapping back, penetrating the cold atmosphere in a steady, intense line, vividly captures the dynamism and interconnectedness of modern existence and personal expression.

Ashbery addresses the concept of 'packaging,' a metaphor for the commodification and standardization of experiences in contemporary society, which replaces the "old sensations" of more direct, unmediated engagement with the world.

The poem mourns the loss of "architectural screens" at points of difficulty, a metaphor for traditional structures or methods that provided guidance or respite, now made obsolete in a world where every imaginative method is constantly employed.

The transformation of space by a metaphorical dust or pumice, a byproduct of erosion, symbolizes the ever-changing landscape of human existence and the potential for self-recognition within these altered environments.

The construction of a life portrait, "smooth as glass," from multiple corrections, disconnected from the space or time in which it was lived, reflects on the fragmented and reconstructed nature of self-identity, which, despite its detachment from specific contexts, is an integral part of universal being.

The poem then shifts to a metaphor of downward or floating motion, where the blue surroundings drift up and past, suggesting a journey of self-realization that is both introspective and detached from the immediate physical world.

The closing lines, waking each morning to the exact value of past actions and words, capture the enduring impact of our choices and expressions, implying a continuous process of self-evaluation and the inescapable presence of our own history.

In "Definition of Blue," Ashbery may  be toying with the language and concepts of various public discourses, but he is also pushing the boundaries of how poetry can interact with these discourses. The poem’s layering of different narrative styles and tones suggests a fluid, dynamic process of thought and perception, aligning with the idea of "surface and depth in endless circulation." This interpretation aligns with Ashbery's reputation for challenging readers to reconsider their approaches to language, meaning, and understanding.

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