Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

POET TEXT: https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/books/first/a/ashbery-mooring.html

John Ashbery's "Evening in the Country" is a reflective exploration of inner peace, the juxtaposition of nature against urban decay, and the profound quest for understanding one's place within the expansive tapestry of existence. Ashbery, celebrated for his ability to blend abstract thought with vivid, tangible imagery, creates a poem that feels both intimate and grandiose, capturing the ephemeral beauty of a moment while simultaneously delving into the existential musings that such a moment can provoke.

The poem begins with a declaration of contentment: "I am still completely happy." This assertion sets the tone for a narrative that oscillates between the simple pleasures of the present and the complex, often elusive, pursuit of meaning. The speaker has abandoned his "resolve to win further," suggesting a relinquishment of worldly ambitions in favor of a deeper, more intrinsic form of satisfaction derived from the natural world's simple, unadulterated beauty.

Ashbery vividly contrasts the serenity of the countryside with the "smokestacks and corruption of the city," illustrating the dichotomy between the tranquility found in nature and the tumult of urban life. This contrast not only highlights the speaker's physical removal from the city but also symbolizes a deeper, spiritual disengagement from the societal constructs and materialistic pursuits that often define urban existence.

As the poem unfolds, the speaker's gaze "expands to magnificent outposts," signifying an exploration beyond the immediate into the realms of the unknown or the not yet understood. This journey is not just a literal observation of the landscape but a metaphorical voyage into the "remotest properties" of the self. The "eidolon" — a phantom or idealized form — represents the essence of perception, sinking into the "effective 'being'" of everything encountered. This process transforms the mundane into the profound, allowing the speaker to experience the world in its most elemental form, stripped of artifice and imbued with inherent significance.

The poem then transitions into a contemplation of the night, which "has deployed rather awesome forces" against the serenity of the day. The imagery of "ten thousand helmeted footsoldiers" and a "Spanish armada" evokes a sense of impending conflict or struggle, perhaps symbolizing the internal battles one faces when confronting the vastness and ambiguity of existence. Yet, the speaker suggests that such forces will "take care of themselves with rest and fresh air and the outdoors," advocating for a return to simplicity and natural beauty as a means of overcoming existential angst.

"Evening in the Country" culminates in a meditation on the process of purification and the quest for enlightenment. The light falling on the shoulders and the "process of purification" symbolize the ongoing journey toward understanding and clarity. The speaker questions whether this process has initiated a transformation, one that will illuminate the hidden corners of the self and project its essence onto the wider world.

Ashbery's poem is a masterful exploration of the human condition, characterized by a longing for connection, understanding, and transcendence. Through the lens of a tranquil evening in the countryside, the poem navigates the complexities of existence, the search for meaning, and the beauty of the natural world as a source of inspiration and solace. "Evening in the Country" is a testament to Ashbery's profound ability to capture the ineffable, inviting readers to reflect on their own journey through the vast, tumultuous landscape of life.

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