Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Lemurs and Pharisees" by John Ashbery presents a complex tapestry of thoughts and images that defy straightforward interpretation, much like Ashbery's typical style. The poem explores themes of communication, responsibility, and the chaos of human experience through a series of disjointed vignettes and surreal imagery.

The opening lines, "And of course one does run on too long, but whose fault is it?" immediately introduce a self-reflective tone, questioning the nature of discourse and perhaps even the poet's own verbosity. This self-awareness is a hallmark of Ashbery's poetry, which often challenges conventional forms and expectations.

The reference to the Dreyfus affair—a political scandal in France during the late 19th century known for its injustice and anti-Semitism—suggests themes of blame, controversy, and historical memory. The abrupt shift to "Let's take a commercial break here" is jarringly modern and serves to contrast the serious historical reference with the banality and interruptions of contemporary life.

Ashbery's imagery, such as "the island I was yesterday" and "children and small pets rejoice around my ankles," creates a sense of whimsy and transformation, highlighting the fluidity of identity and experience. The poem shifts rapidly between various scenes and speakers, creating a collage-like effect that mimics the fragmented nature of modern consciousness.

The poem also touches on themes of nature and disaster, as seen in the lines "The heath is ablaze again" and the description of an inadequate hose, which could symbolize a sense of helplessness in the face of overwhelming events or changes. This imagery of fire and destruction might also reflect on the turmoil in human affairs, both historical and contemporary.

The mention of "photographs to prove it, faded to the ultima thule of legibility" evokes the idea of evidence, memory, and the passage of time. It suggests that our understanding of the past, and even of our current experiences, is always incomplete and subject to decay.

In its conclusion, "Next time, you write this," the poem seems to invite the reader into the creative process, or perhaps it's a commentary on the impossibility of fully capturing or conveying the complexity of life in art.

Overall, "Lemurs and Pharisees" is characteristic of Ashbery's work, with its non-linear structure, playful language, and rich, ambiguous imagery. It challenges readers to embrace uncertainty and find meaning in the midst of apparent chaos.

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