Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

John Ashbery's poem "This Configuration" offers a reflective commentary on the complexities and paradoxes of modern life. Ashbery, a pivotal figure in American poetry known for his avant-garde techniques and the depth of his themes, often explores the intersection of personal experience and the broader cultural landscape. This poem, like much of his work, delves into the nuances of how we perceive and engage with the world around us, challenging readers to contemplate the nature of existence in the contemporary era.

The poem begins with an allusion to a movie, metaphorically framing the narrative of the "epidemic of the way we live now." This opening sets a tone of critical observation, suggesting that the poem itself might serve as a lens through which to view and critique modern life. The reference to an "inane card player" further deepens this critique, possibly symbolizing the randomness and absurdity inherent in the roles and decisions that define our lives. Ashbery's imagery of a card being drawn "out of his dirty ruffled shirtfront" juxtaposes the mundane with the commencement of a "new age," suggesting a transition or evolution that is both personal and collective.

The "gauze spiral staircase" adorned with stars is a vivid image that combines elements of entrapment and ascension, encapsulating the dichotomy of progress and confinement. This staircase can be seen as a metaphor for the complexities of modern life—ascendant yet opaque, promising yet perplexing. The embedded stars might symbolize moments of clarity or beauty within the convoluted journey of existence.

Ashbery's mention of "modern trumpets" who "decide the mood or tenor of this cross-section" reflects on the influence of external forces on the individual and collective psyche. These trumpets could represent the media, cultural trends, or authoritative voices that shape our perceptions and experiences. The poem subtly critiques the societal expectation to conform to a prescribed way of life, where individuals are awakened "Still half-asleep," and discouraged from seeking pleasure or leisure, as "something scary will come / To get them anyway."

The poem evolves into a contemplation of existence, suggesting a resignation to the unpredictability of life with the advice to "linger / On verandas, enjoying life." This acceptance of life's inherent uncertainty is juxtaposed with images of soldiers marching, which could symbolize the relentless and often oppressive progress of time and history. The "lozenge pattern / Of these walls" and the reference to sleep further illustrate the idea of life's cyclical nature and the human tendency to seek comfort in familiarity and routine.

In its concluding stanzas, "This Configuration" shifts towards a more introspective and hopeful perspective. Ashbery entertains the possibility that we are "ordinary people / With not unreasonable desires," capable of finding satisfaction and joy amidst the chaos of the modern world. The poem suggests a collective awakening to a moment of clarity and recognition, where the boundaries between self and other blur, and we find a sense of connection and continuity with humanity across time.

Ashbery's "This Configuration" is a complex tapestry of imagery and thought, inviting readers to reflect on the condition of modern life with its fears, absurdities, and moments of transcendence. Through his nuanced exploration of the human experience, Ashbery encourages us to consider the ways in which we navigate the landscapes of our lives, caught between the ephemeral and the eternal, the mundane and the profound. The poem is a testament to the enduring power of poetry to probe the depths of our existence and to offer insights into the collective soul of an era.

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