Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Randall Jarrell's poem "Deutsch durch Freud (or, German by the Aesthetic Method)" playfully examines the complexities and idiosyncrasies of learning the German language. Through a mix of humor, self-reflection, and philosophical musings, Jarrell explores the joy and frustration of engaging with a foreign tongue, all while delving into deeper questions about identity, knowledge, and cultural immersion.

The poem opens with a whimsical assertion: "I believe— / I do believe, I do believe— / The country I like best of all is German." This repeated declaration immediately sets a lighthearted tone, suggesting both an earnest affection for Germany and a hint of incredulity at the speaker's own assertion. The reference to an "infant" who speaks incomprehensibly underscores the theme of linguistic confusion, as the speaker struggles to understand whether the baby is sick or simply speaking German.

The poem continues to weave in and out of various scenes and thoughts, blending the surreal with the everyday. The mention of "Nachtigallenchor" (nightingale choir) singing in German and the list of common German words (mice, rats, tables, chairs) create a mosaic of the language's presence in the speaker's life. This collage of images and phrases captures the speaker's immersion in a language that feels both familiar and foreign.

Jarrell humorously acknowledges the strangeness of learning German through cultural and literary references. The invocation of figures like Rumpelstiltskin, who declares, "In German I don't know my name," and the philosophical musings of Kant, who hums a folk song, illustrate the disorienting yet enchanting nature of this linguistic journey. The poem juxtaposes high culture with everyday life, creating a rich tapestry of intellectual and emotional experiences.

The speaker's reflections on learning German are interspersed with moments of self-deprecating humor and philosophical insight. The line "In German I believe in them, in anything: / The world is everything that is the case" cleverly nods to Wittgenstein's philosophical proposition while capturing the speaker's willingness to embrace the absurdity and mystery of the language. The playful interaction with Goethe and Heine, as well as the comically exaggerated admiration for German poets, underscores the speaker's deep but sometimes bewildered affection for the language.

As the poem progresses, Jarrell delves into the tension between understanding and mystification. The speaker revels in the beauty and complexity of German, even as they acknowledge their persistent ignorance: "Till the day I die I'll be in love with German: / If only I don't learn German." This paradox highlights the allure of the unknown and the comfort found in perpetual learning without fully mastering the subject.

The poem's climax is a philosophical and emotional meditation on the nature of knowledge and the joy of unknowing. The speaker imagines conversing with a doctor in broken German, emphasizing the perpetual learner's plight: "Meanwhile I sit here on the sofa reading Grimm. / Next year I start Des Knaben Wunderhorn." The speaker's contentment with their imperfect understanding of German is encapsulated in the image of leaning back, "like a fly in amber," suggesting a peaceful acceptance of their place within the language's complexities.

Jarrell's "Deutsch durch Freud" is ultimately a celebration of the journey of learning, rather than the destination. The poem acknowledges the frustration and confusion inherent in grappling with a foreign language, but it also finds beauty and joy in the process. The speaker's playful, self-aware exploration of German serves as a metaphor for the broader human experience of seeking knowledge and understanding, while accepting the limits of one's comprehension.

In "Deutsch durch Freud," Jarrell masterfully combines humor, philosophical reflection, and rich cultural references to create a multifaceted exploration of language learning. The poem invites readers to appreciate the beauty of the linguistic journey, finding delight in the quirks and challenges of immersing oneself in a foreign tongue. Through its playful tone and profound insights, the poem captures the essence of learning as a continuous, joyful, and sometimes bewildering adventure.

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