Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Everyman's Library" by John Ashbery is a poem that explores themes of knowledge, uncertainty, and the pursuit of understanding in the context of everyday life. The poem is structured with a blend of ordinary settings and abstract contemplations, a hallmark of Ashbery's poetic style.

The opening line references Psalm 84, which speaks of the sparrow and swallow finding their homes. This biblical allusion sets a tone of seeking and belonging, themes that resonate throughout the poem. The "outlying districts where we know something" suggests areas of both geographical and intellectual margins, places where knowledge is not central but peripheral.

The mention of sparrows, which are often symbols of commonness or the mundane, contrasts with the "nicer" houses, hinting at a disparity between the ordinary and the elevated. The "package" being ready to perform could refer to the set of societal norms, expectations, or roles that individuals are expected to adhere to or perform.

The poem then shifts to a more introspective mood, with "papyruslike, idle imaginings and identifyings." This phrase evokes a sense of ancient wisdom recorded on papyrus, juxtaposed with the idle thoughts of the modern individual, suggesting a continuity yet disconnect between past knowledge and present understanding.

The mention of it getting darker and sending someone downstairs to inquire about "the true course of events" reflects the human quest for truth and clarity. However, the response is "evasive yet polite," indicating the elusive nature of truth and the difficulty in obtaining clear answers to life's questions.

The sudden darkness and the "paper-thin but very firm dimension of ordinary education" comment on the limitations of formal learning in providing true insight or enlightenment. The presence of a thief in the dark introduces an element of threat or the unknown, emphasizing the poem's theme of uncertainty.

The closing lines, "The only possible act is to pick up the book, caress it / And open it in my face," suggest a return to reading or seeking knowledge as a way to confront or cope with the complexities and ambiguities of life. This act symbolizes the continuous human endeavor to understand and make sense of the world, despite the inherent challenges and limitations.

"Everyman's Library" is a contemplative poem that invites readers to reflect on their own pursuit of knowledge, the role of education, and the enigmatic nature of truth and understanding in the backdrop of everyday life. Ashbery's use of contrasting imagery and philosophical musings creates a narrative that resonates with the depth and nuance of the human condition.

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