Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Girls on the Run: 3" by John Ashbery presents a surreal and fragmented narrative, weaving together various images and scenarios that defy linear storytelling. The poem begins with a scene set in either Michigan or Minnesota, where time seems to have paused, creating a sense of stasis amidst a "hooligan scare." This opening sets the tone for a world where the ordinary and the bizarre coexist.

The narrative then shifts to a character named Tidbit, who expresses discomfort in her crinoline, juxtaposed against the image of a wise, aged cow. This contrast between the trivial and the profound is a recurring theme in the poem. The mention of a lawnmower emitting sparks introduces an element of danger and unpredictability.

The poem continues with various characters and scenes, including Aunt Jennie and a reference to releasing bombs, suggesting themes of conflict and uncertainty. The landscape of the poem is dotted with "tangled schist," indicating a complex and rocky terrain that mirrors the complexity of the narrative.

As the poem progresses, Ashbery introduces more characters and images, such as Rags the dog, Pete, and Aunt Jennie, each contributing to the tapestry of the poem's world. The mention of prisoners staging their own war adds a layer of social commentary, while the overall tone remains whimsical and absurd.

The poem's structure and language reflect a stream-of-consciousness style, with sudden shifts in perspective and setting. Ashbery employs a collage-like approach, piecing together disparate elements to create a dreamlike atmosphere. The poem's title, "Girls on the Run," suggests a sense of movement and escape, yet the narrative remains elusive and open-ended.

Overall, "Girls on the Run: 3" is characteristic of Ashbery's style, blending the mundane with the fantastical, the humorous with the profound. The poem invites multiple interpretations and encourages readers to embrace the ambiguity and complexity of its world.

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