Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Sortes Vergilianae" by John Ashbery is a compelling exploration of knowledge, fate, and the passage of time, intricately woven into a tapestry of abstract imagery and philosophical musings. The title, Latin for "Virgilian lots," refers to the ancient practice of seeking guidance or prophecy by randomly selecting a passage from Virgil's works, suggesting themes of randomness, destiny, and the search for meaning within literature and life. This analysis delves into the thematic essence of the poem, its structural and formal characteristics, and the distinct stylistic features that mark Ashbery's contribution to contemporary poetry, placing "Sortes Vergilianae" within the wider scope of his oeuvre and modern poetic discourse.

The poem opens with a reflection on the accumulation of knowledge over time, juxtaposed with the realization of its ultimate insufficiency: "You have been living now for a long time and there is nothing you do not know." This paradoxical statement sets the tone for a meditation on the limitations of human understanding and the inscrutable nature of existence. The reference to newspaper reading as an influence subtly critiques the superficial acquisition of knowledge in modern society, highlighting the gap between information and wisdom.

Ashbery's use of the phrase "chine along these lines" evokes a sense of predetermined paths or destinies, further complicated by the individual's attempt to diverge from these paths "because you guessed that / Under their hiding was the secret, casual as breath, betrayed for the asking." This exploration of the hidden, elusive truths underlying our actions and beliefs underscores the poem's engagement with the mysteries that pervade human consciousness and the universe.

The motif of the sky opening up "revealing much more than any of you were intended to know" introduces a moment of epiphany or overwhelming revelation, confronting the characters with the vastness of knowledge and existence beyond their comprehension. This imagery resonates with the poem's overarching themes of discovery, revelation, and the boundaries of human understanding.

Ashbery navigates the complexities of growth, reflection, and the passage of time, likening the speed of growth to the light reflected off the arctic ice-cap. This comparison emphasizes the rapid and often disorienting pace of change, both personal and environmental, challenging the individual's capacity to adapt and follow.

The poem contemplates the cyclical nature of folly and idleness, the human tendency to "embrace each other" in recognition and solidarity, and the transient nature of things and experiences. Ashbery reflects on the enduring presence of "wretchedness," casting a "cancerous light on all it approaches," including the irreversible words and actions borne out of passion, underscoring the poem's preoccupation with the permanence of certain emotional and existential states.

As the narrative unfolds, Ashbery addresses the diminishing impact of "dull fevers" over time, the routine of existence likened to "day and night," and the creative outpourings compared to "vacuum-cleaner sweepings." This imagery captures the mundanity and occasional futility of daily life, contrasted with moments of intense creativity and insight.

The conclusion of the poem, with its reflections on communication, reception, and the cycle of days, encapsulates the enigmatic nature of existence and the quest for understanding. Ashbery's contemplation of the "blank carcass of whims and tentative afterthoughts" delivered "like a letter some forty-odd years after the day it was posted" evokes the delayed and often perplexing nature of insight and revelation, emphasizing the poem's exploration of time, memory, and the elusive clarity of purpose.

Structurally, "Sortes Vergilianae" eschews conventional form for a free-flowing narrative that mirrors the poem's thematic fluidity and Ashbery's penchant for abstract, associative leaps. This approach allows for a rich, multilayered exploration of the poem's themes, inviting readers into a reflective and interpretive engagement with the text.

Stylistically, the poem is characterized by Ashbery's signature blend of evocative imagery, philosophical depth, and syntactical complexity. His ability to navigate the abstract and the concrete, the personal and the universal, invites a deeply personal and contemplative response from the reader, challenging traditional notions of poetry and its capacity to elucidate the human condition.

In the broader context of Ashbery's work and contemporary literature, "Sortes Vergilianae" exemplifies his enduring fascination with the interplay between knowledge, destiny, and the search for meaning. The poem stands as a testament to Ashbery's profound impact on modern poetry, offering a unique lens through which to explore the complexities of existence, the nuances of human understanding, and the perpetual journey toward insight and enlightenment.

In conclusion, "Sortes Vergilianae" by John Ashbery is a meditation on the profound and often bewildering journey through knowledge, time, and existence. Through its intricate tapestry of imagery, thematic exploration, and stylistic innovation, the poem invites readers into a reflective engagement with the uncertainties and revelations of life, marking it as a significant contribution to Ashbery's distinguished body of work and the broader landscape of contemporary poetry.

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