Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The Sun" by John Ashbery is a meditation on solitude, perception, and the passage of time, framed within a landscape both familiar and surreal. This poem, characteristic of Ashbery's poetic oeuvre, navigates through themes of nature, human experience, and the elusive nature of understanding and connection. By analyzing "The Sun" in the context of Ashbery's broader work and contemporary poetry, this essay aims to explore its thematic concerns, structure, and stylistic features.

The poem begins with a watermark declaring its solitude in companionship with the observer, a paradoxical statement that sets the tone for the exploration of subjective perception and the search for meaning. The presence of bushes on the horizon, shaped like the suits of cards, introduces an element of the surreal, blending the natural landscape with symbols of human constructs and chance.

These natural figures are described as belonging to a "second class," subject to "lower standards" according to an "original rule." This segregation and the bending of standards into an "invariable law" suggest a critique of societal norms and the arbitrariness of classifications. The acceptance and enjoyment of the "new clime" by these exceptions reflect a broader theme of adaptation and the search for belonging.

Ashbery's mention of families returning to the "indigo slopes" across generations speaks to the enduring allure of nature and the comfort found in traditions amidst the ever-changing flow of time. This "stationary innocence" and the metaphorical growth rings "just inside the bark" serve as symbols of both permanence and the accumulation of experience over time.

The poem then delves into the physical and metaphysical implications of altitude on time and perception, suggesting that "slowness" has its own intrinsic value, likened to a "rare bird." This contemplation on the nature of time and experience underscores a recurring motif in Ashbery's poetry: the complexity of human consciousness and the multifaceted nature of reality.

The assertion that individuals "can never be anything but parallel and proximate in our relations" reflects on the fundamental isolation of human experiences, even as we are "linked up" by shared phenomena such as the sun. This celestial body, described as emerging from its "house" and blending into the landscape "pretending...to pass unnoticed," symbolizes the omnipresent yet often overlooked forces that shape our lives.

As the poem closes, the imagery of "darker pastures" reflecting their own image and becoming "caught in history" evokes a sense of permanence amidst transience, a tension between the fleeting moments of existence and the lasting imprints they leave behind. The final lines, with their haunting images of "caves against the sky" and "rotting spars sketched in phosphorus," serve as a poignant reminder of the indelible marks of past actions and experiences.

Structurally, "The Sun" employs free verse, allowing Ashbery the flexibility to navigate through its thematic and imagistic landscapes without the constraints of traditional form. This choice mirrors the poem's exploration of boundless and unclassifiable aspects of human experience.

Stylistically, the poem is characterized by Ashbery's signature blend of vivid imagery, philosophical inquiry, and a tone that oscillates between whimsy and profundity. His work invites readers to engage with the text on multiple levels, bridging personal reflection with broader existential themes.

In the broader context of Ashbery's oeuvre and contemporary literature, "The Sun" exemplifies the poet's enduring fascination with the interplay between the self and the external world, the seen and the unseen. The poem stands as a testament to Ashbery's impact on modern poetry, offering a unique lens through which to explore the intricacies of existence and the elusive quest for understanding and connection.

In conclusion, "The Sun" by John Ashbery is a complex meditation on nature, time, and the human condition, woven through with rich imagery and philosophical depth. Through its intricate exploration of themes and stylistic innovation, the poem invites a deeply personal and reflective engagement from readers, marking it as a significant contribution to Ashbery's distinguished body of work and the broader landscape of contemporary poetry.

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