Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"A Defense of Poetry" by Charles Bernstein presents a complex and intellectually stimulating exploration of the nature of sense, nonsense, and the intricate dynamics of language in poetry. Through a detailed and somewhat convoluted discourse, Bernstein delves into the limitations of conventional interpretations of poetry and argues for a more nuanced understanding of textual practice. The poem engages with concepts of ideological versus thematic interpretations, the binary opposition of sense and nonsense, and the potential for poetry to transcend conventional methods of sense-making.

Bernstein critiques the use of overly broad or simplistic interpretive frameworks, such as the term "ideological unamusing" or the concept of "nonsense," for failing to capture the diverse and nuanced ways in which poetry enacts meaning. He argues that labeling something as "nonsense" risks reducing the multifaceted nature of poetic expression to a binary of sense versus no sense, thereby overlooking the varied "valences" of poetic language.

The poem suggests that what is often termed "nonsense" might be better understood as an alternative mode of sense-making, one that challenges hyperconventional and manipulative uses of language, such as political rhetoric. Bernstein posits that poetry's so-called "discontinuities" or deviations from rational discourse do not necessarily lead to nonsensicality but can, instead, foster a deeper and more meaningful engagement with language.

By invoking the metaphor of the duck/rabbit optical illusion, Bernstein highlights the contextual and perceptual nature of understanding, emphasizing that what might appear as nonsense can offer multiple, coherent interpretations depending on the viewer's perspective. This example underscores the dynamic and oscillatory nature of poetic language, where meaning is not fixed but emerges through the interplay of different readings and contexts.

Bernstein's reference to the "oscillation understood as rhythmic or prosodic" further elaborates on the idea that poetry operates through a rhythmical and structural complexity that transcends rationality without descending into meaninglessness. He challenges the conventional definition of sense as being equated with rationality, suggesting that true sense-making in poetry involves embracing ambiguity, multiplicity, and the creative potentials of language.

The poem concludes with a reflection on the act of close reading and the reciprocal gaze of language, drawing on an aphorism by Karl Kraus to illustrate the depth and reflexivity inherent in poetic exploration. "A Defense of Poetry" ultimately advocates for a more expansive and inclusive approach to understanding poetry, one that acknowledges the transformative power of language to both convey and construct new realities.

Through this dense and thought-provoking discourse, Bernstein invites readers and critics alike to reconsider their assumptions about poetry and to embrace the rich complexities and possibilities of poetic expression. The poem serves as a compelling defense of poetry's capacity to challenge, inspire, and reimagine the world through the nuanced interplay of sense and nonsense.

Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...