|
|
Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained | |||
The poem begins with a young girl writing a letter from a tower on a beautiful day, setting a scene that is both idyllic and isolated. The phrase "to show I'm not mad" immediately introduces a sense of conflict or misunderstanding, suggesting a need to clarify or justify her perspective. The imagery of slipping "on the cake of soap of the air / And drowned in the bathtub of the world" is strikingly surreal. It evokes a sense of the ephemeral and precarious nature of existence, portraying life as something slippery and the world as an overwhelming, all-encompassing force. The mention of "The Dwarf" as the signatory of the letter adds another layer of mystery and perhaps symbolizes a sense of otherness or an alternate persona. The dwarf's acknowledgement that "You were too good to cry much over me" and the subsequent letting go indicates a complex relationship, possibly marked by guilt, gratitude, or resignation. The passage of time is suggested by the speaker passing by "late in the afternoon" and noticing that the smile still played about her lips "as it has for centuries." This eternal smile implies a transcendent quality to the girl's presence, as if she exists beyond the bounds of time. Her ability to always be "utterly delightful" underscores a consistent, perhaps unchanging, nature of her character, which might be perceived as both charming and enigmatic. The address to "my daughter, / My sweetheart, daughter of my late employer, princess" reveals a deep affection and perhaps a sense of protectiveness or responsibility. The closing wish, "May you not be long on the way!" suggests a journey or a transition, perhaps a metaphor for growing up, moving on, or embarking on a new phase of life. It carries a sense of hope and a desire for the girl's wellbeing and success in her endeavors. In summary, "Thoughts of a Young Girl" by John Ashbery is a richly layered poem that explores themes of existence, perception, and the emotional complexities of human relationships. Through a blend of vivid imagery and a dreamlike narrative, Ashbery invites readers to ponder the nuances of life, the passage of time, and the enduring bonds that shape our experiences and perceptions. The poem's surreal elements and evocative language offer a multifaceted reflection on the human condition, characterized by mystery, beauty, and an underlying sense of profundity. POEM TEXT: https://search.library.wisc.edu/digital/A4IRH46ST72MDU8X/pages/AAQAQE37JG5QU58C
| Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...AFTER DISAPPOINTMENT by MARK JARMAN DRESSING MY DAUGHTERS by MARK JARMAN READING ALOUD TO MY FATHER by JANE KENYON NOT BAD, DAD, NOT BAD' by JAN HELLER LEVI A WOMAN WAKING by PHILIP LEVINE MYRRHA TO THE SOURCE by HEATHER MCHUGH MY FATHER'S DIARY (2) by SHARON OLDS THE SPACIOUS FIRMAMENT by JOHN ASHBERY ESSAY: AT NIGHT THE AUTOPORTRAIT AT NIGHT by ELENI SIKELIANOS |
| |