Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Long Novel" by John Ashbery is a poetic exploration of the interplay between consciousness and reality, delving into themes of perception, moral ambiguity, and the elusive nature of truth. The poem presents a narrative that is both ethereal and grounded, weaving a tapestry of images and emotions that challenge the reader to navigate the complexities of human experience.

The opening lines, "What will his crimes become, now that her hands / Have gone to sleep?" set the tone for a meditation on the consequences of actions and the transformation of deeds over time. The reference to the woman's hands going to sleep suggests a shift in dynamics, a change in the ability to influence or alter events. This introduces a sense of passivity and inevitability, where actions take on a life of their own, independent of their originators' intentions.

The poem speaks to the idea of gathering deeds "In the pure air," which can be interpreted as an attempt to find clarity or truth in a world filled with ambiguity. The character's laughter as the woman inhales suggests a complex relationship between the two figures, possibly highlighting a disparity in their perceptions or awareness.

Ashbery's use of vivid imagery, such as snow "dropping its fine regrets" and the myrtle drying around the man's brow, creates a sense of a world where beauty and sorrow coexist. The mention of Piranesi, an Italian artist known for his intricate etchings of imaginary prisons, further emphasizes the theme of entrapment within one's own deeds or within the constructs of reality.

The poem's concluding stanzas delve into the concept of sainthood and the recognition of goodness. The character's realization that he is a saint in a "humorous landscape, without music" suggests a recognition of his own moral complexity in a world that is both absurd and devoid of straightforward narratives. The woman's interaction with goodness, likened to golden hair, points to the idea that recognizing virtue can be an awakening experience, yet one fraught with the understanding of its unattainability.

"Long Novel" ultimately presents a rich, layered examination of human consciousness and moral complexity. Ashbery invites the reader to contemplate the fluidity of truth, the weight of actions, and the perpetual quest for understanding in a world that defies simple categorization.

POEM TEXT: https://ashberyhouse.yale.edu/long-novel

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