Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"HE," by John Ashbery, is a poem that vividly sketches the portrait of an enigmatic, almost mythical figure through a series of contrasting and often paradoxical statements. Ashbery's poetry is known for its rich imagery, complexity, and the ability to evade straightforward interpretation, and this poem is a quintessential example of his style.

Each stanza in the poem adds layers to the character of 'He', yet these layers are contradictory and multifaceted, creating a sense of mystery and ambiguity. The poem opens with mundane actions ("He cuts down the lakes so they appear straight") that quickly shift to the surreal ("He is the capricious smile behind the colored bottles"). This blend of the ordinary with the surreal is a hallmark of Ashbery’s style, creating a dreamlike, almost hallucinatory quality.

The character of 'He' is depicted in various roles and situations: he is at once omnipotent ("He indeed is the White Cliffs of Dover") and trivial ("He helps his mother take in the clothes-line"). He is portrayed as both a powerful, almost divine figure and a mundane, everyday person. This duality suggests the complexity of human nature and the multifaceted roles people play in their lives and in the lives of others.

The poem also delves into the theme of perception and reality. The numerous descriptions of 'He' challenge the reader’s understanding and perception of this character. Is he a singular entity or a representation of various aspects of humanity? The line "He is his own consolation prize" suggests self-reflection and the inherent contradictions within an individual.

Furthermore, the poem plays with the idea of identity and anonymity. The repeated use of "He" without a specific reference point gives the character a universal, almost archetypal quality. He could be anyone or everyone, a mirror reflecting varied facets of the human experience.

In the final stanzas, the poem takes a more ominous turn. The descriptions become more foreboding ("He is dangerous even though asleep and unarmed"), suggesting a hidden, perhaps darker side to this character. This shift adds to the complexity and depth of 'He', making him a figure of intrigue and caution.

In essence, "HE" is a masterful exploration of identity, perception, and the human condition. Ashbery's use of contrasting imagery and paradoxical statements creates a character that is both deeply familiar and profoundly unknowable, inviting readers to ponder the complexities of the self and the other.

POEM TEXT: https://ashberyhouse.yale.edu/he

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