Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Life as a Book That Has Been Put Down" by John Ashbery presents a meditation on the nature of human experience and understanding, characterized by its enigmatic language and surreal imagery. Ashbery, known for his complex, associative style, often leaves readers with a collage of impressions rather than a clear narrative or message, and this poem is no exception.

The poem begins with the metaphor of erasing letters from a statement, suggesting the idea of removing specifics from a narrative or an argument while leaving its essence intact. This could be seen as a commentary on memory and how it fades over time, leaving only a vague sense of what once was. The image of an inscription over a bank door with difficult-to-decipher Roman numerals adds to this theme of ambiguity and the challenge of interpretation.

The questioning tone of "Weren't we being surrealists?" introduces an element of self-reflection and possibly self-doubt. It suggests a questioning of one's own actions or thoughts, wondering if they were being overly fanciful or disconnected from reality. This is followed by a shift to a more intimate scene, where strangers analyze the physical attributes of someone close to the speaker. This could symbolize the scrutiny we all face in life, where our external appearances or actions are judged, often without understanding the deeper complexities within.

The poem then moves into a discussion about communication – "We have talked to each other, / Taken each thing only just so far." This indicates the limitations and boundaries within human interaction, where conversations often only skim the surface of true understanding or meaning. The comparison to music suggests a harmony or a pattern in these interactions, which, while perhaps not fully comprehensible, still has its own form and beauty.

Ashbery's reference to knowledge, ambition, and a fruit made of cloud is particularly evocative. It could be interpreted as the human pursuit of understanding and the aspiration to achieve something ethereal or sublime, yet ultimately transient and elusive.

The concluding stanzas of the poem delve into the bitterness of this pursuit – "But the juice thereof is bitter." This acknowledgment of life's challenges is juxtaposed with the recognition of our lack of certain knowledge and the inevitability of smoke, silence, and old age. The landscape that is construed could represent the mental or emotional landscapes we create as we age and reflect on our lives.

The poem closes with a somewhat ambiguous note of peace, singing, and delight – elements that "will be and does not know us." This could suggest the ongoing march of time and existence, which continues irrespective of individual human experiences and understanding.

In summary, "Life as a Book That Has Been Put Down" contemplates the complexities of human experience, the challenges of communication and understanding, and the passage of time. The poem, like much of Ashbery's work, leaves the reader with more questions than answers, evoking a sense of the beautiful yet often incomprehensible tapestry of life.

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