Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

John Ashbery's poem "Many Are Dissatisfied" is a meditation on dissatisfaction, the complexity of human experiences, and the struggle to find meaning in a chaotic world. Ashbery, known for his intricate and often enigmatic poetry, weaves a tapestry of disparate images and scenarios, creating a narrative that is both evocative and elusive.

The poem opens with the image of the wind from Seattle blowing "against the facing page and against the anthill," immediately introducing a sense of movement and natural forces at play. This wind, relentless and pervasive, could symbolize the constant changes and challenges that life presents.

The mention of crumbs being dropped "lest you find your way / through this tangled story of ours" suggests a labyrinthine journey through life's complexities. The story is tangled, the path is not straightforward, and the dropped crumbs hint at attempts to navigate or make sense of this journey.

The description of the gentlemen fliers cursing the speakers as mere entertainers and making them put away their wallets introduces a theme of societal roles and expectations. The fliers' refusal to approve of the speakers' lifestyle speaks to a judgment or a lack of understanding.

The speaker's self-description as "a Hun without a regiment" on the porch, waiting for "the great pretender" to arrive, evokes a sense of isolation and anticipation. This could reflect the speaker's feeling of being out of place or time, waiting for a change or a confrontation.

The memory of playing air hockey on a grey and mild evening and the discomfort with the companion's singing introduce a personal, nostalgic element. The mention of the neighbor's "come" and the child playing with a slinky presents everyday, mundane scenes juxtaposed with the poem's larger, more abstract themes.

The scene in the specialist's waiting room, where "the air has gone mad," adds a sense of unease and disorientation. This could symbolize the confusion and frustration often felt in situations where one is seeking answers or solutions.

The poem then shifts to a surreal image of "the fat boy, in lemon overalls, / twenty storeys high, with feet two blocks in diameter." This grotesque, larger-than-life figure represents an insurmountable obstacle or challenge, posing the question of how to escape or overcome such a daunting presence.

The reference to spring emptying "like an Egyptian sewer into the street" and the fringing of losses before a bad time that went away evokes a sense of decay, renewal, and the cyclical nature of good and bad times.

The poem concludes with a contemplation of the desire to "sue nature for the tide’s infirmities," sliding off into a lather, and mouthing "the old pulchritude a house has." This reflects a longing to hold something accountable for life's injustices and a yearning for the beauty and stability that a home represents.

"Many Are Dissatisfied" is a complex and layered poem that invites readers to ponder themes of dissatisfaction, the search for meaning, and the human condition. Ashbery's use of vivid imagery and abstract thought creates a narrative that resonates with the unpredictability and richness of life's experiences.

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