Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Obedience School" by John Ashbery is a vividly imaginative and somewhat surreal poem that weaves together a tapestry of images and scenarios, creating a sense of whimsicality and profundity. Ashbery, known for his abstract and often non-linear style, crafts a narrative that challenges traditional structures of storytelling and meaning-making.

The poem begins with an invitation or a challenge: "Let us leave the obedience school." This line sets a tone of departure, rebellion, or transition from a place of learning or conformity. The "obedience school" could metaphorically represent any system or institution that imposes rules or norms, and the urge to leave suggests a desire for freedom or a break from convention.

The phrase "The door is open. Outside the sun is shining." reinforces the idea of opportunity and the allure of the world beyond the confines of the obedience school. It's a call to adventure, to step into the unknown, into the brightness and possibilities that lie outside established boundaries.

The poem then delves into a more obscure territory with the line, "You don't learn the cancan at obedience school." This absurd statement juxtaposes the rigid structure of an obedience school with the wild, uninhibited dance of the cancan, suggesting a longing for creative expression and liberation from conformity.

The mention of "the parkway night is partying" shifts the scene to a nocturnal celebration, a contrast to the daytime brightness suggested earlier. This shift could symbolize the multifaceted nature of life and experience – the interplay of light and dark, structure and freedom.

The reference to "trained-dog acts" and buying a ticket for "Flossie" back to Puyallup adds to the surreal quality of the poem. These elements could symbolize the mundane and the peculiar aspects of life, the familiar and the strange coexisting in the human experience.

The poem then takes a turn towards the dramatic with "accusers and behoovers alike will be believed; behemoths and mammoths struggle and give up in the aquarium dawn." This imagery is evocative and mysterious, perhaps alluding to conflicts, societal struggles, or the cyclical nature of history and human endeavors.

The final lines, "Causes are given up for lost. The queen's pony capers on her hind legs, quite as if narcissism were going out of style. Poor children! Why, it broke their heart, but Dad's with them now. Dad can conquer this thing." bring a sense of resolution, albeit an ambiguous one. The reference to narcissism and the comforting presence of a paternal figure suggest themes of ego, generational change, and the enduring human spirit in the face of adversity and change.

Overall, "Obedience School" is a kaleidoscopic journey through various scenes and images, each contributing to a tapestry that reflects Ashbery's unique style. The poem invites multiple interpretations, encouraging readers to find their own meaning in its playful and elusive verses

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