Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

“Poem on Several Occasions” by John Ashbery is a quintessentially Ashberian exploration of perception, time, and the interplay between the mundane and the profound. The poem's title itself suggests a versatility or adaptability, indicative of the various contexts and moments in life the poem could be referring to.

The opening lines, “In truth there is room for disquiet / in the wake of the admonitory hiss that accompanies / me wherever I go,” immediately establish a tone of introspection mixed with a sense of unease or discomfort. This feeling of being followed or accompanied by an intangible presence could be interpreted as the constant self-awareness or self-critique we carry with us.

Ashbery’s use of everyday scenarios, like a visit to the dentist, juxtaposed with abstract experiences, such as hearing a “squeak of approval” or a “tiny quiver of applause,” creates a surreal quality. This quality is a hallmark of his work, blurring the lines between reality and imagination, the significant and the trivial.

The reference to Goethe and the Italian hills introduces a historical and cultural dimension, suggesting a continuity and dialogue with the past. It also reflects on the subjectivity of experience - what one person finds noteworthy, another might overlook.

The stanza discussing children waking under apple trees and heading to school introduces themes of youth, innocence, and the passage of time. These adolescents are depicted as part of a cycle, learning about the conversations and events of previous generations, yet without fully comprehending their significance.

Ashbery's mention of “twenty scarlet nuns” leading children towards a forest accompanied by a medley of old big-band tunes adds an element of whimsy and nostalgia. This could symbolize the transition from innocence to experience or the passing down of cultural heritage.

The poem concludes with reflections on the turn of a new century, questioning its character and future. The discussion of fashion, particularly the jacket and pants, and the color "white" being popular in the new century, adds a layer of irony and humor. This could be interpreted as a commentary on the arbitrary nature of trends and the human tendency to assign significance to superficial aspects of life.

Overall, “Poem on Several Occasions” is a rich tapestry of images and ideas that invites various interpretations. Ashbery's signature style of combining the ordinary with the extraordinary, the clear with the obscure, challenges the reader to find coherence in the chaos, mirroring the complexities of human experience.

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