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Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

RAIN IN THE SOUP, by             Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography


"Rain in the Soup" by John Ashbery presents a vivid collage of images and scenes, weaving together the mundane and the surreal in a way that defies straightforward interpretation. The poem opens with a simple, almost clichéd image of a rainy day, immediately grounding the reader in a familiar setting. However, Ashbery quickly moves beyond this typical scene, introducing unexpected elements that create a sense of whimsical absurdity.

The personification of Mr. Soup, asked to stay in his bowl, introduces a playful, almost childlike tone. This is contrasted with the more traditional domestic scene of stockings being darned, yet even here, Ashbery twists the image by exaggerating the size of the darning egg. This juxtaposition of the ordinary with the fantastical is a hallmark of Ashbery's style, challenging readers to find coherence in the seemingly disparate elements.

Ashbery's reference to the "less-than-great happiness" that "may be doing good to life somewhere else" suggests a contemplation of the interconnectedness of experiences and the relativity of perspective. The poem seems to acknowledge the existence of suffering and discontent but also hints at a larger, perhaps unknowable, scheme where these negative experiences might contribute to a greater good.

The mention of unicyclists and the "Next Interesting Thing" reflects the transient nature of attention and interest. Ashbery captures a sense of fleeting fascination, where people are always chasing after something new, only to find it gone upon arrival. This could be read as a commentary on the human condition, constantly seeking meaning or entertainment in an ever-changing world.

The poem's closing lines bring the reader back to a more grounded scene, with a greeting to Mrs. Smith and a compliment to her daughter. This return to the ordinary, after the whimsical and surreal journey of the poem, highlights the coexistence of the fantastical and the mundane in everyday life.

"Rain in the Soup" is a quintessentially Ashberian poem, blending the ordinary with the bizarre, and the playful with the profound. It invites readers to embrace the absurdity and unpredictability of life, finding beauty and intrigue in the most unexpected places.


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