Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Laughter of Dead Men" by John Ashbery is a complex and evocative poem that delves into the themes of memory, urban life, and the human condition. The poem is characterized by its vivid imagery, surreal elements, and Ashbery's signature abstract style, challenging the reader to navigate through its layered meanings.

The opening lines introduce a scene where "candid jeremiads drizzle from his lips," suggesting a stream of honest but pessimistic expressions. The reference to a store that appears unlocked and a "gauzy syllabus" further adds to the surreal and ambiguous atmosphere of the poem. The image of smoke stenciled on a moss-green highway evokes a sense of transient, fleeting moments against the backdrop of time and nature.

Ashbery reflects on the purpose of the suburbs as a space for retrospection, looking back at the "lovable dishonest city." This contrast between the suburbs and the city highlights the complexities and contradictions of urban life. The city is depicted as a place of nostalgia, yet also associated with dishonesty and pain. The imagery of tears clogging arteries suggests emotional burdens and the physical toll of living in such an environment.

The poem explores the concept of memory and its impact on the present, as the laughter of dead men summons smiles and indifference in the living. This interaction between the past and present, the living and the dead, creates a sense of continuity and the enduring influence of those who have passed away.

The ladder in the poem symbolizes the pursuit of understanding and enlightenment, with the mention of "homophobes, hermaphrodites" clinging together, representing the diversity and complexity of human experiences. The imagery of socks hanging out to dry on a winter day evokes a sense of mundane, everyday life contrasted with the profound and existential themes explored in the poem.

The poem concludes with a reflection on communication and the reluctance to engage with personal experiences, as indicated by the speaker's fear of the "first-person singular." This fear of self-exploration and the implications of individual adventures speaks to the broader human tendency to avoid confronting one's own experiences and emotions.

"Laughter of Dead Men" is a thought-provoking and richly layered poem that invites readers to contemplate the complexities of urban life, memory, and the human experience. Through its abstract imagery and surreal elements, Ashbery challenges conventional interpretations and encourages a deeper exploration of the themes presented.

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