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Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained | |||
"Wallace Stevens and Mozart" by Robert Bly is a playful yet contemplative ode to the poet Wallace Stevens, exploring themes of artistic assurance, intellectual escapism, and the contrast between idealized and real experiences of life. Through references to Stevens, Mozart, and the city of Florence, Bly navigates the terrain of high culture and the pursuit of beauty, while also hinting at the potential disconnect this pursuit may create from the more visceral aspects of human existence. Bly addresses Stevens directly, affectionately calling him a "dear friend" and a "pest," highlighting a relationship that is both admiring and teasing. Stevens' certainty and his inclusion of everyone in his "family" suggest a universalist approach to humanity, one that embraces a wide array of experiences and expressions within the realm of high culture. Stevens' world, as depicted by Bly, is one of refinement and intellectual pleasure, where the focus is on the sublime and the aesthetically pleasing—Mozart's music, the elegance of Florence, and the intellectual pursuit of understanding art and history. The imagery of "ladies tasting cold rain in Florence" and "studying the gold flake" conjures a world where beauty and contemplation are paramount, far removed from the mundane or the grotesque aspects of life. Bly's depiction of Florence as a place "where there are no maggots in the flesh" serves as a metaphor for an idealized existence that steers clear of decay, suffering, and fear. This idealized vision is both alluring and criticized, as it suggests a detachment from the rawness and the pain that are also intrinsic to the human condition. Bly's admiration for Stevens' ability to "walk on the wire of the mind" acknowledges the poet's intellectual prowess and his capacity to navigate complex ideas with grace and balance. This metaphorical high-wire act, "High above the elephants," symbolizes the lofty realm of thought and art where Stevens operates, seemingly untouched by the chaos and danger that lie below. Yet, Bly also notes the isolation inherent in this position, implying that such a vantage point may limit one's engagement with the full spectrum of life's experiences. The poem closes by questioning the feasibility and desirability of always walking "high above the world," free from fear and danger. The absence of "bears, witches, Macbeth, / No maggots, no one screaming" in Stevens' poetic universe is presented with a hint of irony, suggesting that while such a world is attractive, it is ultimately incomplete. The real world, with all its horrors and beauty, demands acknowledgment and engagement. "Wallace Stevens and Mozart" is a nuanced reflection on the role of art and intellectualism in shaping our understanding of the world. Robert Bly celebrates the transcendent beauty that art can reveal, while also reminding us of the importance of staying connected to the full range of human experiences, including those that disturb and discomfort. Through this poem, Bly invites readers to ponder the balance between the pursuit of beauty and the necessity of confronting life's darker aspects, offering a meditation on the complexities of artistic and intellectual endeavor. POEM TEXT: https://www.pnreview.co.uk/cgi-bin/scribe?item_id=50
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