Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "Apple: 3," Solomon Ibn Gabirol continues his exploration of the apple as a powerful symbol, intertwining themes of purity, vulnerability, and the impact of external gaze. The poem is rich in metaphor, using the apple to reflect on the nature of innocence and the way it can be affected by perception and desire.

The poem begins with a rhetorical question: "Is there anything like it on earth, / gold without and silver within?" This opening line elevates the apple to a rare and precious object, suggesting that its beauty is unparalleled. The description of the apple as "gold without and silver within" emphasizes its outward and inner qualities, symbolizing a perfection that is both external (the golden exterior) and internal (the silver interior). The use of these precious metals implies that the apple is not only valuable but also something pure and flawless, a treasure both in appearance and essence.

The next lines introduce a dramatic shift: "When we looked, its flesh went pale, / as though we’d filled it with sin." Here, the act of looking at the apple has a profound effect, causing its flesh to pale as if it had been corrupted or tainted by the gaze. This could suggest the idea that innocence or purity is fragile and can be marred by the act of being observed, especially when that observation is imbued with desire or intention. The concept of "filling it with sin" reflects the idea that the act of gazing upon something innocent with impure thoughts or desires can diminish its purity, transforming it in a negative way.

The final simile, "like a girl fleeing a circle of men / as a blush came over her skin," extends this theme of vulnerability. The comparison to a girl fleeing men highlights the idea of innocence being pursued and the natural response of shame or embarrassment (the blush) in the face of unwanted attention. The blush is a physical manifestation of the internal discomfort or fear, paralleling the way the apple’s flesh pales when looked upon. This imagery suggests a loss of innocence, or at least a threat to it, as the girl (and the apple) is exposed to the gaze and intentions of others.

"Apple: 3" is a concise yet powerful meditation on the impact of perception on purity. Ibn Gabirol uses the apple as a symbol to explore how something inherently precious and innocent can be altered by the gaze of others. The poem suggests that the mere act of observation, particularly when it is laden with desire or intent, can bring about a change in the object being observed, diminishing its purity and beauty. The comparison to a young girl fleeing from unwanted attention underscores the vulnerability of innocence in a world where it is often subject to external pressures and judgments.

Through its vivid imagery and careful use of metaphor, "Apple: 3" invites readers to reflect on the ways in which innocence is both precious and fragile, easily altered by the intentions and actions of others. The poem is a subtle yet profound commentary on the nature of purity, the impact of external gaze, and the complexities of human desire.

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