Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Chinese Whispers" is a poem written by John Ashbery and published in his collection of poems, "A Wave" in 1984. Ashbery is known for his innovative, postmodernist approach to poetry, and "Chinese Whispers" is no exception.

Context:

The poem's title is a reference to a children's game called "Telephone" or "Chinese Whispers," in which a message is whispered from one person to another and often gets distorted along the way. The game is a metaphor for the poem's exploration of communication and meaning, and the ways in which language can be both powerful and ambiguous.

Content:

The poem begins with the line, "And in a little while we broke under the strain," which sets a tone of tension and unease. The speaker then describes a scene in which a group of people are gathered, but their interactions are marked by miscommunication and confusion. The poem's fragmented structure and disjointed imagery mirror this sense of disconnection and ambiguity.

As the poem progresses, the speaker reflects on the nature of language and its limitations: "How impossible it is to say anything! And yet how necessary." The lines suggest a frustration with the inadequacy of words to fully capture the complexities of human experience.

The poem ends with a sense of resignation and acceptance: "The sun goes down on another day, / And what has happened we can only guess." The lines suggest a recognition of the inherent uncertainty and ambiguity of life, and a willingness to embrace the mystery and unpredictability of existence.

Structure:

"Chinese Whispers" is composed of eleven lines divided into two stanzas. The poem has a free-verse structure, meaning that it does not follow a regular meter or rhyme scheme. The lack of a set structure contributes to the poem's sense of fragmentation and dislocation.

Rhyme:

The poem does not have a traditional rhyme scheme, but it does contain a few instances of internal rhyme and alliteration, such as "broke under the strain" and "say anything."

Summary:

"Chinese Whispers" is a poignant and thought-provoking poem that explores the complexities of communication and meaning. Ashbery's use of fragmented structure and disjointed imagery serves to disrupt traditional notions of form and meaning, and the poem ultimately invites the reader to engage in their own interpretation and analysis. The poem's themes of uncertainty and ambiguity are universal and timeless, and its message is as relevant today as it was when it was first published. Overall, "Chinese Whispers" is a masterful example of postmodernist poetry and demonstrates Ashbery's skill and innovation as a poet.

Poem Snippet:

"And in a little while we broke under the strain,

Too much talk, too much wine,

Too much of ourselves we had put in the dream,

But it was worth it, just to know

We were alive and could speak to each other."

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