Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Soonest Mended" is a poem written by John Ashbery, an American poet known for his unique style that blends elements of surrealism, modernism, and postmodernism. Ashbery was born in Rochester, New York in 1927 and went on to become one of the most influential poets of his generation. He published over 20 books of poetry and won numerous awards, including the Pulitzer Prize, the National Book Award, and the National Book Critics Circle Award. "Soonest Mended" was first published in Ashbery's 1962 collection "The Tennis Court Oath."

Context:

The poem "Soonest Mended" is a meditation on the nature of identity and the process of self-discovery. The poem is structured as a series of disconnected images and impressions, each of which contributes to a larger sense of searching and uncertainty. The title of the poem refers to a phrase used in sailing, where the "soonest mended" is the rigging that is most in need of repair

Content:

The poem "Soonest Mended" is a complex and evocative exploration of the process of self-discovery. Through its use of disconnected images and impressions, the poem captures the sense of searching and uncertainty that can accompany the search for identity. The poem's images and metaphors create a rich tapestry of sensory impressions, inviting the reader to reflect on their own experiences of self-discovery. At the same time, the poem also acknowledges the limitations of language and the difficulty of fully expressing oneself through words. In this sense, the poem is a poignant meditation on the human condition and the ways in which we grapple with the complexities of our own identities.

Poetic Elements:

The poem is written in free verse and does not follow a specific rhyme scheme or meter. However, it does contain a number of poetic devices and structures that enhance its meaning and impact. The poem is divided into five stanzas, each of which consists of four lines. The sentences are often fragmented and disjointed, reflecting the theme of searching and uncertainty. The poem's images and metaphors range from the mundane to the surreal, and include references to everyday objects and natural phenomena.

Summary:

Overall, "Soonest Mended" is a masterful example of Ashbery's unique style, blending surrealism, modernism, and postmodernism to create a complex and evocative exploration of self-discovery. The poem's fragmented structure and vivid images create a sense of searching and uncertainty that resonates with readers, while also acknowledging the limitations of language and the difficulty of fully expressing oneself through words. Through its use of metaphorical imagery and free verse, the poem creates a sense of openness and possibility that draws the reader in and invites them to reflect on their own experiences of self-discovery.

Poem Snippet:

"Shall we try

The calmative properties of symmetry,

Or go out and hallucinate some shapes

Pretending to be life?”

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