Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"LCA+ SYSTEM" 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. "LCA+ SYSTEM" was published in Ashbery's 1979 collection "As We Know."

Context:

The poem "LCA+ SYSTEM" is a meditation on the nature of language and communication. The title of the poem is an acronym for "Little Children's Album," which refers to a collection of photographs of Ashbery and his siblings taken when they were young. The poem explores the idea that language is a system that is constantly evolving and changing, and that our understanding of it is shaped by our individual experiences and memories.

Content:

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 six stanzas, each of which explores a different aspect of the theme of language and communication. The first stanza introduces the idea that language is a system that is constantly evolving and changing. The second stanza explores the idea that our understanding of language is shaped by our individual experiences and memories. The third stanza considers the idea that language is a tool for creating meaning, but that this meaning is subjective and open to interpretation. The fourth stanza reflects on the limitations of language and the difficulty of fully expressing ourselves through words. The fifth stanza suggests that language is a way of connecting with others, but that this connection is often incomplete or imperfect. The final stanza brings the poem full circle by returning to the image of the Little Children's Album and the idea that our understanding of language is shaped by our earliest experiences.

Poetic Elements:

The poem "LCA+ SYSTEM" contains a number of poetic elements that enhance its meaning and impact. One of the most notable elements is the use of enjambment, or the continuation of a sentence from one line to the next without punctuation. This creates a sense of flow and continuity that reflects the theme of language as a constantly evolving system. The poem also contains a number of metaphorical images, such as the image of language as a "jigsaw puzzle" and the image of language as a "seed" that grows and changes over time.

Summary:

Overall, "LCA+ SYSTEM" is a complex and thought-provoking poem that explores the nature of language and communication. The poem's use of metaphorical imagery and enjambment creates a sense of fluidity and change that reflects its themes. While the poem may be challenging for some readers, it rewards careful reading and analysis by offering insights into the nature of language and the ways in which we use it to connect with others.

Poem Snippet:

"Language is a jigsaw puzzle

Or a map. We have to work it out

From the corners inwards, and the middle

Outwards, and hope for the best.

Our minds are always ahead of us."

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