Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"A Jellyfish" is a poem by Marianne Moore, first published in 1924. The poem explores the theme of nature and the beauty of the natural world, particularly through the image of a jellyfish.

The poem begins with a description of the jellyfish, which is depicted as a mysterious and elusive creature. Moore notes that the jellyfish is "a bell" that floats through the water, and that it is "translucent" and "suspended" in the ocean.

As the poem progresses, Moore reflects on the many different qualities that make the jellyfish so fascinating and beautiful. She notes that the jellyfish is "iridescent," and that it has "no visible organs." She also suggests that the jellyfish represents a kind of freedom, as it is able to move through the water with a graceful and effortless ease.

The poem concludes with a powerful image of the jellyfish disappearing into the depths of the ocean. Moore suggests that the beauty and mystery of the jellyfish are not limited to the creature itself, but are part of the larger mystery and wonder of the natural world.

Overall, "A Jellyfish" is a powerful and evocative meditation on the beauty and mystery of nature. The poem is widely regarded as one of Moore's most celebrated works and is considered a classic of modernist poetry