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Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

ORANGE, by                 Poet's Biography

"Orange" by John Hollander is a complex and multi-layered poem that delves into themes of transformation, materialism, and the intersection of myth and modernity. Through vivid imagery and intricate language, Hollander weaves a narrative that contrasts the natural and mythical worlds with the harsh realities of contemporary existence.

The poem begins with a scene of awakening, symbolized by the bright drops from a "crushed, segmented Sun," which metaphorically represents a huge Florida orange. This image of the sun as an orange sets the tone for the poem, suggesting a connection between natural beauty and nourishment. The use of the "Jupiter Home Juice Extractor" introduces a modern, domestic element, highlighting the act of extracting juice as both a literal and symbolic process. The extraction leaves behind the "dross / Of pulp and rind," while the "Innocent air of unhurried / Cold morning widens."

Hollander's choice of words like "promises" and "adverse" in the early lines hints at an underlying tension. The poem suggests that in this idyllic morning scene, there is no need for promises of safety or assurance because nothing adverse has occurred yet. This absence of negative events creates an air of innocence and potential, untainted by the need for reassurances.

The imagery shifts as Hollander describes the morning air filled with the sounds of "so very many / Individual energies!" These energies are likened to the "traffic of their exaltation," which arises as a "tone of bright horns." This description captures the bustling activity and vibrancy of life, where even mundane actions are infused with a sense of purpose and light. The "windows facing eastward / Burn with a pale orange fire," symbolizing the transformative power of the morning sun, as if it has the power to cleanse or "flame away" loss.

As the poem progresses, Hollander introduces the mythological figure of Midas, known for his ability to turn everything he touches into gold. This reference to Midas brings a darker, more cautionary tone to the poem. The drops of orange juice are described as turning into "burning / Bullets," suggesting a violent transformation of something natural and nourishing into something harmful. The image of Midas "trapped inside a cunt of metal" is striking and jarring, depicting a grotesque parody of human desire and greed. Here, Midas's touch, once a symbol of wealth and power, becomes a curse, trapping him in a cold, lifeless form.

The poem then shifts to Danaë, another mythological figure, who was impregnated by Zeus in the form of golden rain. In Hollander's retelling, Danaë is "guarded only / By brazen contrivances," and the god of gold comes to her "like coins thumbed into her / Slot." This imagery portrays a transactional, almost mechanical interaction, stripping the myth of its grandeur and reducing it to a vulgar exchange. The reference to "squish, chunk" further emphasizes the crude and dehumanizing nature of this encounter.

Hollander critiques the modern obsession with material wealth and the superficial transformation of natural beauty into mere commodities. He contrasts the "juice of sunlight" with the "crude chrysomorph" that dazzles but ultimately deceives. The "fables from the fountain / Of the age of orange" harden into rigid structures, symbolizing the loss of innocence and the encroachment of materialism.

The poem concludes with a reflection on the choices we make, favoring "lead / Above the gold" and valuing the mundane over the extraordinary. This choice, according to Hollander, leads to a dull existence, disconnected from the "gleaming dead / God" of myth and imagination. The final lines suggest a longing for a return to a purer, more authentic connection with the world, where the "Midas touch of tongue" can transform words into "oral gold," reclaiming the true value of language and creativity.

In "Orange," John Hollander masterfully blends mythological references with contemporary imagery to explore themes of transformation, materialism, and the loss of innocence. Through its rich language and intricate structure, the poem challenges readers to reflect on the true nature of value and the consequences of our desires and choices.


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