Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Charles Reznikoff’s "Jerusalem the Golden: 38" is a succinct and evocative reflection on the nature of intrusion, using the imagery of insects to express discomfort and irritation. The poem, though brief, conveys a profound sense of unease through its comparison of two types of unwelcome visitors: "silent beetles" and "noisy flies." This juxtaposition invites the reader to consider the different ways in which disruptions can manifest in life, and how each can be equally unsettling in its own way.

The poem begins with a statement of uncertainty: "Of our visitors—I do not know which I dislike most." This opening line sets the tone for the entire poem, highlighting a sense of ambivalence or difficulty in choosing between two equally unpleasant options. The word "visitors" is used ironically here, as it typically connotes welcome guests, but in this context, it refers to invasive pests. The speaker’s inability to decide which is more detestable underscores the pervasive and unavoidable nature of these intrusions.

Reznikoff then introduces the two types of insects: "silent beetles" and "noisy flies." The beetles, described as silent, embody a kind of stealthy intrusion. Their quiet presence can be unnerving, as they are often unnoticed until they are too close for comfort. The silence of the beetles might represent the subtle, insidious disruptions in life—those that creep in unnoticed and slowly become more bothersome. Their quietness might suggest a sense of stealth and persistence, making them difficult to detect and even harder to expel.

In contrast, the "noisy flies" are immediately apparent, their presence announced by the incessant buzzing that can drive a person to distraction. Flies are often associated with annoyance, their noise and constant movement a reminder of their unwelcome presence. The noisiness of the flies might represent the more overt and immediate disruptions in life—those that are loud, impossible to ignore, and require immediate attention. Their constant buzzing could be seen as a metaphor for the disturbances that, while obvious, are no less aggravating because of their persistence.

The poem’s simplicity and brevity are its strengths, as they allow Reznikoff to convey a complex emotional response with just a few words. The comparison between the beetles and the flies serves as a broader metaphor for the various irritations and disruptions that people encounter. Whether subtle or overt, these disruptions are unwelcome, and the speaker’s ambivalence about which is worse reflects the human tendency to be affected by both kinds of disturbances.

"Jerusalem the Golden: 38" captures the essence of irritation and the struggle to cope with different forms of intrusion. Through the use of insect imagery, Reznikoff conveys the idea that whether an intrusion is subtle and quiet or loud and blatant, it can be equally distressing. The poem invites the reader to reflect on the various ways in which life’s annoyances manifest, and how they impact our sense of peace and comfort.

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