Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Linda Pastan's poem "Arithmetic Lesson: Infinity" is a richly layered exploration of the abstract and often elusive concept of infinity, presented through the metaphor of a parade of numbers. The poem intricately weaves together mathematical ideas with reflections on the natural world, human experience, and the passage of time, creating a contemplative meditation on the nature of existence and the infinite.

The poem begins with a quote from Shakespeare's "Antony and Cleopatra": "In nature's infinite book of secrecy / A little I can read ...". This sets the stage for the exploration of infinity, acknowledging the vastness and mystery of the natural world and human understanding. The speaker then imagines a "parade of numbers," a procession that symbolizes the ordered yet infinite nature of mathematics and the world itself.

The poem starts with "I the sentry, out in front," where "I" represents the number one, the origin of all numbers, standing guard at the beginning of the numerical sequence. This portrayal of numbers as sentient beings with personalities—"dependent, monogamous 2" and "3 that odd man out"—infuses the abstract concept of numbers with a human-like quality, making them more relatable and engaging. The number two is described as "dependent" and "monogamous," evoking ideas of partnership and stability, while three is "always trying to break into line," representing a disruptive or challenging presence.

As the parade continues, numbers are "subtracted, added" and some "fall by the way." This suggests the constant flux of life, where things are gained and lost, and where certain elements may fade into obscurity while others remain significant. The poem also touches on the idea of numbers being "broken into fractions—torn apart," which evokes the fragmentation and division that can occur in both mathematical operations and in life itself.

Pastan assigns specific roles to different types of numbers: "some assigned to stars, to crystals of salt; to threads of water on the ocean's dragging hem." This line beautifully connects the abstract world of numbers to the tangible, physical world, suggesting that everything in nature can be quantified, measured, and understood through numbers. The "proper numbers" marching together with "their uniform buttons bright" represent the orderly, predictable aspects of mathematics, while "the rational numbers walk alone," highlighting their solitary, precise nature.

The poem continues by exploring the repetitive nature of numbers, as "every number on every clock repeats its psalm over again," illustrating the cyclical nature of time and existence. The repetition of counting—whether it's "minutes," "children," "parcels of earth," or "sparrows as they fall"—emphasizes the relentless passage of time and the inevitability of change.

The poem also delves into the more abstract and intangible aspects of mathematics, mentioning "negative numbers" that "squabble among themselves" and "imaginary numbers" that "count the number of kisses that dance on the head of a pin." These lines playfully acknowledge the complexity and sometimes paradoxical nature of mathematics, where not everything is straightforward or easily understood.

As the parade of numbers continues, the poem shifts towards a more introspective tone, reflecting on the gradual diminishment of the marchers as they approach the end: "Each number hangs back, reluctant as a child / afraid of what he'll find at the end of a darkened hall." This imagery captures the universal fear of the unknown, particularly the fear of death or the end of existence. The "end trembles into sight," much like the sea "trembles beyond the final dune," evoking a sense of anticipation and uncertainty as the marchers approach the boundary of infinity.

Despite this looming endpoint, the parade "moves slowly on," suggesting that the journey towards infinity is unending, with each step bringing the marchers closer to the concept of infinity without ever fully reaching it. The poem circles back to its beginning with the repetition of "I the sentry, out in front; dependent, monogamous 2; / 3," reinforcing the cyclical, ongoing nature of the parade and of existence itself.

"Arithmetic Lesson: Infinity" by Linda Pastan is a profound exploration of the infinite, using the metaphor of a numerical parade to delve into themes of time, existence, and the human experience. The poem elegantly combines mathematical concepts with reflections on life, creating a rich tapestry of thought that invites readers to contemplate the endless nature of both numbers and the universe. Through its intricate structure and evocative imagery, the poem captures the beauty, complexity, and mystery of infinity, leaving readers with a sense of wonder and introspection.

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