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Exploring the Poetry of John Ashbery: A Review of ‘As Umbrellas Follow Rain (2001)’

Exploring the Poetry of John Ashbery: A Review of ‘As Umbrellas Follow Rain (2001)’

John Ashbery is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential American poets of the 20th century. His work is known for its complex, layered language and its exploration of themes such as identity, memory, and perception. In this article, we will be reviewing Ashbery’s 2001 collection of poems, “As Umbrellas Follow Rain,” and delving into the themes and techniques that make his poetry so captivating and enduring.

Background of John Ashbery

John Ashbery was an American poet born in Rochester, New York in 1927. He attended Harvard University and later earned a master’s degree from Columbia University. Ashbery’s poetry is known for its complexity and ambiguity, often incorporating elements of surrealism and postmodernism. He was awarded numerous honors throughout his career, including the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1976 and the National Book Award in 1975. Ashbery passed away in 2017 at the age of 90, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential poets of the 20th century.

Overview of ‘As Umbrellas Follow Rain (2001)’

As Umbrellas Follow Rain (2001) is a collection of poems by John Ashbery that explores the complexities of human experience through a variety of perspectives and voices. The poems in this collection are characterized by their fragmented structure, which reflects the fragmented nature of modern life. Ashbery’s use of language is also notable, as he employs a range of literary devices such as allusion, metaphor, and irony to create a sense of ambiguity and uncertainty. Despite the challenges posed by the collection’s experimental style, As Umbrellas Follow Rain is a rewarding read for those who are willing to engage with its themes and ideas.

Analysis of Ashbery’s Writing Style

John Ashbery’s writing style is often described as complex and elusive. His poems are known for their fragmented structure, non-linear narratives, and use of language that is both playful and obscure. In “As Umbrellas Follow Rain,” Ashbery continues to experiment with form and language, creating a collection of poems that challenge the reader’s expectations and understanding of poetry.

One of the most striking aspects of Ashbery’s writing style is his use of imagery. His poems are filled with vivid and unexpected images that create a sense of disorientation and mystery. For example, in the poem “The Other Tradition,” Ashbery writes:

“The sky is a giant eggshell.

Cracked open by the sun’s beak.

And the yolk spills out.

In a golden flood”.

This image is both surreal and beautiful, and it captures the sense of wonder and awe that Ashbery often evokes in his poetry.

Another hallmark of Ashbery’s writing style is his use of language. He often employs wordplay, puns, and allusions to create a sense of ambiguity and uncertainty. In “As Umbrellas Follow Rain,” Ashbery plays with language in a variety of ways, from the playful rhymes of “The Bungalows” to the cryptic phrases of “The System.”

Overall, Ashbery’s writing style is both challenging and rewarding. His poems require careful attention and multiple readings to fully appreciate, but they offer a rich and complex vision of the world that is unlike anything else in contemporary poetry.

Themes Explored in ‘As Umbrellas Follow Rain (2001)’

One of the most prominent themes explored in John Ashbery’s ‘As Umbrellas Follow Rain (2001)’ is the concept of memory and its relationship with time. Throughout the collection, Ashbery reflects on the fleeting nature of memories and how they can be distorted or lost over time. He also explores the idea of nostalgia and how it can both comfort and haunt us. Another recurring theme is the search for meaning and identity in a chaotic and uncertain world. Ashbery’s poems often feature fragmented narratives and disjointed imagery, reflecting the confusion and disorientation of modern life. Despite this, there is a sense of hope and resilience in his work, as he encourages readers to find beauty and meaning in the everyday moments of life.

Interpretation of Selected Poems

One of the most intriguing poems in John Ashbery’s collection “As Umbrellas Follow Rain” is “The Instruction Manual.” This poem is a commentary on the human experience and the search for meaning in life. The speaker of the poem seems to be offering instructions on how to live, but the instructions are vague and often contradictory. This ambiguity is intentional, as Ashbery is highlighting the confusion and uncertainty that often accompanies the search for purpose. The poem also contains references to technology and consumerism, suggesting that these things have become a substitute for genuine human connection and fulfillment. Overall, “The Instruction Manual” is a thought-provoking and complex poem that invites readers to reflect on their own experiences and the meaning they find in life.

Use of Language and Imagery in Ashbery’s Poetry

John Ashbery’s poetry is known for its intricate use of language and imagery. In his collection “As Umbrellas Follow Rain (2001),” Ashbery continues to push the boundaries of language and meaning. His poems are often characterized by their fragmented syntax and unconventional use of punctuation, which can make them challenging to read at first. However, once the reader becomes accustomed to Ashbery’s style, they are rewarded with a rich and complex world of images and ideas.

One of the most striking features of Ashbery’s poetry is his use of imagery. His poems are filled with vivid and unexpected images that often seem to defy logic or reason. For example, in the poem “The Bungalows,” Ashbery describes a scene in which “the sky is a giant blueberry muffin / and the sun is a pat of butter melting on it.” This image is both playful and surreal, and it captures the sense of whimsy and wonder that is present throughout much of Ashbery’s work.

Another hallmark of Ashbery’s poetry is his use of language. He often employs a kind of stream-of-consciousness style, in which thoughts and ideas flow freely and without interruption. This can make his poems feel disjointed or fragmented, but it also allows for a great deal of experimentation and playfulness with language. In “As Umbrellas Follow Rain,” Ashbery uses language to create a sense of ambiguity and uncertainty. Many of his poems are filled with phrases that seem to have multiple meanings or interpretations, which can be both frustrating and exhilarating for the reader.

Overall, Ashbery’s poetry is a testament to the power of language and imagination. His use of imagery and language is both challenging and rewarding, and his poems offer a unique perspective on the world around us. “As Umbrellas Follow Rain” is a must-read for anyone interested in contemporary poetry and the ways in which language can be used to create meaning and beauty.

Comparison to Other Ashbery Works

In comparison to other works by John Ashbery, “As Umbrellas Follow Rain” stands out for its more direct and accessible language. While Ashbery is known for his complex and often abstract poetry, this collection features more concrete imagery and straightforward language. However, the themes of uncertainty and the search for meaning that are present in much of Ashbery’s work still shine through in “As Umbrellas Follow Rain.” Additionally, the collection showcases Ashbery’s signature wit and humor, making it a delightful read for both longtime fans and newcomers to his work.

Reception of ‘As Umbrellas Follow Rain (2001)’

Upon its release in 2001, John Ashbery’s “As Umbrellas Follow Rain” was met with mixed reviews from critics and readers alike. Some praised the collection for its experimental style and unique use of language, while others found it confusing and inaccessible. Despite the mixed reception, the collection has since become a staple in contemporary poetry and is often cited as one of Ashbery’s most important works. Its themes of memory, identity, and the passage of time continue to resonate with readers today, cementing its place as a classic in the world of poetry.

Impact and Influence of John Ashbery’s Poetry

John Ashbery’s poetry has had a significant impact on the literary world, influencing countless poets and writers. His unique style, characterized by its fragmented and non-linear structure, has challenged traditional notions of poetry and opened up new possibilities for expression. Ashbery’s work has been praised for its wit, humor, and intelligence, as well as its ability to capture the complexities of modern life. His influence can be seen in the work of many contemporary poets, who have been inspired by his innovative approach to language and form. Despite his passing in 2017, Ashbery’s legacy continues to shape the world of poetry and inspire new generations of writers.

Critical Perspectives on Ashbery’s Writing

John Ashbery’s poetry has been the subject of much critical analysis and debate. While some critics praise his work for its innovative style and use of language, others argue that it is too obscure and lacks a clear message. One of the main criticisms of Ashbery’s writing is that it is often difficult to understand, with its fragmented syntax and non-linear narratives. Some readers find themselves lost in the maze of his words, struggling to make sense of the images and ideas he presents. However, others argue that this is precisely what makes Ashbery’s poetry so compelling. His work challenges readers to think outside the box and to approach language in new and unexpected ways. Ultimately, whether one loves or hates Ashbery’s writing, there is no denying that it has had a significant impact on the world of poetry.

Exploring the Role of Memory in Ashbery’s Poetry

John Ashbery’s poetry is known for its complex and often elusive nature, with themes and images that seem to slip and slide away just as the reader thinks they have grasped them. One key element that plays a significant role in Ashbery’s work is memory, both in terms of personal recollection and the collective memory of culture and history. In his 2001 collection “As Umbrellas Follow Rain,” Ashbery explores memory in a variety of ways, from the nostalgic longing of “The Picture of Little J.A. in a Prospect of Flowers” to the fragmented, dreamlike memories of “The System.” Through his use of language and imagery, Ashbery invites readers to consider the ways in which memory shapes our understanding of the world around us, and how it can both illuminate and obscure our perceptions of reality.

Analysis of Ashbery’s Use of Irony and Humor

John Ashbery’s poetry is known for its use of irony and humor, and his collection “As Umbrellas Follow Rain” is no exception. Ashbery’s use of irony and humor is not only entertaining, but it also serves a deeper purpose in his poetry. Through his use of irony and humor, Ashbery is able to comment on the absurdity of life and the human condition. He often uses humor to poke fun at societal norms and expectations, while also highlighting the contradictions and complexities of human existence. Additionally, Ashbery’s use of irony allows him to create a sense of distance between the reader and the poem, allowing for a more critical and reflective reading experience. Overall, Ashbery’s use of irony and humor adds depth and complexity to his poetry, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Exploring the Relationship Between Ashbery’s Poetry and Visual Art

John Ashbery’s poetry has often been compared to visual art, with its fragmented and non-linear structure, and its use of vivid imagery. In fact, Ashbery himself has acknowledged the influence of visual art on his work, stating that he is “interested in the way that visual art can suggest narrative without actually telling a story.”

One of the most striking aspects of Ashbery’s poetry is its use of visual imagery. In “As Umbrellas Follow Rain,” for example, he describes a “landscape of the mind” that is filled with “shadows and light, / The way a painting is.” This comparison to painting is not accidental; Ashbery often draws on the techniques of visual art to create his poetic landscapes.

Another way in which Ashbery’s poetry is influenced by visual art is in its use of fragmentation and collage. Just as a painter might use different colors and textures to create a complex image, Ashbery uses a variety of language and syntax to create a layered and multi-dimensional poem. This can be seen in “As Umbrellas Follow Rain,” where the speaker moves from one image to another, creating a sense of disorientation and fragmentation that mirrors the experience of looking at a painting.

Overall, the relationship between Ashbery’s poetry and visual art is a complex and fascinating one. By exploring the ways in which these two art forms intersect, we can gain a deeper understanding of Ashbery’s work and the ways in which he creates meaning through language and imagery.

Examining Ashbery’s Use of Form and Structure

John Ashbery’s poetry is known for its unconventional form and structure. In his collection “As Umbrellas Follow Rain (2001),” Ashbery continues to push the boundaries of traditional poetic form. He often employs a stream-of-consciousness style, with lines that meander and flow without a clear rhyme or meter. This can make his poetry challenging to read, but also allows for a greater sense of freedom and experimentation.

One notable aspect of Ashbery’s form is his use of repetition. He frequently repeats phrases or words throughout a poem, creating a sense of rhythm and unity. This can also serve to emphasize certain themes or ideas. In “As Umbrellas Follow Rain,” for example, the poem “The System” repeats the phrase “the system” throughout, highlighting the poem’s critique of societal structures.

Ashbery also plays with the structure of his poems, often breaking them into sections or using unconventional line breaks. This can create a sense of fragmentation or disorientation, but also allows for a more dynamic reading experience. In “As Umbrellas Follow Rain,” the poem “The Other Tradition” is broken into numbered sections, each with its own distinct tone and subject matter.

Overall, Ashbery’s use of form and structure in “As Umbrellas Follow Rain” reflects his commitment to experimentation and innovation in poetry. While his work may not be for everyone, it offers a unique and thought-provoking perspective on the possibilities of language and expression.

Exploring the Role of Nature in Ashbery’s Poetry

Nature plays a significant role in John Ashbery’s poetry, often serving as a source of inspiration and a means of exploring the human experience. In his collection “As Umbrellas Follow Rain,” Ashbery frequently employs natural imagery and references to the natural world to convey complex emotions and ideas. For example, in the poem “The Bungalows,” he describes a landscape of “green hills” and “blue sky,” using the natural setting to evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing. Similarly, in “The Skaters,” Ashbery uses the image of ice skating on a frozen lake to explore themes of isolation and the passage of time. Overall, Ashbery’s use of nature in his poetry adds depth and richness to his work, inviting readers to contemplate the connections between the natural world and the human experience.

Analysis of Ashbery’s Treatment of Time and History

John Ashbery’s treatment of time and history in his poetry is a complex and multi-layered exploration of the human experience. In his collection “As Umbrellas Follow Rain (2001),” Ashbery delves into the ways in which time and history shape our understanding of the world around us.

One of the most striking aspects of Ashbery’s treatment of time is his use of non-linear narrative structures. Rather than presenting events in a straightforward chronological order, Ashbery often jumps back and forth in time, creating a sense of disorientation and fragmentation. This technique reflects the way in which our memories and experiences are often jumbled and disconnected, rather than neatly ordered.

At the same time, Ashbery’s poetry is deeply rooted in history, both personal and collective. He frequently references historical events and figures, from the Vietnam War to the French Revolution, and explores the ways in which these events continue to shape our present. In doing so, he highlights the interconnectedness of past and present, and the ways in which history is constantly being reinterpreted and reimagined.

Overall, Ashbery’s treatment of time and history in “As Umbrellas Follow Rain” is a testament to his skill as a poet and his ability to capture the complexities of the human experience. Through his use of non-linear narrative structures and historical references, he creates a rich and nuanced portrait of the ways in which time and history shape our understanding of the world around us.

Exploring Ashbery’s Use of Allusion and Intertextuality

John Ashbery’s poetry is known for its complex and layered nature, and one of the key elements that contribute to this complexity is his use of allusion and intertextuality. Allusion refers to the practice of referencing other works of literature, art, or culture within a text, while intertextuality refers to the way in which a text is shaped by its relationship to other texts. In Ashbery’s poetry, these two techniques are often used in tandem to create a web of references and connections that can be both dizzying and illuminating for the reader.

One of the most striking things about Ashbery’s use of allusion and intertextuality is the sheer range of sources he draws from. In “As Umbrellas Follow Rain,” for example, we see references to everything from classical mythology to contemporary pop culture. These references are often used in unexpected ways, as when Ashbery takes a line from a Shakespeare sonnet and uses it to describe a scene from a horror movie. This kind of juxtaposition can be disorienting at first, but it also invites the reader to make new connections and see familiar things in a new light.

Another key aspect of Ashbery’s use of allusion and intertextuality is the way in which he plays with the boundaries between different genres and forms. In “As Umbrellas Follow Rain,” we see this in the way that Ashbery incorporates elements of prose and drama into his poetry. This blurring of boundaries can be seen as a reflection of Ashbery’s belief that all art is interconnected and that there are no fixed categories or boundaries that can contain it.

Overall, Ashbery’s use of allusion and intertextuality is a key part of what makes his poetry so rich and rewarding to read. By drawing on a wide range of sources and playing with the boundaries between different forms and genres, he creates a world that is both familiar and strange, inviting the reader to explore new connections and meanings.

Analysis of Ashbery’s Treatment of Identity and Selfhood

John Ashbery’s poetry is known for its complex and often elusive treatment of identity and selfhood. In his collection “As Umbrellas Follow Rain (2001),” Ashbery continues to explore these themes through his unique poetic style.

One of the ways Ashbery approaches the concept of identity is by blurring the boundaries between the self and the external world. In poems like “The Other Tradition” and “The System,” he presents a fragmented and disjointed reality where the self is constantly shifting and evolving. This reflects Ashbery’s belief that identity is not fixed, but rather a fluid and ever-changing construct.

Another aspect of Ashbery’s treatment of identity is his use of language. He often employs a stream-of-consciousness style, where thoughts and images flow freely and without a clear narrative structure. This can make it difficult for readers to pin down a singular identity or perspective within the poem. Instead, Ashbery invites us to embrace the ambiguity and uncertainty of the self.

Overall, Ashbery’s poetry challenges traditional notions of identity and selfhood, encouraging us to embrace the complexity and fluidity of our own identities. “As Umbrellas Follow Rain” is a testament to his unique poetic vision and his ongoing exploration of these themes.

Exploring Ashbery’s Treatment of Love and Relationships

John Ashbery’s poetry is known for its complexity and ambiguity, and his treatment of love and relationships is no exception. In his collection “As Umbrellas Follow Rain (2001),” Ashbery explores the intricacies of human connection and the ways in which love can both unite and divide us.

One of the most striking aspects of Ashbery’s treatment of love is his refusal to romanticize it. Instead, he presents it as a messy, often confusing experience that is fraught with uncertainty and doubt. In poems like “The Other Tradition” and “The Picture of Little J.A. in a Prospect of Flowers,” he portrays love as a kind of game, with its own set of rules and strategies that must be navigated in order to succeed.

At the same time, Ashbery also acknowledges the profound emotional impact that love can have on us. In “The Other Tradition,” he writes, “Love is a shadowy creature / And it has its own reasons for doing things.” This line captures the sense of mystery and unpredictability that often accompanies love, as well as the way in which it can shape our lives in ways that we cannot fully understand.

Throughout “As Umbrellas Follow Rain,” Ashbery also explores the theme of loss and separation. In poems like “The Skaters” and “The System,” he portrays relationships that have fallen apart or are in the process of unraveling. These poems are marked by a sense of sadness and longing, as the speaker grapples with the pain of letting go.

Overall, Ashbery’s treatment of love and relationships in “As Umbrellas Follow Rain” is complex and nuanced. He refuses to offer easy answers or simplistic solutions, instead presenting us with a vision of love that is both beautiful and challenging.