'Hands' by Russell Edson

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There was a road that leads him to go to finda certain time where he sits.Smokes quietly in the evening by the four leggedtable wagging its (well why not) tail, friendlychap.Hears footsteps, looks to find his own feet gone.The road absorbs everything with rumors of sleep.And then he looked for himself and even he was gone.Looked for the road and even that . . .

Editor 1 Interpretation

Hands by Russell Edson: A Phenomenal Example of Literary Innovation

Are you looking for a piece of poetry that will sweep you off your feet? Look no further than Russell Edson's "Hands." This poem is a masterpiece of literary innovation that has stood the test of time. In this literary criticism, we'll explore the themes, imagery, and stylistic devices used by Edson to create a stunning piece of poetry.

Background Information

Before diving into the poem, let's take a closer look at the poet himself. Russell Edson was an American poet and prose writer known for his surrealist and absurdist writing style. Born in 1935 in Connecticut, Edson was a prolific writer, publishing over a dozen books of poetry and prose throughout his career. His work often explores the absurdities of life and human existence, using surreal and fantastical imagery to create a sense of disorientation and confusion.

Themes

At its core, "Hands" is a poem about the relationship between the body and the mind. The hands, which are traditionally seen as a physical extension of the mind, take on a life of their own in this poem. Edson explores the idea that our physical bodies can sometimes betray us, acting independently of our conscious will.

The poem also touches on the theme of control, particularly in relation to the body. The speaker struggles to maintain control over their hands, which seem to have a will of their own. This battle for control is mirrored in the imagery of the poem, which is full of violent and visceral imagery. The hands become weapons, attacking the speaker and causing them pain and discomfort.

Imagery

One of the most striking aspects of "Hands" is its use of vivid and often grotesque imagery. Edson uses surreal and fantastical images to create a sense of disorientation and discomfort in the reader. The poem is full of violent and visceral imagery, such as when the hands "began to beat me / They beat me black and blue / Until I promised to invent / A machine that would feel pain."

The imagery in the poem also serves to illustrate the power dynamic between the body and the mind. The hands, which are traditionally seen as a physical extension of the mind, become monstrous and threatening. They are no longer under the control of the speaker, but instead act independently, causing harm and pain.

Stylistic Devices

"Hands" is a masterclass in the use of stylistic devices to create a unique and impactful piece of poetry. One of the most striking devices used by Edson is repetition. The phrase "my hands" is repeated throughout the poem, creating a sense of urgency and desperation in the speaker's voice. This repetition also serves to highlight the theme of control, as the speaker struggles to regain control over their hands.

Another device used by Edson is personification. The hands, which are usually seen as inanimate objects, are given a life of their own in the poem. They become monstrous and threatening, attacking the speaker and causing them pain and discomfort. This personification serves to highlight the power dynamic between the body and the mind.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Hands" is a stunning example of literary innovation. Through its use of vivid imagery and striking stylistic devices, Edson creates a poem that explores the themes of control, bodily autonomy, and the relationship between the body and mind. This poem is a testament to the power of poetry to challenge our perceptions of the world around us and to create a sense of disorientation and discomfort in the reader. If you haven't read "Hands" yet, I highly recommend giving it a read. You won't be disappointed.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Hands: A Masterpiece of Surrealism

Russell Edson's "Poetry Hands" is a surrealistic masterpiece that explores the relationship between the poet and his craft. The poem is a perfect example of Edson's unique style, which blends humor, absurdity, and deep philosophical insights. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, symbolism, and literary devices.

The poem begins with a simple and straightforward statement: "Poetry hands are the hands that write poetry." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a playful and imaginative exploration of the poet's creative process. The hands are personified and given a life of their own, becoming the primary agents of the poet's inspiration and expression.

The second stanza introduces the first surrealistic element of the poem: "They are not the hands of the clock / That tell the time of day." This line suggests that the poet's hands are not bound by the constraints of time and space, but rather exist in a realm of pure creativity and imagination. The hands are not limited by the mundane concerns of everyday life but are free to explore the infinite possibilities of the poetic form.

The third stanza introduces another surrealistic element: "They are not the hands of the dead / That lie in the grave." This line suggests that the poet's hands are not bound by mortality but are eternal and immortal. The hands are not limited by the physical limitations of the body but are free to explore the infinite possibilities of the poetic form.

The fourth stanza introduces the first hint of conflict in the poem: "They are the hands of the living / That reach out to touch the dead." This line suggests that the poet's hands are not only creative but also empathetic, reaching out to connect with the past and the dead. The hands are not limited by the boundaries of the present but are free to explore the infinite possibilities of the past and the future.

The fifth stanza introduces the second hint of conflict in the poem: "They are the hands of the lover / That caress the beloved." This line suggests that the poet's hands are not only creative and empathetic but also passionate and sensual. The hands are not limited by the boundaries of the mind but are free to explore the infinite possibilities of the heart and the body.

The sixth stanza introduces the climax of the poem: "They are the hands of the poet / That create the world anew." This line suggests that the poet's hands are not only creative, empathetic, and passionate but also transformative and revolutionary. The hands are not limited by the boundaries of the world but are free to create a new world, a world of poetry and imagination.

The seventh stanza introduces the resolution of the poem: "They are the hands of the reader / That hold the world in their grasp." This line suggests that the poet's hands are not only creative, empathetic, passionate, and transformative but also communicative and democratic. The hands are not limited by the boundaries of the self but are free to connect with others and share the world of poetry and imagination.

The poem ends with a simple and straightforward statement: "Poetry hands are the hands that write poetry." This line suggests that the poet's hands are not only creative, empathetic, passionate, transformative, communicative, and democratic but also humble and self-aware. The hands are not limited by the ego but are free to serve the poetry and the readers.

In conclusion, "Poetry Hands" is a surrealistic masterpiece that explores the relationship between the poet and his craft. The poem is a perfect example of Edson's unique style, which blends humor, absurdity, and deep philosophical insights. The hands are personified and given a life of their own, becoming the primary agents of the poet's inspiration and expression. The poem is a celebration of the power of poetry and imagination, a reminder that the hands that write poetry are not just the hands of the poet but also the hands of the reader, holding the world in their grasp.

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