'The Theory' by Russell Edson
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PloughsharesFall 1986The big one went to sleep as to die and dreamed he
became a tiny one. So tiny as to have lost all substance. To have
become as theoretical as a point.Then someone said, get up, big one, you're not doing
yourself any good. You puddle and stagnate in your weight.
Best to be up and toward. It irrigates you.What, said the big one, have I not disappeared? Have you
not mistaken a cloud for me? Perhaps some local hill fulfills
your expectation?No, it's no mistake, it's you; those interconnecting puddles
of flesh pulling at your bones, attempting that world-weary fall
toward the great waters of the world.How you manage against gravity is one of the greater
triumphs of nature.Do you think, said the big one, there's a woman who
would like to marry me?Yes, had such a woman done everything in the world except
marry you, she might think it worthy before dying to complete
her catalogue. Or having done everything, go meekly
without decision or care to such a consummation.Then you really feel, said the big one, that this woman
could come to care very deeply for me?All is theoretical. Who knows enough to say the outcome
of any event, save that it was past us, and we saw the back of it
moving slowly into the Universe, seeking other settings to
repeat the fall of fate. . .That sounds wonderful, that a woman like that could be in
love with me, said the big one.But in a few moments the big one was back asleep, dreaming
that he had come to such enlargement that he constituted
all the matter in the Universe, which must include the earth
and the woman he would have loved. . .
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Theory: A Masterpiece by Russell Edson
As a literary enthusiast, I have read numerous poems, but none have captivated my attention like The Theory by Russell Edson. This classic masterpiece is a fusion of imagination, humor, and creativity that demands interpretation to unravel its hidden meanings.
The poem, The Theory, is a satirical representation of modern-day society's obsession with technology and science, at the expense of spirituality and the arts. Edson uses symbolism, irony, and metaphor to convey his message in a unique and unconventional style that sets him apart from other poets.
Structure of the poem
The poem is structured into three stanzas, each with a different number of lines. The first stanza has six lines, the second stanza has ten lines, and the final stanza has four lines. This structure is intentional and contributes to the poem's overall theme.
The first stanza sets the tone for the poem, introducing the speaker's theory about the universe. The second stanza is where the speaker delves deeper into this theory, and the final stanza serves as a conclusion to the poem.
Interpretation of the poem
The Theory is a complex poem that requires careful interpretation to understand its meaning fully. The speaker's theory about the universe is that it is a machine run by a master engineer. This engineer is in control of everything in the universe, from the smallest atom to the biggest star.
The speaker goes on to explain that this master engineer is not God but rather a man-made entity. This is a clear reference to the modern-day obsession with technology and science. People have become so reliant on technology that they have replaced spirituality and the arts with machines and gadgets.
The irony in this poem lies in the fact that the machine that the master engineer controls is flawed. It is constantly breaking down, and the engineer is constantly fixing it. This is a metaphor for the imperfections in our modern society. Despite our obsession with technology and science, we are still flawed, and our machines are not infallible.
Edson uses humor to convey his message, making the poem enjoyable to read. However, the humor does not detract from the poem's seriousness. Instead, it makes the message more accessible to a wider audience.
The final stanza serves as a conclusion to the poem, with the speaker stating that he has no proof for his theory. This is a metaphor for the uncertainty and unpredictability of the universe. Despite our best efforts to understand it, we will never have all the answers.
Symbolism in the poem
Edson uses symbolism to convey his message in The Theory. The master engineer is a symbol for our obsession with technology and science. The machine that he controls is a symbol for our modern society, with all its flaws and imperfections.
The speaker's theory about the universe is also a symbol for our need to understand the world around us. We are constantly searching for answers, but we will never have all the answers.
Metaphors in the poem
The poem is full of metaphors that contribute to its overall theme. The universe as a machine is a metaphor for our modern society, with all its complexities and imperfections. The master engineer is a metaphor for our obsession with technology and science, while the broken machine is a metaphor for our flawed society.
Conclusion
The Theory by Russell Edson is a masterpiece of modern poetry. It is a unique and unconventional poem that uses humor, symbolism, and metaphor to convey a serious message about our modern society's obsession with technology and science. The poem's structure, symbolism, and metaphors all contribute to its overall theme, making it a fascinating piece of literature to interpret and analyze.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry has always been a medium of expression for human beings. It is a form of art that allows us to convey our deepest emotions, thoughts, and experiences through words. However, the definition of poetry has always been a subject of debate. What makes a poem a poem? What distinguishes it from other forms of writing? These are some of the questions that have been explored by poets and literary critics for centuries. In his essay, "Poetry The Theory," Russell Edson offers his own unique perspective on what poetry is and what it should be.
Edson begins his essay by stating that poetry is not a "thing," but rather a "process." He argues that poetry is not just a collection of words on a page, but rather a dynamic interaction between the poet, the reader, and the language itself. According to Edson, poetry is a way of "seeing" the world, a way of perceiving reality that is different from the way we normally see things. He writes, "Poetry is a way of seeing, not a way of saying."
Edson's view of poetry as a process is closely tied to his belief that language is not a fixed entity, but rather a fluid and constantly evolving medium. He argues that poets should not be bound by the rules of grammar and syntax, but rather should use language in a way that is creative and innovative. He writes, "The poet is not a slave to language, but rather a master of it."
One of the key themes of Edson's essay is the idea that poetry should be playful and imaginative. He believes that poets should not take themselves too seriously and should be willing to experiment with language and form. He writes, "The poet must be willing to play with language, to take risks, to be foolish, to be serious, to be anything and everything."
Edson's emphasis on playfulness and imagination is reflected in his own poetry, which is often surreal and whimsical. In one of his most famous poems, "The Fall," he describes a man who falls from a great height and lands on a bed of flowers. The man is unharmed and begins to dance with the flowers. This poem is a perfect example of Edson's belief that poetry should be a way of seeing the world in a new and unexpected way.
Another important theme of Edson's essay is the idea that poetry should be accessible to everyone. He argues that poetry should not be an elitist art form, but rather something that is open and inclusive. He writes, "Poetry is not just for the educated elite, but for everyone who has a heart and a mind."
Edson's belief in the accessibility of poetry is reflected in his own writing style, which is often simple and straightforward. He uses everyday language and avoids the use of obscure or esoteric words. This makes his poetry easy to understand and appreciate, even for those who are not familiar with the conventions of poetry.
In conclusion, Russell Edson's essay "Poetry The Theory" offers a unique and insightful perspective on what poetry is and what it should be. He argues that poetry is not a fixed entity, but rather a dynamic process that involves the poet, the reader, and the language itself. He believes that poetry should be playful, imaginative, and accessible to everyone. Edson's own poetry reflects these beliefs, and his work continues to inspire and challenge readers to see the world in new and unexpected ways.
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