'The Position' by Russell Edson

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They let me in. I went right up to the nurseryand climbed into the crib, and assumed the famousfetal position.They didn't know what to make of it. They stoodby the crib looking down at me.They were young. This was their house. Insteadof an infant, a grown man is in the nursery.Of course they hadn't planned on anything likethis. It never occurred to them that anythinglike this could happen.I had made my move. All I could do was to keepthe position, pretending to sleep . . .

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Position: A Mind-Boggling Poetry Experience by Russell Edson

Have you ever read a poem that left you perplexed, scratching your head, and wondering what on earth the writer was talking about? Well, if you haven't, then you're yet to encounter Russell Edson's "The Position." Edson's poetry defies convention and challenges the reader to think beyond the surface level. In this critical analysis, we'll delve into the themes, imagery, and literary devices featured in "The Position" to unravel the meaning behind this enigmatic poem.

The Position: A Summary

At first glance, "The Position" appears to be a simple and straightforward poem. The speaker describes a position, stating that it's "the one that we all have to be in, eventually." However, as the poem progresses, it becomes apparent that the position isn't referring to a physical stance but rather a state of being.

The speaker notes that in this position, "we are all young and old, and always in the middle of things." This line is crucial as it sets the tone for the rest of the poem. It's a reminder that we're all susceptible to the ebb and flow of life, and that death is an inevitability that we must all face.

The poem then takes a surreal turn, with the speaker describing the position as "a hole in the ground that is always there." This image of a hole in the ground represents the final resting place of all living beings. It's a metaphorical representation of death, and the inevitability that we'll all end up in the same place.

The final lines of the poem cement the idea that the position is a state of being. The speaker notes that in this position, "we are all standing on our heads, walking about on our hands, and talking backwards." This imagery is a metaphor for the confusion and disorientation that comes with facing one's mortality.

Themes in The Position

"The Position" explores several themes that are central to Edson's poetry. One of the most prominent themes is death. The hole in the ground that the speaker describes is a metaphor for death, and the inevitability that we'll all face it. This theme is further reinforced by the line, "the one that we all have to be in, eventually." Edson reminds us that death is an inescapable reality that we must all confront.

Another theme that runs throughout the poem is the idea of the human condition. The speaker notes that in the position, "we are all young and old, and always in the middle of things." This line speaks to the idea that life is a journey, and we're all at different stages of that journey. It's a reminder that despite our differences, we're all human, and we'll all end up in the same place.

Imagery in The Position

Edson's use of imagery in "The Position" is striking and thought-provoking. The hole in the ground that the speaker describes is a powerful image that represents death. It's a metaphor for the final resting place of all living beings, and a reminder that death is an inevitability that we must all face.

The image of standing on our heads, walking about on our hands, and talking backwards is also a powerful metaphor. It speaks to the confusion and disorientation that comes with facing one's mortality. It's a reminder that death is a disorienting and confusing experience, and that we must all eventually face it.

Literary Devices in The Position

Edson's use of literary devices in "The Position" is masterful. The repetition of the phrase "the position" throughout the poem serves to reinforce the idea that it's a state of being. It's a reminder that we're all in this position, and that we'll all face the same fate.

The use of metaphor is also a prominent literary device in the poem. The image of the hole in the ground as a metaphor for death is particularly striking. It's a powerful and evocative image that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

Conclusion

In "The Position," Russell Edson challenges the reader to think beyond the surface level. Through his use of imagery and literary devices, Edson explores the themes of death and the human condition. The poem is a poignant reminder that despite our differences, we're all human, and we'll all end up in the same place.

If you're looking for a mind-boggling poetry experience that will leave you questioning your own mortality, then "The Position" is the poem for you. Edson's surreal and thought-provoking style is sure to leave a lasting impression on any reader.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry has always been a medium for expressing emotions, thoughts, and ideas in a creative and artistic way. It is a form of literature that has the power to evoke strong emotions and leave a lasting impact on the reader. One such poem that has stood the test of time is "The Position" by Russell Edson.

"The Position" is a surreal and thought-provoking poem that explores the themes of power, control, and manipulation. It is a poem that challenges the reader to question their own beliefs and perceptions about the world around them.

The poem begins with the speaker describing a man who is in a position of power. The man is described as having "a great deal of power" and is able to control the actions of others. He is able to make people do things that they would not normally do, simply by being in a position of authority.

The man's power is further emphasized by the fact that he is able to control the weather. He is able to make it rain or shine, depending on his mood. This is a clear indication of the man's god-like status and his ability to manipulate the natural world.

As the poem progresses, the speaker describes how the man uses his power to control the actions of others. He is able to make people do things that they would not normally do, simply by using his words. The man is able to manipulate people's thoughts and emotions, making them believe that they are doing something of their own free will, when in reality, they are being controlled by the man.

The poem takes a surreal turn when the speaker describes how the man is able to control the position of the sun. He is able to move the sun across the sky, making it rise and set at his command. This is a clear indication of the man's god-like status and his ability to control the natural world.

The poem ends with the speaker describing how the man's power eventually fades away. The man is no longer able to control the weather or the position of the sun. He is no longer in a position of power and is forced to live like an ordinary person.

"The Position" is a powerful poem that explores the themes of power, control, and manipulation. It is a poem that challenges the reader to question their own beliefs and perceptions about the world around them. The poem is a reminder that power is fleeting and that those who abuse their power will eventually lose it.

The surreal and fantastical elements of the poem add to its overall impact. The fact that the man is able to control the weather and the position of the sun adds to his god-like status and emphasizes the extent of his power. The surreal elements of the poem also serve to highlight the absurdity of the man's actions and the consequences of his abuse of power.

The poem is also notable for its use of language. The language is simple and straightforward, yet it is able to convey complex ideas and emotions. The use of repetition, particularly in the description of the man's power, adds to the poem's impact and emphasizes the extent of the man's control.

In conclusion, "The Position" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the themes of power, control, and manipulation. It is a poem that challenges the reader to question their own beliefs and perceptions about the world around them. The surreal and fantastical elements of the poem add to its overall impact, while the use of language is simple yet effective. "The Position" is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers today.

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