'The Melting' by Russell Edson
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PloughsharesSummer/Fall 1982An old woman likes to melt her husband. She puts him in
a melting device, and he pours out the other end in a hot
bloody syrup, which she catches in a series of little husband
molds.What splatters on the floor the dog licks up.When they have set she has seventeen little husbands.
One she throws to the dog because the genitals didn't set
right; too much like a vulva because of an air bubble.Then there are sixteen naked little husbands standing
in a row across the kitchen table.She diddles them and they produce sixteen little erections.She thinks she might melt her husband again. She likes
melting him.She might pour him into an even smaller series of husband
molds . . .
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Melting: A Surrealist Masterpiece by Russell Edson
When it comes to surreal poetry, few names can match the brilliance of Russell Edson. Born in 1935, Edson was an American poet, novelist, and playwright who died in 2014, leaving behind a legacy of surreal and absurdist literature that continues to inspire new generations of writers and readers. Among his most famous works is the poem "The Melting," which was first published in 1963 and remains a classic of the genre. In this 4000 word literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, imagery, and style of "The Melting" and unveil some of its mysteries.
The Theme of Transformation
One of the central themes of "The Melting" is transformation. The poem describes a woman who is melting under the sun, turning into a puddle of wax. At first glance, this may seem like a grotesque and macabre image, but Edson uses it to explore deeper psychological and philosophical issues. The woman's transformation can be seen as a metaphor for the human condition, in which we are constantly changing and evolving. The melting process can be interpreted as a symbol of decay, death, and rebirth, as well as the loss of identity and selfhood.
Edson's use of surrealism allows him to explore these themes in a unique and imaginative way. The woman's melting is not depicted as a natural or rational process, but rather as a bizarre and fantastical event. This creates a sense of estrangement and disorientation that forces the reader to question their assumptions about reality and identity. The melting woman can be seen as a representation of the unconscious or the irrational, which is often hidden beneath the surface of our conscious selves.
The Image of the Sun
Another key element of "The Melting" is the image of the sun. The poem begins with the line, "She is melting in the sun," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the work. The sun can be interpreted as a symbol of life, vitality, and energy, but also of destruction, heat, and danger. The woman's melting can be seen as a consequence of her exposure to the sun, as if she is being consumed by its power.
The sun is also a recurring motif in surrealism, where it often represents the source of all creation and destruction. In Salvador Dali's famous painting, "The Persistence of Memory," the image of a melting clock is juxtaposed with a barren landscape and a distorted image of the sun. Similarly, in "The Melting," the woman's transformation is set against a backdrop of a "burning landscape," which suggests a world in turmoil and chaos.
The Style of Surrealism
One of the most striking features of "The Melting" is its use of surrealism. Surrealism is a literary and artistic movement that emerged in the early 20th century, characterized by its rejection of rationality, logic, and traditional forms of representation. Surrealist works often feature bizarre and dreamlike imagery, as well as unexpected juxtapositions of objects and ideas.
Edson's use of surrealism in "The Melting" allows him to create a world that is both familiar and unfamiliar. The melting woman and the burning landscape are recognizable images, but their context and meaning are destabilized by their presentation in a surrealistic mode. The poem does not follow a linear narrative or logical progression, but rather jumps from one image to another, creating a sense of disorientation and uncertainty.
Edson's style also incorporates elements of humor and irony, which serve to undercut the seriousness of the themes he explores. The woman's melting is both tragic and absurd, as if she is a character in a dark comedy. This blend of humor and horror is a hallmark of surrealism, which often uses laughter as a means of subverting expectations and challenging social norms.
The Interpretation of Symbols
Another aspect of "The Melting" that warrants closer examination is its use of symbols. Symbols are objects or images that have a deeper meaning beyond their surface appearance. In "The Melting," a number of symbols are used to convey the poem's themes and ideas.
One of the most obvious symbols is the wax that the woman is melting into. Wax can be interpreted as a symbol of transformation and metamorphosis, as it can be molded and shaped into different forms. However, it can also be seen as a symbol of fragility and impermanence, as wax melts easily and is vulnerable to heat and fire.
Another symbol in the poem is the burning landscape, which can be seen as a symbol of destruction and chaos. The landscape is described as "a burning, seething, bubbling mass of matter," which suggests a world in turmoil and upheaval. This image can be interpreted as a commentary on the state of society or the human condition, in which violence and conflict are ever-present.
Finally, the sun itself can be seen as a symbol of power and energy, as well as a symbol of the cyclical nature of life. The sun rises and sets each day, suggesting a cycle of birth and death that is mirrored in the woman's transformation.
The Importance of Surrealism in Literature
"The Melting" is a testament to the power of surrealism in literature. The use of surrealistic imagery, symbols, and language allows Edson to explore complex themes and ideas in a way that is both imaginative and thought-provoking. The surrealistic mode also encourages the reader to question their assumptions and challenge their preconceived notions about reality and identity.
Surrealism remains an important literary and artistic movement today, influencing writers, artists, and filmmakers around the world. Its legacy can be seen in the works of contemporary writers such as Haruki Murakami, who often employs surrealistic elements in his novels, and filmmakers such as David Lynch, whose movies often feature dreamlike and nightmarish imagery.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "The Melting" is a surreal masterpiece that explores the themes of transformation, identity, and power in a unique and imaginative way. Edson's use of surrealism allows him to create a world that is both familiar and unfamiliar, challenging the reader to question their assumptions about reality and identity. The poem's imagery, symbols, and language are all carefully crafted to convey its deeper meanings, making it a powerful and thought-provoking work of literature.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Melting: A Masterpiece of Surrealist Poetry
Russell Edson's "The Melting" is a surrealistic poem that explores the theme of transformation and the fluidity of identity. The poem is a masterpiece of surrealist poetry, and it is a perfect example of how the surrealists used language to create a dreamlike atmosphere that challenges the reader's perception of reality.
The poem begins with a simple statement: "I am melting." This statement sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a series of surreal images that describe the speaker's transformation. The speaker is not just melting physically, but also mentally and emotionally. The melting is a metaphor for the speaker's transformation, and it is a powerful image that captures the essence of the poem.
The poem is divided into three stanzas, each of which explores a different aspect of the speaker's transformation. In the first stanza, the speaker describes how he is melting into the ground. He becomes one with the earth, and his identity is lost in the process. The image of melting into the ground is a powerful one, and it is a metaphor for the speaker's desire to escape from the constraints of his identity.
In the second stanza, the speaker describes how he is melting into the sky. He becomes one with the clouds, and his identity is lost once again. The image of melting into the sky is a metaphor for the speaker's desire to transcend his physical limitations and become something more than human.
In the third stanza, the speaker describes how he is melting into the sea. He becomes one with the water, and his identity is lost for the third time. The image of melting into the sea is a metaphor for the speaker's desire to merge with the universe and become one with everything.
The poem is full of surreal images that challenge the reader's perception of reality. The speaker's transformation is not just physical, but also mental and emotional. The melting is a metaphor for the speaker's desire to escape from the constraints of his identity and become something more than human.
The poem is also full of symbolism. The earth, sky, and sea are all powerful symbols that represent different aspects of the speaker's transformation. The earth represents the physical world, the sky represents the spiritual world, and the sea represents the universe. The speaker's desire to merge with these elements is a powerful symbol of his desire to transcend his physical limitations and become something more than human.
The poem is also full of irony. The speaker's desire to escape from his identity is ironic because he is losing his identity in the process. The melting is a metaphor for the speaker's desire to become something more than human, but in the end, he becomes nothing at all.
The language of the poem is also important. Edson uses simple language to create a dreamlike atmosphere that challenges the reader's perception of reality. The poem is full of surreal images that are both beautiful and disturbing. The language is also full of repetition, which creates a sense of rhythm and reinforces the theme of transformation.
In conclusion, "The Melting" is a masterpiece of surrealist poetry that explores the theme of transformation and the fluidity of identity. The poem is full of surreal images that challenge the reader's perception of reality, and it is a perfect example of how the surrealists used language to create a dreamlike atmosphere. The poem is also full of symbolism and irony, which add depth and complexity to the poem. Overall, "The Melting" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that deserves to be studied and appreciated by anyone who loves poetry.
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