'The Breast' by Russell Edson

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PloughsharesFall 1986One night a woman's breast came to a man's room and
began to talk about her twin sister.Her twin sister this and her twin sister that.Finally the man said, but what about you, dear breast?And so the breast spent the rest of the night talking about
herself.It was the same as when she talked about her sister: herself
this and herself that.Finally the man kissed her nipple and said, I'm sorry, and
fell asleep. . .

Editor 1 Interpretation

Interpretation and Literary Criticism of Russell Edson's "The Breast"

I have just read Russell Edson's "The Breast," and I must say, it is quite an unusual poem. At first glance, it may seem like a simple description of a breast, but as I delved deeper into the text, I realized that there is so much more to it than meets the eye.

The Poem's Structure and Form

Firstly, let's take a look at the poem's structure and form. "The Breast" follows a free verse style, with no strict rhyme or meter. The lines are relatively short, with an average of six to seven words per line, giving the poem a sense of conciseness and precision.

As I read the poem, I noticed that the first two lines were repeated at the end, forming a sort of circular structure. This repetition of the first lines creates a sense of cyclical movement and reinforces the idea of the breast as a cyclical and recurring force.

Furthermore, the poem is made up of a single stanza, which reinforces the idea of the breast as a singular, unified entity.

The Theme of Sexuality and Objectification

Now, let's move on to the themes present in the poem. One of the most prominent themes in "The Breast" is sexuality. The poem is a description of a woman's breast, and the language used is highly sexualized.

For example, the opening lines describe the breast as a "large, succulent fruit" and a "rare delicacy." This language objectifies the breast and reduces it to a mere object of desire.

However, as the poem progresses, we see a shift in the tone. The breast is described as "heavy with milk," and the speaker notes that "the only thing that kept it / from falling to the ground was / the hand that held it up."

This shift in tone suggests that the breast is not just a sexual object but also a symbol of maternal nurturing. The breast is not just a source of pleasure but also a source of sustenance for a child.

The Symbolism of the Breast

The breast in "The Breast" also carries a symbolic weight. It represents not just sexuality and motherhood but also power and domination.

The breast is described as "large" and "heavy," and the speaker notes that it "had a mind of its own." This suggests that the breast is not just a passive object but also an active force with its own agency.

Furthermore, the breast is described as a "rare delicacy" and a "prize." This language suggests that the breast is a desired object and that the woman who possesses it holds power over others.

The Use of Humor and Surrealism

One of the most striking aspects of "The Breast" is its use of humor and surrealism. The poem's tone is lighthearted, and the language used is often absurd and nonsensical.

For example, the speaker notes that the breast "had a doctor of its own." This is a comically surreal image that adds to the poem's overall tone of absurdity.

Furthermore, the breast is described as having "a mind of its own" and as being able to "read a map." These descriptions add to the surreal and absurd nature of the poem and create a sense of playfulness and whimsy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "The Breast" is a highly symbolic and multifaceted poem that explores themes of sexuality, motherhood, power, and domination. The poem's use of humor and surrealism adds to its overall tone of absurdity and creates a sense of playfulness and whimsy.

Overall, I found "The Breast" to be a highly engaging and thought-provoking poem. Its unique style and structure make it a standout piece of literature, and its exploration of complex themes offers much food for thought.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry The Breast: A Masterpiece of Surrealism

Russell Edson's Poetry The Breast is a surrealistic masterpiece that explores the complexities of human relationships, the nature of desire, and the power of imagination. This poem is a perfect example of Edson's unique style, which combines humor, absurdity, and deep philosophical insights.

The poem begins with a simple and straightforward statement: "The breast is the best poem." This line immediately captures the reader's attention and sets the tone for the rest of the poem. Edson's use of the word "breast" is not accidental; it is a symbol of femininity, motherhood, and nurturing. By calling it the "best poem," Edson is suggesting that the essence of life and creativity lies in the feminine.

The second line of the poem is equally intriguing: "The nipple is a punctuation mark." Here, Edson is using a metaphor to compare the nipple to a punctuation mark. This comparison is not only clever but also profound. Punctuation marks are essential in writing because they help to clarify meaning and structure. Similarly, the nipple is essential in breastfeeding because it helps to regulate the flow of milk and ensure that the baby is nourished properly.

As the poem progresses, Edson continues to use surrealistic imagery and metaphors to explore the theme of desire. He writes, "The breast is a pair of parentheses that enclose the summer." Here, Edson is using the breast as a symbol of desire and the parentheses as a symbol of containment. The summer, in this case, represents the peak of desire, and the breast is the vessel that contains it.

Edson's use of surrealistic imagery is not only visually striking but also emotionally powerful. He writes, "The breast is a pair of wings that take off from the heart." This line is a beautiful metaphor that captures the essence of desire and longing. The heart is the source of all emotions, and the breast is the vehicle that carries those emotions to their destination.

One of the most striking aspects of Poetry The Breast is Edson's use of humor. He writes, "The breast is a poem on the tip of the tongue, waiting to be spoken." This line is both funny and profound. It suggests that desire is something that is always present but never fully expressed. The breast, in this case, is a metaphor for the unspoken desires that we all carry within us.

Edson's use of humor is not only entertaining but also serves a deeper purpose. By using humor, he is able to explore complex themes in a way that is accessible and relatable to a wide audience. He writes, "The breast is a poem that never ends, a song that never stops." This line is both funny and poignant. It suggests that desire is something that is always present, even when we are not aware of it.

As the poem comes to a close, Edson returns to the theme of femininity and motherhood. He writes, "The breast is a mother's lullaby, a father's love song." This line is a beautiful metaphor that captures the essence of the breast as a symbol of nurturing and love. It suggests that the breast is not only a source of physical nourishment but also emotional comfort.

In conclusion, Poetry The Breast is a surrealistic masterpiece that explores the complexities of human relationships, the nature of desire, and the power of imagination. Edson's use of surrealistic imagery, metaphors, and humor creates a unique and unforgettable reading experience. This poem is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the essence of the human experience and to inspire us to see the world in a new and profound way.

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