'Grass' by Russell Edson

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The living room is overgrown with grass. It hascome up around the furniture. It stretches throughthe dining room, past the swinging door into thekitchen. It extends for miles and miles into thewalls . . .There's treasure in grass, things dropped or putthere; a stick of rust that was once a penknife, agrave marker. . . All hidden in the grass at thescalp of the window . . .In a cellar under the grass an old man sits in arocking chair, rocking to and fro. In his arms heholds an infant, the infant body of himself. Andhe rocks to and fro under the grass in thedark . . .

Editor 1 Interpretation

Interpretation and Analysis of "Grass" by Russell Edson

Oh, what a marvelous and bizarre piece of poetry we have here! "Grass" by Russell Edson is a masterpiece of surrealist poetry that defies conventional interpretations and brings to the forefront the absurdity of human existence. In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, I will delve into the deeper meanings of "Grass" and explore the various themes that run throughout the poem.

The Literal Meaning

At first glance, "Grass" seems like a simple poem about a man mowing his lawn. The first stanza sets the scene with the speaker describing how the man is mowing the grass outside his house. However, as the poem progresses, it becomes evident that there is a lot more going on beneath the surface.

The second stanza introduces the first surreal element of the poem. The man's lawn mower, which was initially described as a "machine," is now referred to as a "horse." The speaker tells us that the man is "riding" this horse, and the horse is "cropping" the grass. This image of a man "riding" a lawn mower like a horse is a strange one, and it immediately creates a sense of unease in the reader.

The third stanza continues in this vein, with the man becoming increasingly equine. He is described as having "grown the long tassels of a mare" and "a tail that flicked at flies." The man's transformation into a horse is complete in the fourth stanza when the speaker tells us that the man has "whinnied" and "nickered" at the passers-by.

At this point, the poem takes a surreal turn. In the fifth stanza, the speaker describes how the grass has started to grow back even as the man is mowing it. The grass is described as growing "so quickly you could hear it sighing" and "so thick you could not see the man." This image of grass growing at an alarming rate is a metaphor for the unstoppable force of nature.

The final stanza brings everything together. The man has disappeared, and all that is left is the grass, which has grown so tall that it has become a forest. The speaker tells us that the man is "lost among the green," and that "his voice is a wandering cry." This image of the man being consumed by the grass is a metaphor for the inevitable fate that awaits all of us.

The Deeper Meaning

While "Grass" can be read as a simple poem about a man mowing his lawn, it is clear that there is a lot more going on beneath the surface. The poem is a commentary on the absurdity of human existence and the inevitable forces that we all must confront.

One of the main themes of the poem is the idea of transformation. The man in the poem starts out as a human being, but he gradually transforms into a horse. This transformation is a metaphor for the way that we all change over time. As we age, our bodies change, and we become different people. The man's transformation into a horse also highlights the idea that humans are not as different from animals as we like to think.

Another theme of the poem is the idea of nature as an unstoppable force. The grass in the poem grows back even as the man is mowing it, and it eventually consumes him. This image of the grass growing at an alarming rate is a metaphor for the way that nature is indifferent to human desires. No matter how much we try to control it, nature will always have the upper hand.

The final stanza of the poem is particularly powerful. The man has disappeared, and all that is left is the grass, which has grown so tall that it has become a forest. The speaker tells us that the man is "lost among the green," and that "his voice is a wandering cry." This image of the man being consumed by the grass is a metaphor for the inevitable fate that awaits all of us. No matter how much we try to resist it, death will eventually come for us all.

The Importance of Surrealism

"Grass" is a perfect example of surrealist poetry. Surrealism is a literary movement that seeks to explore the subconscious mind and the world of dreams. Surrealist writers often use strange and unexpected imagery to create a sense of disorientation in the reader.

Russell Edson is a master of surrealist poetry, and "Grass" is one of his best works. By using surreal imagery, Edson is able to explore complex themes and ideas. The image of a man "riding" a lawn mower like a horse is a strange one, but it immediately creates a sense of unease in the reader. This unease is important because it forces the reader to confront their own assumptions about the world.

Conclusion

"Grass" by Russell Edson is a masterpiece of surrealist poetry that defies conventional interpretations and brings to the forefront the absurdity of human existence. Through surreal imagery, Edson is able to explore complex themes such as transformation and the unstoppable force of nature. The poem serves as a reminder that no matter how much we try to control our lives, we are ultimately at the mercy of forces beyond our control.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Russell Edson's "Grass" is a classic poem that has captivated readers for decades. The poem is a surrealistic masterpiece that explores the relationship between nature and humanity. It is a poem that is both beautiful and haunting, and it leaves a lasting impression on anyone who reads it.

The poem begins with the speaker describing a field of grass. The grass is described as being "tall and green," and it is said to be "swaying in the wind." The speaker then goes on to describe the grass as being "alive," and he marvels at its beauty. However, as the poem progresses, the speaker's tone becomes more ominous, and he begins to describe the grass in a more sinister light.

The poem's central theme is the relationship between nature and humanity. The speaker is fascinated by the grass, but he is also afraid of it. He sees the grass as a symbol of the natural world, and he is afraid of its power. The grass is described as being "alive," and this suggests that it has a will of its own. The speaker is afraid of what the grass might do if it were to turn against him.

The poem's surrealistic imagery is what makes it so powerful. The grass is described as being "tall and green," but it is also described as being "alive." This creates a sense of unease in the reader, as it suggests that the grass is not just a plant, but something more. The grass is also described as being "swaying in the wind," which creates a sense of movement and energy. This movement is contrasted with the stillness of the speaker, who is watching the grass from a distance.

As the poem progresses, the speaker's tone becomes more ominous. He begins to describe the grass in a more sinister light, suggesting that it is not just a harmless plant, but something that is capable of great harm. The grass is described as being "sharp," and the speaker suggests that it could "cut" him if he were to get too close. This creates a sense of danger, and it suggests that the grass is not something to be taken lightly.

The poem's final lines are perhaps the most powerful. The speaker suggests that the grass is "waiting" for him, and he wonders what it will do when he finally approaches it. This creates a sense of suspense, and it suggests that the grass is not just a passive object, but something that is actively waiting for the speaker to make a move.

In conclusion, Russell Edson's "Grass" is a powerful and haunting poem that explores the relationship between nature and humanity. The poem's surrealistic imagery creates a sense of unease in the reader, and the speaker's ominous tone suggests that the grass is not just a harmless plant, but something that is capable of great harm. The poem's final lines leave a lasting impression on the reader, and they suggest that the grass is not just a passive object, but something that is actively waiting for the speaker to make a move. Overall, "Grass" is a masterpiece of modern poetry, and it is a must-read for anyone who is interested in the relationship between nature and humanity.

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