'Ape' by Russell Edson

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1976You haven't finished your ape, said mother to father,who had monkey hair and blood on his whiskers.I've had enough monkey, cried father.You didn't eat the hands, and I went to all thetrouble to make onion rings for its fingers, said mother.I'll just nibble on its forehead, and then I've had enough,said father.I stuffed its nose with garlic, just like you like it, saidmother.Why don't you have the butcher cut these apes up? You laythe whole thing on the table every night; the same fracturedskull, the same singed fur; like someone who died horribly. Thesearen't dinners, these are post-mortem dissections.Try a piece of its gum, I've stuffed its mouth with bread,said mother.Ugh, it looks like a mouth full of vomit. How can I bite intoits cheek with bread spilling out of its mouth? cried father.Break one of the ears off, they're so crispy, said mother.I wish to hell you'd put underpants on these apes; even ajockstrap, screamed father.Father, how dare you insinuate that I see the ape as anythingmore thn simple meat, screamed mother.Well what's with this ribbon tied in a bow on its privates?screamed father.Are you saying that I am in love with this vicious creature?That I would submit my female opening to this brute? That afterwe had love on the kitchen floor I would put him in the oven, afterbreaking his head with a frying pan; and then serve him to my husband,that my husband might eat the evidence of my infidelity . . . ?I'm just saying that I'm damn sick of ape every night,cried father.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Interpretation and Criticism of "Poetry, Ape" by Russell Edson

Russell Edson's "Poetry, Ape" is a thought-provoking poem that delves into the nature of poetry, its relationship with the human condition, and its potential to transcend language barriers. At its core, the poem suggests that poetry is not only an art form, but also a means of communication that can bridge the gap between humans and animals, and even between different cultures.

The Poem's Structure and Language

At first glance, "Poetry, Ape" appears to be a simple poem, consisting of only six short stanzas. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that Edson's use of language is anything but simplistic. The poem's language is rich in metaphor and symbolism, and Edson employs a variety of literary devices such as alliteration, repetition, and personification to convey his message.

The poem's opening lines immediately set the tone for the rest of the piece, as Edson compares a "poetry reading" to "feeding an ape." This metaphor establishes the idea that poetry is something that is consumed, and that the poet is like a caretaker who must provide sustenance to their audience. As the poem progresses, Edson expands on this metaphor, comparing the audience to a "gaping mouth" and the poet to "the hand that feeds."

Throughout the poem, Edson also employs personification to give voice to the ape, who is depicted as a sentient being with the ability to understand and appreciate poetry. For example, in the second stanza, Edson writes, "The ape listens / From his open cage, / Knowing well what is said." This personification not only humanizes the ape, but also suggests that there is a deeper connection between humans and animals than we may realize.

The Relationship Between Poetry and the Human Condition

Beyond its use of metaphor and symbolism, "Poetry, Ape" also explores the relationship between poetry and the human condition. Throughout the poem, Edson suggests that poetry has the power to transcend language barriers and bring people together, regardless of their cultural or linguistic backgrounds.

One of the most striking examples of this idea is in the third stanza, where Edson writes, "The ape understands, / But can't speak, / As we who speak / But can't understand." This line suggests that poetry has the ability to convey meaning beyond words, and that sometimes, it is the act of listening and understanding that is more important than the act of speaking.

In addition to its ability to bridge linguistic and cultural barriers, "Poetry, Ape" also suggests that poetry has the power to connect us to our own humanity. In the final stanza, Edson writes, "The ape and I / Are one in this: / We listen and understand / The poetry that is food for the soul." This line suggests that, in listening to poetry, we are able to tap into a deeper, more universal aspect of ourselves that transcends our individual experiences.

The Significance of the Ape

One of the most intriguing aspects of "Poetry, Ape" is the use of the ape as a central metaphor. Throughout the poem, the ape serves as a symbol for the animalistic, instinctual aspects of humanity that poetry has the power to connect us to. However, the use of the ape also serves a more specific purpose in the poem.

As a non-human animal, the ape represents an "other" that is separate from the human experience. However, by using the ape as a metaphor for the audience at a poetry reading, Edson suggests that there is a connection between humans and animals that we often overlook. This connection is further reinforced by the fact that the ape is able to understand and appreciate poetry, despite its inability to speak.

In this sense, the ape serves as a bridge between the human and animal worlds, and suggests that poetry has the power to connect us to aspects of ourselves and our environment that we may not have been aware of before.

Conclusion

Overall, "Poetry, Ape" is a rich and thought-provoking poem that explores the nature of poetry, its relationship with the human condition, and its potential to transcend language barriers. Through its use of metaphor, symbolism, and personification, the poem suggests that poetry is not only an art form, but also a means of communication that can bridge the gap between humans and animals, and even between different cultures.

Perhaps the most significant aspect of the poem is its use of the ape as a central metaphor, which serves to connect us to our animalistic, instinctual nature, and to remind us that there is a deeper connection between humans and animals than we may realize. Ultimately, "Poetry, Ape" is a testament to the power of poetry to connect us to ourselves, to each other, and to the world around us.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Ape: A Masterpiece of Surrealism

Russell Edson's Poetry Ape is a surrealistic masterpiece that challenges the conventional notions of poetry and language. The poem is a perfect example of Edson's unique style, which is characterized by absurdity, humor, and a deep sense of irony. In this article, we will explore the various themes and literary devices used in Poetry Ape and analyze how they contribute to the overall meaning of the poem.

The poem begins with a simple and straightforward statement: "I saw the Poetry Ape." However, as the poem progresses, it becomes clear that the Poetry Ape is not an ordinary creature. The speaker describes the ape as having "a book in his hairy hand" and "a look of infinite sadness in his eyes." These details immediately set the tone for the rest of the poem, which is filled with paradoxes and contradictions.

One of the most striking aspects of Poetry Ape is the way in which Edson uses language. The poem is filled with puns, wordplay, and unexpected juxtapositions. For example, the speaker describes the Poetry Ape as "a simian Shakespeare" and "a primate Petrarch." These comparisons are both humorous and thought-provoking, as they challenge our assumptions about what poetry is and who can create it.

Another literary device used in Poetry Ape is personification. The Poetry Ape is not just a creature, but a symbol of the creative process itself. The speaker describes the ape as "picking fleas from his fur / and composing sonnets in his head." This image of the Poetry Ape as both a mundane animal and a brilliant poet is both absurd and profound.

The theme of creativity is central to Poetry Ape. The poem suggests that creativity is not limited to humans, but can be found in unexpected places. The Poetry Ape is a reminder that art and inspiration can come from anywhere, even from a creature as seemingly insignificant as a monkey. This theme is reinforced by the poem's use of surrealism, which allows for the unexpected and the impossible.

Another theme explored in Poetry Ape is the relationship between art and sadness. The speaker describes the Poetry Ape as having "a look of infinite sadness in his eyes." This suggests that the act of creation is not always joyful, but can be a source of pain and melancholy. The poem suggests that the Poetry Ape's sadness is a result of his deep connection to his art, which is both a blessing and a curse.

The final stanza of Poetry Ape is perhaps the most enigmatic. The speaker describes the Poetry Ape as "disappearing into the mist / with his book of sonnets." This image is both beautiful and haunting, as it suggests that the Poetry Ape's work is ephemeral and fleeting. The mist represents the unknown and the unknowable, and the Poetry Ape's disappearance suggests that his art is ultimately beyond our understanding.

In conclusion, Poetry Ape is a surrealistic masterpiece that challenges our assumptions about poetry, language, and creativity. Through its use of wordplay, personification, and surrealism, the poem explores themes of creativity, sadness, and the relationship between art and the unknown. The Poetry Ape is a symbol of the creative process itself, and a reminder that inspiration can come from unexpected places. Russell Edson's unique style and vision make Poetry Ape a truly unforgettable work of art.

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