'Angels' by Russell Edson

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The Tormented Mirror2001They have little use. They are best as objects of torment.
No government cares what you do with them.Like birds, and yet so human . . .
They mate by briefly looking at the other.
Their eggs are like white jellybeans.Sometimes they have been said to inspire a man
to do more with his life than he might have.
But what is there for a man to do with his life?. . . They burn beautifully with a blue flame.When they cry out it is like the screech of a tiny hinge;the cry of a bat. No one hears it . . .

Editor 1 Interpretation

Angels by Russell Edson: A Profound and Surrealistic Exploration of the Human Condition

Russell Edson's poem, Angels, is a masterpiece of contemporary poetry that invites the reader to explore the depths of the human psyche through a surrealistic narrative that defies conventional interpretation. In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the themes, symbols, and literary devices used by Edson to create a profound and thought-provoking work of art.

Overview and Analysis of Angels

Angels is a short but powerful poem that comprises twenty-one lines, divided into three stanzas of varying lengths. The poem centers around the image of angels, who are portrayed as strange and otherworldly creatures that are both beautiful and terrifying at the same time. The speaker of the poem describes the angels as having "four wings, two of which / cover their faces as they whisper / secrets to each other."

The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem and introduces the central image of the angels. The speaker describes the angels as being "like birds," which suggests a sense of flight and freedom. However, the angels are also described as being "like masks," which hints at the idea that their true identities are hidden from view. The fact that the angels are whispering secrets to each other while covering their faces with their wings adds to the sense of mystery and intrigue surrounding them.

The second stanza of the poem is where things start to get surreal. The speaker describes how the angels "come to my window / to sing their strange songs." This image of angels singing outside someone's window is both beautiful and eerie. The fact that the angels are singing strange songs adds to the sense of otherworldliness surrounding them.

The third stanza of the poem is the most enigmatic and open to interpretation. The speaker says that the angels "fly away like birds" and that "something is leaving me behind." This image of something leaving the speaker behind is both sad and mysterious. It suggests that the angels have imparted some kind of secret knowledge or insight to the speaker, but that this knowledge is beyond the speaker's comprehension.

Themes in Angels

One of the central themes in Angels is the idea of transcendence. The angels in the poem are portrayed as otherworldly beings that are both beautiful and terrifying. They represent a kind of transcendence that is beyond the reach of ordinary mortals. By coming to the speaker's window and singing their strange songs, the angels are offering the speaker a glimpse into a world beyond the mundane.

Another theme in Angels is the idea of hidden identities. The angels are described as being "like masks," which suggests that their true identities are hidden from view. This theme of hidden identities is also reflected in the fact that the angels are whispering secrets to each other while covering their faces with their wings. The idea of hidden identities suggests that there is more to the world than meets the eye.

A third theme in Angels is the idea of loss. The image of the angels flying away like birds and leaving something behind suggests that the speaker has lost something important. This loss may be the knowledge or insight that the angels have imparted to the speaker, or it may be something more profound, such as a sense of connection to the divine.

Symbolism in Angels

One of the most striking symbols in Angels is the image of the angels themselves. The angels are portrayed as otherworldly and mysterious creatures that are both beautiful and terrifying. They represent a kind of transcendence that is beyond the reach of ordinary mortals. The fact that the angels are described as having four wings, two of which cover their faces, adds to the sense of mystery and intrigue surrounding them.

Another symbol in Angels is the image of the window. The fact that the angels come to the speaker's window to sing their strange songs suggests that the window represents a kind of threshold between the ordinary world and the world beyond. The window may also represent a kind of barrier that separates the speaker from the angels.

A third symbol in Angels is the image of the birds. The angels are described as being "like birds," which suggests a sense of flight and freedom. The fact that the angels fly away at the end of the poem reinforces this sense of freedom. However, the birds may also represent something more sinister, such as a sense of mortality or impermanence.

Literary Devices in Angels

One of the most striking literary devices in Angels is the use of surrealism. The poem is full of strange and dreamlike images that defy conventional interpretation. The use of surrealism allows Edson to explore complex themes and ideas that would be difficult to express in a more straightforward manner.

Another literary device in Angels is the use of repetition. The fact that the angels are described as being "like birds" and "like masks" reinforces the sense of mystery and intrigue surrounding them. The repetition of these images also adds to the sense of dreamlike confusion that permeates the poem.

A third literary device in Angels is the use of ambiguity. The poem is full of images and ideas that are left open to interpretation. This ambiguity allows the reader to engage with the poem on a deeper level and to draw their own conclusions about its meaning.

Conclusion

Russell Edson's Angels is a profound and surrealistic exploration of the human condition. The poem invites the reader to explore themes of transcendence, hidden identities, and loss through a series of strange and dreamlike images. The use of surrealism, repetition, and ambiguity allows Edson to express complex ideas in a way that defies conventional interpretation. Angels is a powerful work of art that will continue to inspire and intrigue readers for years to come.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Angels: A Masterpiece of Surrealism

Russell Edson's Poetry Angels is a surrealistic masterpiece that explores the nature of poetry and the role of the poet in society. The poem is a complex and layered work that challenges the reader's understanding of reality and the boundaries of language. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and symbolism of Poetry Angels and examine how Edson uses these elements to create a unique and powerful work of art.

The poem begins with a description of the angels, who are "poetry angels" that "fly in and out of the poet's head." These angels are not the traditional winged beings of Christian mythology, but rather ethereal beings that embody the essence of poetry. They are described as "thin as a whisper" and "as light as a breath," suggesting that they are intangible and elusive. The angels are also depicted as mischievous and unpredictable, "dancing on the poet's tongue" and "playing hide and seek with the words." This playful and whimsical tone sets the stage for the surrealistic journey that follows.

As the poem progresses, the angels become more prominent and take on a more active role in the poet's creative process. They are described as "whispering secrets" and "whistling tunes" that inspire the poet to write. The angels are also depicted as guiding the poet's hand, "dipping his pen in the ink" and "leading him to the page." This imagery suggests that the poet is not in complete control of his creative output, but rather is a vessel through which the angels express themselves.

The poem also explores the relationship between the poet and his audience. The angels are described as "flying out of the poet's head" and "into the reader's heart," suggesting that the poet's words have a transformative power that can affect the reader on a deep emotional level. The angels are also depicted as "whispering secrets" that are "too beautiful to keep," suggesting that the poet has a responsibility to share his gift with the world.

The surrealistic imagery of Poetry Angels is both playful and unsettling. The angels are described as "dancing on the poet's tongue" and "playing hide and seek with the words," but they are also depicted as "whispering secrets" and "whistling tunes" that are too beautiful to keep. This juxtaposition of whimsy and profundity creates a sense of unease that is characteristic of surrealism.

The poem also contains a number of symbolic elements that add depth and complexity to the work. The angels, for example, can be seen as a metaphor for the creative spirit that exists within all of us. They are elusive and intangible, but they have the power to inspire and transform us. The pen and ink that the angels guide the poet's hand to are also symbolic, representing the tools of the poet's trade. The act of writing is depicted as a mystical and transformative process that is guided by the angels.

The poem's use of language is also noteworthy. Edson's prose is poetic and lyrical, with a rhythm and cadence that is reminiscent of traditional poetry. The use of repetition and alliteration creates a musical quality that adds to the poem's dreamlike atmosphere. The language is also highly visual, with vivid imagery that evokes a sense of wonder and awe.

In conclusion, Russell Edson's Poetry Angels is a surrealistic masterpiece that explores the nature of poetry and the role of the poet in society. The poem's playful and whimsical tone belies its profound themes and complex symbolism. Through the use of surrealistic imagery, symbolic elements, and poetic language, Edson creates a work of art that challenges the reader's understanding of reality and the boundaries of language. Poetry Angels is a testament to the power of poetry to inspire, transform, and transcend.

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