'The Position' by Russell Edson
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They let me in. I went right up to the nursery
and climbed into the crib, and assumed the famous
fetal position.
They didn't know what to make of it. They stood
by the crib looking down at me.
They were young. This was their house. Instead
of an infant, a grown man is in the nursery.
Of course they hadn't planned on anything like
this. It never occurred to them that anything
like this could happen.
I had made my move. All I could do was to keep
the position, pretending to sleep . . .
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Position by Russell Edson: A Masterpiece of Absurdity
Have you ever read a poem that left you feeling confused, amused, and amazed all at the same time? That's exactly the kind of experience you'll have when you read "The Position" by Russell Edson. This poem, like many of Edson's works, is a masterpiece of absurdity that challenges our notions of what poetry should be and how it should be interpreted.
In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deeper into the themes, symbols, and literary devices used in "The Position" to understand its meaning and significance.
The Poem: A Surreal Encounter
The Position is a short poem that tells a surreal encounter between two characters, a man and a woman. The poem opens with the man asking the woman to "assume the position," which is never clearly defined but seems to involve some kind of sexual act.
Assume the position, but what will that prove?
The woman responds with a series of bizarre questions and statements that create a sense of confusion and disorientation. She asks if the man is "one of the chosen," and if he has "a ticket for the bus." She also declares that she is "not a fish," and that she has "no oil to give."
As the conversation progresses, the woman begins to take on increasingly surreal qualities. She sprouts wings and flies away, leaving the man alone and bewildered.
The Theme of Absurdity
The most prominent theme in "The Position" is absurdity. The poem is full of bizarre and nonsensical statements that challenge our sense of logic and reason. For example, the woman's question "what will that prove?" in response to the man's request to "assume the position" is a clear indication of the absurdity that permeates the poem.
Throughout the poem, Edson uses absurdity to subvert our expectations and challenge our assumptions about language, communication, and human interaction. By doing so, he invites us to question the very foundations of our reality and to consider new ways of seeing and understanding the world around us.
The Symbolism of the Position
Another important element of "The Position" is the symbolism of the position itself. Although the position is never explicitly defined, it seems to represent some kind of power dynamic or social hierarchy. The man's request for the woman to assume the position suggests that he holds some kind of authority over her, while the woman's reluctance to comply implies a resistance to this authority.
This power dynamic is further explored through the woman's questions about whether the man is "one of the chosen" and whether he has "a ticket for the bus." These questions suggest that there is some kind of exclusive club or group that the man is a part of, and that the woman is not privy to.
The symbolism of the position also highlights the theme of absurdity, as the absurdity of the situation is further emphasized by the fact that we don't even know what the position is supposed to be.
The Use of Imagery and Metaphor
One of the most striking aspects of "The Position" is its use of imagery and metaphor. Edson's language is rich with vivid descriptions that paint a surreal and dreamlike picture. For example, when the woman sprouts wings and flies away, we are transported to a fantastical world of wonder and imagination.
Similarly, the metaphor of the position itself is a powerful image that conveys a sense of both power and vulnerability. The man's request for the woman to assume the position suggests that he holds some kind of authority over her, while the woman's reluctance to comply implies a resistance to this authority.
The Significance of the Ending
The ending of "The Position" is perhaps the most enigmatic and open-ended aspect of the poem. After the woman flies away, the man is left alone and bewildered. This ending raises several questions: What was the point of the encounter? What did the woman's bizarre questions and statements mean? And what does the man's reaction to her departure signify?
One possible interpretation of the ending is that it represents the futility of human communication and interaction. The woman's surreal statements and the man's confusion suggest that communication between individuals is often fraught with misunderstanding and misinterpretation.
Another interpretation is that the woman's flight represents a liberation from the power dynamic that was previously established between the man and the woman. By flying away, the woman asserts her freedom and independence, and breaks free from the constraints of the position.
Conclusion: A Masterpiece of Absurdity
In conclusion, "The Position" is a masterpiece of absurdity that challenges our notions of what poetry should be and how it should be interpreted. Through its use of surreal imagery, bizarre dialogue, and enigmatic ending, the poem invites us to question our assumptions about language, communication, and human interaction.
As we read and re-read "The Position," we are left with more questions than answers, and that is precisely the point. For in the realm of the absurd, there are no easy answers, no neat conclusions, and no clear solutions. And that is precisely what makes this poem such a powerful and enduring work of art.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Position: A Masterpiece of Surrealism
Russell Edson's "The Position" is a surrealistic masterpiece that challenges readers to question their own perceptions of reality. The poem is a complex and multi-layered work that explores the themes of power, control, and the human condition. In this analysis, we will delve into the meaning and significance of "The Position" and explore the techniques that Edson uses to create a truly unique and thought-provoking work of art.
The poem begins with a simple and straightforward statement: "I lay down on the floor and pretended to be dead." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is filled with bizarre and unexpected imagery. The speaker's decision to "pretend to be dead" is an act of surrender, a relinquishing of control. By lying down on the floor, the speaker is placing themselves in a vulnerable position, one that is traditionally associated with death. This act of surrender is a recurring theme throughout the poem, as the speaker repeatedly gives up control and allows themselves to be manipulated by outside forces.
The next line of the poem introduces the first of many surrealistic images: "A man came along and stepped on my head." This image is jarring and unexpected, and it immediately disrupts any sense of normalcy that the reader may have had. The man's action is one of domination and control, and it sets the stage for the power dynamics that will be explored throughout the rest of the poem.
As the poem progresses, the speaker continues to surrender control and allow themselves to be manipulated by outside forces. They are "dragged around the room by my hair," "thrown against the wall," and "tossed out the window." These actions are all violent and aggressive, and they serve to reinforce the idea that the speaker is powerless in the face of these outside forces.
Despite the violence and aggression that the speaker experiences, there is a sense of detachment and detachment throughout the poem. The speaker describes their experiences in a matter-of-fact tone, as if they are simply observing what is happening to them rather than experiencing it firsthand. This detachment is a hallmark of surrealism, and it serves to create a sense of unease and disorientation in the reader.
One of the most striking images in the poem is the description of the speaker being "stuffed into a sack and thrown into the river." This image is both violent and surreal, and it serves to highlight the speaker's powerlessness in the face of these outside forces. The river is a powerful and unpredictable force, and the speaker's fate is left uncertain. This image is a powerful metaphor for the human condition, as we are all at the mercy of forces that are beyond our control.
Throughout the poem, there is a sense of ambiguity and uncertainty. The speaker's experiences are surreal and dreamlike, and it is unclear whether they are meant to be taken literally or metaphorically. This ambiguity is a hallmark of surrealism, and it serves to create a sense of disorientation and confusion in the reader.
One of the most interesting aspects of "The Position" is the way that it subverts traditional power dynamics. The speaker is initially in a position of powerlessness, but as the poem progresses, they begin to exert a certain amount of control over their situation. They are able to "crawl out of the sack" and "swim to shore," and they are ultimately able to "stand up and walk away." This reversal of power dynamics is a powerful statement about the human condition, and it serves to highlight the resilience and strength that we all possess.
In terms of technique, Edson employs a number of surrealistic techniques throughout the poem. He uses unexpected and jarring imagery, such as the man stepping on the speaker's head and the speaker being thrown out the window. He also employs repetition and fragmentation, which serve to create a sense of disorientation and confusion in the reader. Additionally, he uses ambiguity and uncertainty to create a sense of unease and tension.
In conclusion, "The Position" is a surrealistic masterpiece that challenges readers to question their own perceptions of reality. Through its use of unexpected imagery, ambiguity, and fragmentation, the poem creates a sense of disorientation and confusion in the reader. However, it also serves to highlight the resilience and strength that we all possess, even in the face of overwhelming adversity. "The Position" is a powerful statement about the human condition, and it is a testament to the enduring power of surrealism as an artistic movement.
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