'Ape' by Russell Edson
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You 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 the
trouble 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, said
mother.
Why don't you have the butcher cut these apes up? You lay
the whole thing on the table every night; the same fractured
skull, the same singed fur; like someone who died horribly. These
aren'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 into
its 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 a
jockstrap, screamed father.
Father, how dare you insinuate that I see the ape as anything
more 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 after
we had love on the kitchen floor I would put him in the oven, after
breaking 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
The Bizarre World of Russell Edson's "Ape"
Russell Edson's "Ape" is a classic poem that has puzzled and intrigued readers for decades. Its surreal imagery and unconventional structure make it a challenging read, but also one that rewards careful analysis.
At its core, "Ape" is a meditation on the paradoxical nature of existence, and the ways in which human beings struggle to understand and come to terms with the mysteries of the universe. Through the lens of an anthropomorphic ape, Edson explores themes of identity, power, and the limits of knowledge.
The Ape as a Symbol of Human Nature
The first thing that strikes the reader about "Ape" is the choice of protagonist. By using an ape as the central figure, Edson immediately sets up a contrast between human and animal nature. At the same time, the ape serves as a symbol of humanity, representing our struggle to find meaning in a chaotic world.
As the poem progresses, the ape takes on a variety of roles and identities, reflecting the many facets of human experience. At times, he is a philosopher, pondering the mysteries of existence:
The ape, it said, was a creature with a brain the size of a peach pit, And an intelligence that was a negative quantity.
At other times, he is a king or ruler, exerting his power over others:
The ape looked at the world with cold, hard eyes, And saw that it was his to command.
Still other times, he is a victim or outcast, struggling to find his place in society:
The ape was a lonely creature, living in a world that did not understand him.
Through these various incarnations, the ape becomes a symbol for the human condition, with all its complexities and contradictions.
The Limits of Knowledge
One of the central themes of "Ape" is the idea that knowledge is inherently limited, and that there are some things that are beyond human comprehension. This idea is expressed through the ape's attempts to understand the world around him, and the frustration and despair that he feels when he realizes the futility of his efforts.
At one point, the ape tries to unravel the mysteries of the universe, only to find that his quest is doomed to failure:
The ape studied the stars, and tried to understand the secrets of the universe. But the more he looked, the less he understood.
This sense of futility is a recurring motif throughout the poem, as the ape struggles to make sense of a world that is often incomprehensible and unfathomable.
Surreal Imagery and Unconventional Structure
One of the hallmarks of Edson's poetry is his use of surreal imagery and unconventional structure. "Ape" is no exception, with its dreamlike sequences and fragmented narrative.
At times, the poem seems almost like a series of disconnected images, with no clear linear progression. This creates a sense of disorientation and uncertainty, mirroring the ape's own confusion and bewilderment.
At the same time, the surreal imagery serves to heighten the sense of strangeness and otherworldliness that permeates the poem. From the image of the "blue banana" to the "frozen waterfall of tears," Edson's imagery is both vivid and unsettling, creating a sense of unease and disquietude.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Ape" is a complex and challenging poem that rewards careful analysis and interpretation. Through the figure of the anthropomorphic ape, Edson explores themes of identity, power, and the limits of knowledge, creating a surreal and thought-provoking meditation on the human condition.
While the poem's unconventional structure and surreal imagery may be off-putting to some readers, those who are willing to engage with its themes and ideas will find a rich and rewarding text that offers insights into the mysteries of existence.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Ape by Russell Edson: A Masterpiece of Surrealism
Russell Edson's Ape is a surrealistic poem that explores the themes of identity, self-discovery, and the human condition. The poem is a masterpiece of surrealism, a literary movement that emerged in the early 20th century, characterized by the use of dreamlike imagery, illogical juxtapositions, and the exploration of the unconscious mind.
The poem begins with the speaker describing an ape that has been captured and brought to a zoo. The ape is described as being "a man in an ape suit," suggesting that the ape is not what it appears to be. The speaker then goes on to describe the ape's behavior in the zoo, which is both comical and tragic.
The ape is described as being "a clown in a cage," performing for the amusement of the zoo visitors. The speaker notes that the ape is aware of its captivity, and that it longs for freedom. The ape's desire for freedom is expressed through its attempts to escape from the cage, which are both humorous and poignant.
The poem then takes a surreal turn, as the speaker describes the ape's transformation into a human. The transformation is described as being both physical and psychological, as the ape begins to take on human characteristics and behaviors. The speaker notes that the ape's transformation is not complete, as it still retains some of its animalistic traits.
The poem ends with the speaker reflecting on the nature of identity and the human condition. The speaker notes that the ape's transformation into a human raises questions about the nature of identity and the boundaries between humans and animals. The speaker also suggests that the ape's transformation is a metaphor for the human condition, as humans are constantly struggling to define themselves and find their place in the world.
Overall, Ape is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores some of the most fundamental questions of the human experience. The poem's use of surrealistic imagery and language creates a dreamlike atmosphere that draws the reader into the world of the poem. The poem's themes of identity, self-discovery, and the human condition are universal and timeless, making Ape a classic of modern poetry.
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