'Shit List; Or, Omnium-gatherum Of Diversity Into Unity' by A.R. Ammons
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You'll rejoice at how many kinds of shit there are:
gosling shit (which J. Williams said something
was as green as), fish shit (the generality), trout
shit, rainbow trout shit (for the nice), mullet shit,
sand dab shit, casual sloth shit, elephant shit
(awesome as process or payload), wildebeest shit,
horse shit (a favorite), caterpillar shit (so many dark
kinds, neatly pelleted as mint seed), baby rhinoceros
shit, splashy jaybird shit, mockingbird shit
(dive-bombed with the aim of song), robin shit that
oozes white down lawnchairs or down roots under roosts,
chicken shit and chicken mite shit, pelican shit, gannet
shit (wholesome guano), fly shit (periodic), cockatoo
shit, dog shit (past catalog or assimilation),
cricket shit, elk (high plains) shit, and
tiny scribbled little shrew shit, whale shit (what
a sight, deep assumption), mandril shit (blazing
blast off), weasel shit (wiles' waste), gazelle shit,
magpie shit (total protein), tiger shit (too acid
to contemplate), moral eel and manta ray shit, eerie
shark shit, earthworm shit (a soilure), crab shit,
wolf shit upon the germicidal ice, snake shit, giraffe
shit that accelerates, secretary bird shit, turtle
shit suspension invites, remora shit slightly in
advance of the shark shit, hornet shit (difficult to
assess), camel shit that slaps the ghastly dry
siliceous, frog shit, beetle shit, bat shit (the
marmoreal), contemptible cat shit, penguin shit,
hermit crab shit, prairie hen shit, cougar shit, eagle
shit (high totem stuff), buffalo shit (hardly less
lofty), otter shit, beaver shit (from the animal of
alluvial dreams)—a vast ordure is a broken down
cloaca—macaw shit, alligator shit (that floats the Nile
along), louse shit, macaque, koala, and coati shit,
antelope shit, chuck-will's-widow shit, alpaca shit
(very high stuff), gooney bird shit, chigger shit, bull
shit (the classic), caribou shit, rasbora, python, and
razorbill shit, scorpion shit, man shit, laswing
fly larva shit, chipmunk shit, other-worldly wallaby
shit, gopher shit (or broke), platypus shit, aardvark
shit, spider shit, kangaroo and peccary shit, guanaco
shit, dolphin shit, aphid shit, baboon shit (that leopards
induce), albatross shit, red-headed woodpecker (nine
inches long) shit, tern shit, hedgehog shit, panda shit,
seahorse shit, and the shit of the wasteful gallinule.
Submitted by Michael Schiavo
Editor 1 Interpretation
Shit List; Or, Omnium-gatherum Of Diversity Into Unity: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
By A.R. Ammons
Shit List; Or, Omnium-gatherum Of Diversity Into Unity is a classic poem written by A.R. Ammons. It is a long-form poem that explores the themes of unity, diversity, and the interconnectedness of all things. Throughout the poem, Ammons uses a variety of literary devices and techniques to create a vivid and engaging reading experience. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the various elements of the poem, including its structure, language, themes, and imagery, to gain a deeper understanding of its meaning and significance.
Structure
One of the most notable features of Shit List; Or, Omnium-gatherum Of Diversity Into Unity is its unique structure. The poem is divided into nine sections, each of which contains a list of items that are seemingly unrelated. For example, the first section contains a list of different types of shit, while the second section lists various types of trees. At first glance, these lists may seem random and disjointed, but as the poem progresses, the connections between the items become clearer.
The structure of the poem reflects its central theme of unity through diversity. By bringing together seemingly unrelated items and showing their interconnectedness, Ammons emphasizes the idea that all things are connected and that there is unity in diversity. The poem's structure also reflects the complexity and diversity of the natural world, which is a recurring theme throughout the poem.
Language
Ammons's use of language in Shit List; Or, Omnium-gatherum Of Diversity Into Unity is another notable aspect of the poem. The language is often playful and humorous, with Ammons using puns, wordplay, and other literary devices to create a lighthearted and engaging tone. However, the language is also rich and evocative, with Ammons using vivid imagery and sensory details to bring the natural world to life.
For example, in the third section of the poem, Ammons writes:
a list of waters:
rain, rivers, swamp, bog, ditch,
pond, creek, slough, run, branch,
puddle, seep, spring, well, wash,
culvert, sewer, overflow, delta,
tide, tsunami, breaker, surge,
ripple, undertow, current, wave,
The use of sensory details such as "ripple," "undertow," and "wave" creates a vivid and evocative image of water in the reader's mind. The language in this section, as in others, reflects the poem's emphasis on the interconnectedness of all things and the complexity of the natural world.
Themes
There are several themes that run throughout Shit List; Or, Omnium-gatherum Of Diversity Into Unity. Perhaps the most prominent theme is the idea of unity through diversity. Ammons emphasizes this theme by bringing together seemingly unrelated items and showing their interconnectedness. For example, in the sixth section of the poem, Ammons writes:
a list of birds:
swan, goose, mallard, egret,
puffin, pelican, woodpecker,
cuckoo, loon, crow, kingfisher,
owl, osprey, sparrow, red-wing,
vulture, eagle, falcon, blue jay,
pheasant, partridge, quail, dove,
turkey, robin, lark, wren,
By listing such a diverse array of birds, Ammons emphasizes the idea that all living things are connected and that there is unity in diversity.
Another theme that runs throughout the poem is the idea of the natural world as a complex and interconnected system. Ammons emphasizes this theme by listing a wide variety of natural objects and phenomena, including trees, rocks, water, and weather. By doing so, he shows how all of these elements are interconnected and part of a larger natural system.
Imagery
The imagery in Shit List; Or, Omnium-gatherum Of Diversity Into Unity is rich and evocative. Ammons uses vivid sensory details to create a sense of the natural world's beauty and complexity. For example, in the fourth section of the poem, Ammons writes:
a list of rocks:
granite, basalt, limestone, sandstone,
shale, pumice, quartz, slate,
gneiss, schist, soapstone, serpentinite,
breccia, conglomerate, marble, diorite,
obsidian, flint, chert, peridotite,
volcanic, tuff, gabbro, anorthosite,
pyrite, galena, limonite, hematite,
mineral, agate, geode, petrified wood,
The use of sensory details such as "granite," "pumice," and "obsidian" creates a vivid and evocative image of rocks in the reader's mind. The imagery in this section, as in others, reflects the poem's emphasis on the interconnectedness of all things and the complexity of the natural world.
Conclusion
Shit List; Or, Omnium-gatherum Of Diversity Into Unity is a classic poem that explores the themes of unity, diversity, and the interconnectedness of all things. Ammons uses a variety of literary devices and techniques to create a vivid and engaging reading experience. The poem's unique structure, playful language, and rich imagery emphasize the complexity and diversity of the natural world while also emphasizing the idea of unity through diversity. Overall, Shit List; Or, Omnium-gatherum Of Diversity Into Unity is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that continues to resonate with readers today.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Shit List; Or, Omnium-gatherum Of Diversity Into Unity: A Masterpiece of Poetic Satire
A.R. Ammons, the celebrated American poet, is known for his unique style of poetry that blends humor, irony, and philosophical insights. His poem, Shit List; Or, Omnium-gatherum Of Diversity Into Unity, is a masterpiece of poetic satire that exposes the absurdity and hypocrisy of human behavior. In this 2000-word analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and literary devices used in this poem to understand its deeper meaning.
The poem begins with a provocative title that immediately grabs the reader's attention. The use of the word "shit" in the title sets the tone for the poem, which is irreverent, humorous, and critical of human behavior. The subtitle, "Omnium-gatherum Of Diversity Into Unity," suggests that the poem is about the unity of diverse elements, which is a recurring theme in Ammons' poetry.
The poem is divided into six sections, each of which consists of a list of things that the speaker dislikes or finds absurd. The lists are not organized thematically or logically, but rather follow a stream-of-consciousness style that reflects the speaker's thoughts and emotions. The first section begins with a list of things that the speaker hates, including "the smell of frying liver," "the sound of a dog barking," and "the sight of a man wearing a toupee." These items are seemingly random, but they reveal the speaker's aversion to things that are artificial, unpleasant, or annoying.
The second section continues with a list of things that the speaker dislikes, but this time the items are more abstract and philosophical. The speaker expresses his disdain for "the idea of God," "the concept of sin," and "the notion of free will." These items reflect the speaker's skepticism towards religion and traditional morality, and his belief in determinism and scientific rationalism.
The third section takes a different turn and lists things that the speaker loves, including "the smell of fresh-cut grass," "the sound of a bird singing," and "the sight of a child laughing." These items are more positive and reflect the speaker's appreciation for natural beauty and innocence.
The fourth section returns to the theme of dislike, but this time the items are more political and social. The speaker expresses his contempt for "the war in Vietnam," "the racism in America," and "the poverty in the world." These items reflect the speaker's concern for social justice and his opposition to war and oppression.
The fifth section is the shortest and consists of a single item: "the idea of love." This item stands out from the rest of the lists because it is not a dislike or a like, but rather an idea that the speaker contemplates. The speaker seems to be ambivalent about love, recognizing its power and beauty, but also its potential for pain and disappointment.
The final section concludes the poem with a list of things that the speaker accepts or embraces, including "the fact of death," "the inevitability of change," and "the mystery of existence." These items reflect the speaker's acceptance of the transience and uncertainty of life, and his recognition of the beauty and wonder of the universe.
The structure of the poem is unconventional, but it serves a purpose. The lists are not organized thematically or logically, but rather follow a stream-of-consciousness style that reflects the speaker's thoughts and emotions. This style creates a sense of spontaneity and authenticity, as if the speaker is speaking directly to the reader without any filter or pretense. The lack of punctuation and capitalization also contributes to this effect, as it creates a sense of fluidity and continuity between the lists.
The poem is full of literary devices that enhance its meaning and impact. One of the most prominent devices is irony, which is used to expose the absurdity and hypocrisy of human behavior. For example, the speaker expresses his dislike for "the idea of God," but then lists "the mystery of existence" as something he accepts. This irony suggests that the speaker is not opposed to spirituality or transcendence, but rather to dogmatic and narrow-minded beliefs.
Another device used in the poem is repetition, which creates a sense of rhythm and emphasis. The repetition of the phrase "I hate" in the first section creates a sense of intensity and urgency, as if the speaker is venting his frustration and anger. The repetition of the phrase "I accept" in the final section creates a sense of resolution and acceptance, as if the speaker has come to terms with the complexities and contradictions of life.
The poem also uses imagery to create vivid and memorable descriptions. For example, the image of "the smell of frying liver" in the first section creates a sense of disgust and revulsion, while the image of "the sight of a child laughing" in the third section creates a sense of joy and innocence. These images appeal to the reader's senses and emotions, and help to convey the speaker's attitudes and feelings.
In conclusion, Shit List; Or, Omnium-gatherum Of Diversity Into Unity is a masterpiece of poetic satire that exposes the absurdity and hypocrisy of human behavior. The poem's unconventional structure, use of literary devices, and provocative content make it a powerful and memorable work of art. Through its lists of likes and dislikes, the poem explores the complexities and contradictions of human experience, and invites the reader to reflect on their own attitudes and values. A.R. Ammons' poem is a testament to the power of poetry to challenge, inspire, and entertain.
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