'The Death Of A Fly' by Russell Edson

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There was once a man who disguised himself as a
housefly and went about the neighborhood depositing
flyspecks.
Well, he has to do something hasn't he? said someone to
someone else.
Of course, said someone else back to someone.
Then what's all the fuss? said someone to someone else.
Who's fussing? I'm just saying that if he doesn't get off the
wall of that building the police will have to shoot him off.
Oh that, of course, there's nothing so engaging as a dead
fly.
I love dead flies, the way they remind me of individuals
who have met their fate . . .

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Death of a Fly: A Critical Interpretation

Oh, what a strange and haunting poem "The Death of a Fly" by Russell Edson is! From its quirky title to its startling ending, this poem takes the reader on a journey through the mind of its creator, where the mundane becomes extraordinary and the absurd becomes meaningful. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the themes, symbols, and literary devices that Edson employs to create a unique and memorable work of art.

Themes

The central theme of "The Death of a Fly" is the fragility and transience of life. The poem begins with the image of a fly trapped in a spider's web, struggling to escape its fate. The fly is compared to a "tiny fly-wheel" that spins and spins, but ultimately has no control over its own destiny. This metaphorical image sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a meditation on the fleeting nature of existence.

Another theme that emerges in the poem is the importance of perspective. Edson uses the fly as a symbol of life, but also as a symbol of insignificance. The fly is small and insignificant, but from its perspective, the web is a prison, a place of suffering and despair. Edson invites the reader to consider their own perspective on life and death, and to question their assumptions about what is important and what is not.

A third theme that emerges in the poem is the idea of transformation. The fly begins as a living creature, struggling to escape the web, but ends up as a lifeless husk. The spider, too, is transformed in the poem, from a predator to a caretaker. Edson suggests that transformation is an inevitable part of life, and that death is not an end, but a beginning.

Symbols

One of the most striking symbols in the poem is the spider's web. The web is a symbol of entrapment and confinement, but it is also a symbol of beauty and artistry. Edson suggests that life is like a web, complex and delicate, and that we are all caught up in its threads. The web also symbolizes the interconnectedness of all things, and the idea that our actions have consequences.

The spider is another important symbol in the poem. At first, the spider is a symbol of death and destruction, a predator that traps and devours its prey. But as the poem progresses, the spider becomes a symbol of care and compassion, a creature that tends to the needs of the dying fly. Edson suggests that even the most sinister creatures have a nurturing side, and that death is not always an act of violence.

The fly itself is also a powerful symbol in the poem. As mentioned earlier, the fly represents life and the fragility of existence. But it also represents freedom and resistance. The fly fights against its fate until the very end, refusing to give up or surrender. Edson suggests that this resilience is a hallmark of life, and that even in the face of death, we can find strength and courage.

Literary Devices

One of the most striking literary devices in the poem is its use of personification. Edson gives voice to the fly, the spider, and even the web, transforming these inanimate objects into living, breathing creatures. By doing so, he creates a sense of empathy and compassion for all of the creatures in the poem, no matter how insignificant or monstrous they may seem.

Another literary device that Edson employs is symbolism. As discussed earlier, the spider, the web, and the fly are all symbols that represent larger ideas and concepts. Edson uses these symbols to create a multi-layered poem that invites the reader to delve deeper into its meaning.

The poem also makes use of repetition, particularly in the use of the phrase "tiny fly-wheel." This repetition reinforces the idea of the fly as a symbol of life, and emphasizes the idea of movement and momentum. By repeating this phrase, Edson creates a sense of rhythm and momentum in the poem, mirroring the fly's struggle to escape the web.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "The Death of a Fly" is a haunting and thought-provoking poem that explores the themes of life, death, and transformation. Through its use of symbols and literary devices, Edson creates a complex and multi-layered work of art that invites the reader to consider their own perspective on existence. The poem challenges us to question our assumptions about what is important, and to find meaning and purpose in even the most fleeting moments of life.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Death of a Fly: A Masterpiece of Surrealism

Russell Edson's poem "The Death of a Fly" is a masterpiece of surrealism that explores the themes of life, death, and the absurdity of existence. The poem is a perfect example of Edson's unique style, which combines humor, irony, and surreal imagery to create a thought-provoking and unforgettable work of art.

The poem begins with a simple and straightforward statement: "I saw a fly within a room." This opening line sets the stage for the surreal and absurd events that follow. The speaker then describes how the fly "flew to a windowpane / and landed there upon its back / and died." This sudden and unexpected death of the fly is the catalyst for the rest of the poem.

The speaker then goes on to describe how the fly's death affects the other creatures in the room. The spider, who had been "spinning a web" nearby, "ceased his work / and sat down dry upon the floor." The moth, who had been "fluttering about," "fell dead upon a table top." Even the "dust upon the floor / danced in a golden pattern / as the dying sun shone through the window."

This surreal and absurd scene is both humorous and unsettling. The sudden and inexplicable deaths of the fly, the spider, and the moth create a sense of unease and confusion. The dust dancing in the sunlight adds to the surreal and dreamlike quality of the poem.

As the poem continues, the speaker reflects on the meaning of the fly's death. He wonders if the fly's death was "an act of God / or just a fly's mistake." He also considers the possibility that the fly's death was a "sign / that all is not well / within the universe."

These existential musings add depth and complexity to the poem. The speaker's uncertainty about the meaning of the fly's death reflects the human struggle to understand the mysteries of life and death. The poem suggests that there may be no clear answers to these questions, and that the universe may be inherently chaotic and unpredictable.

The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most surreal and absurd of all. The speaker describes how the fly's body "was carried out upon a leaf / and laid upon the ground." He then observes how "the ants came marching in / and bore the body away / to their secret citadel."

This final image is both humorous and unsettling. The idea of ants carrying away the dead body of a fly to their "secret citadel" is absurd and surreal. At the same time, it suggests that even the smallest and seemingly insignificant creatures have their own secret lives and hidden agendas.

Overall, "The Death of a Fly" is a masterful work of surrealism that explores the themes of life, death, and the absurdity of existence. Edson's unique style, which combines humor, irony, and surreal imagery, creates a thought-provoking and unforgettable work of art. The poem challenges us to question our assumptions about the world and to embrace the mystery and unpredictability of life.

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