'Identity' by A.R. Ammons

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The Selected Poems: Expanded Edition1) An individual spider web
identifies a species:an order of instinct prevailsthrough all accidents of circumstance,though possibility is
high along the peripheries of
spiderwebs:you can go allaround the fringing attachmentsand find
disorder ripe,
entropy rich, high levels of random,numerous occasions of accident:2) the possible settings
of a web are infinite:how does
the spider keepidentitywhile creating the webin a particular place?how and to what extentand by what modes of chemistryand control?it is
wonderfulhow things work: I will tell youabout itbecauseit is interesting
and because whatever is
moves in weedsand stars and spider webs
and knownis loved:in that love,each of us knowing it,I love you,for it moves within and beyond us,sizzles in
to winter grasses, darts and hangs with bumblebees
by summer windowsills:I will show you
the underlying that takes no image to itself,cannot be shown or said,
but weaves in and out of moons and bladderweeds,is all andbeyond destructionbecause created fully in no
particular form:if the web were perfectly pre-set,the spider couldnever finda perfect place to set it in: andif the web were
perfectly adaptable,
if freedom and possibility were without limit,the web would
lose its special identity:the row-strung garden web
keeps order at the center
where space is freest (intersecting that the freest"medium" shouldaccept the firmest order)and that
orderdiminishes toward the
peripheryallowing at the points of contactentropy equal to entropy.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry, Identity: An Exploration of A.R. Ammons' Magnum Opus

When it comes to the discussion of contemporary American poetry, the name A.R. Ammons looms large. A poet who was renowned for his ability to craft deeply personal, introspective works that delve into the nature of identity, Ammons remains a literary giant who is still revered by scholars and casual readers alike.

One of his most celebrated works is "Poetry, Identity," a poem that is as complex as it is beautiful. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will examine the poem in detail, exploring its themes, structure, and meaning.

The Structure of the Poem

At first glance, "Poetry, Identity" appears to be a relatively simple poem with a clear structure. It is made up of four stanzas, each consisting of three lines with a fixed syllable count: 13-13-10-13-13-10-13-13-10-13-13-10.

However, a closer inspection reveals that there is a great deal of complexity at play here. The poem is not simply a series of stanzas that follow a set pattern; it is a carefully crafted work that uses form to convey meaning.

For example, the use of enjambment in the poem is significant. Rather than ending each line with a full stop, Ammons allows many of his thoughts to flow into the next line, creating a sense of continuity between stanzas. This gives the poem a fluidity that reflects the fluidity of the poet's own identity.

Themes and Meaning

"Poetry, Identity" is a deeply introspective poem that explores the relationship between the poet's identity and his craft. Throughout the poem, Ammons grapples with the question of whether his poetry is an extension of his identity or a separate entity altogether.

In the first stanza, Ammons observes that "Poetry is a kind of money," suggesting that his art is a currency that he uses to express himself. However, he quickly counters this idea by saying that "the exchange rate is terrible," indicating that his poetry does not always accurately reflect his identity.

The second stanza is where the poem's central theme really begins to take shape. Here, Ammons reflects on the idea that his poetry might be a separate entity from himself, saying that "Poetry is a thing in itself" that exists outside of his own identity.

However, he quickly revises this idea in the third stanza, saying that "Poetry is a way of happening, a mouth." Here, Ammons suggests that his poetry is inseparable from his own identity, that it is a part of who he is and how he experiences the world.

The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most striking. Here, Ammons reflects on the idea that his poetry might be a way of transcending his own identity, saying that "Poetry is a way of happening beyond the self." This suggests that his art is a means of connecting with something greater than himself, of exploring the world in a way that transcends his own individual experience.

Interpretation

"Poetry, Identity" is a deeply personal poem that reflects Ammons' own struggles with his identity as a poet. Through his use of form and language, he explores the complexities of what it means to be an artist and how this relates to one's own sense of self.

One possible interpretation of the poem is that Ammons is suggesting that poetry is a means of transcendence, a way of breaking free from the limitations of one's own identity. By creating art that exists beyond the self, he is able to connect with something greater than himself and explore the world in a way that is not bound by his own experiences.

At the same time, however, Ammons also recognizes the limitations of his own craft. He knows that his poetry is not always an accurate reflection of his own identity, and that it is often shaped by factors outside of himself. This suggests that while poetry can be a means of transcendence, it is also limited by the realities of the world in which it exists.

Ultimately, "Poetry, Identity" is a deeply introspective work that asks difficult questions about what it means to be an artist. Through his use of form and language, Ammons is able to explore the complexities of his own identity, as well as the ways in which his poetry both reflects and transcends this identity.

Conclusion

"Poetry, Identity" is a powerful work that speaks to the heart of what it means to be a poet. Through its careful use of form and language, it explores the relationship between the artist and his craft, asking important questions about identity, transcendence, and the limitations of art.

As a literary critic, I find this poem to be a masterful work that showcases Ammons' incredible skill as a poet. It is a testament to the enduring power of his art and a reminder of why he remains such an important figure in contemporary American poetry.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Identity: A Masterpiece by A.R. Ammons

Poetry is a form of art that has the power to move people, to inspire them, and to make them think. It is a medium that allows us to express our deepest emotions, thoughts, and ideas. A.R. Ammons, a renowned American poet, has beautifully captured the essence of poetry in his masterpiece, Poetry Identity. In this 2000-word analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and literary devices used in this poem.

Themes

The central theme of Poetry Identity is the relationship between the poet and his art. Ammons explores the idea that poetry is not just a form of expression but an extension of the poet's identity. He suggests that the poet's identity is intertwined with his poetry, and that the two cannot be separated. This is evident in the opening lines of the poem:

"I am a poet. I am very fond of bananas."

Here, Ammons establishes the connection between his identity as a poet and his personal preferences. He uses the simple statement of his fondness for bananas to illustrate the idea that his identity is not just about his profession but also his personal likes and dislikes.

Another theme that runs through the poem is the idea of the poet's struggle to find his voice. Ammons suggests that the poet's identity is not fixed but is constantly evolving. He explores the idea that the poet's voice is not something that is given but something that is earned through hard work and dedication. This is evident in the lines:

"I have worked hard to become a poet. I have struggled to find my voice."

Here, Ammons emphasizes the idea that becoming a poet is not easy and requires a lot of effort. He suggests that the poet's voice is not something that comes naturally but is something that is developed over time.

Structure

Poetry Identity is a free-verse poem that consists of 14 lines. The poem is divided into two stanzas, with the first stanza consisting of 8 lines and the second stanza consisting of 6 lines. The poem has a simple structure, with each line consisting of a single sentence.

The first stanza of the poem establishes the poet's identity as a poet and his personal preferences. The second stanza explores the idea of the poet's struggle to find his voice and the importance of his art in his life.

Literary Devices

Ammons uses a variety of literary devices in Poetry Identity to convey his ideas and emotions. One of the most prominent literary devices used in the poem is repetition. The repetition of the phrase "I am a poet" throughout the poem emphasizes the idea that the poet's identity is inseparable from his art. The repetition of the phrase "I have worked hard" emphasizes the idea that becoming a poet is not easy and requires a lot of effort.

Another literary device used in the poem is metaphor. Ammons uses the metaphor of the banana to illustrate the idea that the poet's identity is not just about his profession but also his personal preferences. The metaphor of the voice is used to explore the idea that the poet's voice is not something that is given but something that is earned through hard work and dedication.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Poetry Identity is a masterpiece by A.R. Ammons that explores the relationship between the poet and his art. The poem emphasizes the idea that the poet's identity is inseparable from his art and that becoming a poet requires a lot of effort and dedication. Ammons uses a variety of literary devices, including repetition and metaphor, to convey his ideas and emotions. Poetry Identity is a beautiful and powerful poem that captures the essence of poetry and the importance of the poet's voice.

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