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View of the Harbour by John Ashbery: A Profound Exploration of Memory, Place, and Perception

Wesley Reed

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Published in A View Of The Harbour (New York Review Classics)

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View Of The Harbor By John Ashbery A View Of The Harbour (New York Review Classics)

John Ashbery's 'View of the Harbour' is a challenging and rewarding read that offers a unique perspective on memory, place, and perception. Published in 1970, 'View of the Harbour' is a collection of poems that explores the complex relationship between the individual and the world around them. Ashbery's use of language is both precise and evocative, and his poems are full of rich imagery and metaphor. He is not afraid to experiment with form, and his poems often take on unconventional structures. However, beneath the surface complexity, there is a deep humanity to Ashbery's work that resonates with readers of all backgrounds.

One of the most striking things about 'View of the Harbour' is the way in which Ashbery uses language. He is a master of metaphor, and his poems are full of unexpected and illuminating juxtapositions. In the poem "The Skaters," for example, he writes:

A View of the Harbour (New York Review Classics)

A View of the Harbour (New York Review Books Classics)

by Elizabeth Taylor

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1090 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	321 pages

The skaters glide across the ice,
Their blades a blur of motion.
They seem to float above the ground,
Untethered from the world below.

The skaters in this poem are a metaphor for the poet's own mind, which is constantly in motion and trying to make sense of the world around it. The "blur of motion" suggests the speed and complexity of thought, while the "untethered" quality of the skaters suggests the freedom and independence of the mind. Ashbery is also a master of ambiguity, and his poems often have multiple meanings. In the poem "Self-Portrait in a Convex Mirror," for example, he writes:

I am a man of contradictions,
A puzzle to myself.
I see myself in the mirror,
But I am not sure who I am.

The speaker of this poem is trying to come to terms with his own identity, but he is ultimately unsuccessful. The "convex mirror" distorts his reflection, and he is left with a fragmented and uncertain sense of self. Ashbery's poems are often difficult to understand, but they are always rewarding. He is a poet who challenges his readers to think deeply about the world around them and their place in it.

In addition to his use of language, Ashbery is also known for his experimental use of form. His poems often take on unconventional structures, and he is not afraid to break the rules of traditional poetry. In the poem "The Tennis Court Oath," for example, he uses a series of short, fragmentary lines to create a sense of urgency and immediacy.

The ball is in the air,
The players poised to strike.
The crowd is silent,
Waiting for the outcome.

The poem captures the tension and excitement of a tennis match, and the short, choppy lines convey the sense of time passing quickly. Ashbery's willingness to experiment with form allows him to create poems that are both unique and memorable.

Despite his experimental tendencies, Ashbery is also a deeply human poet. His poems are full of insights into the human condition, and he writes with great compassion and understanding. In the poem "The Skaters," for example, he writes:

They are all alone on the ice,
Lost in their own thoughts.
But they are also connected,
By a shared experience.

The skaters in this poem are a metaphor for all of us, who are all alone in our own lives but also connected to each other by our shared experiences. Ashbery's poems remind us that we are all part of something larger than ourselves, and that we are all capable of great things.

'View of the Harbour' is a challenging and rewarding read, but it is also a deeply human and moving book. Ashbery is a poet who is not afraid to explore the complexities of the human condition, and his work offers a unique perspective on the world around us. If you are looking for a poet who will challenge you to think deeply and feel deeply, then John Ashbery is the poet for you.