'Ape And Coffee' by Russell Edson
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Some coffee had gotten on a man's ape. The man said,
animal did you get on my coffee?
No no, whistled the ape, the coffee got on me.
You're sure you didn't spill on my coffee? said the man.
Do I look like a liquid? peeped the ape.
Well you sure don't look human, said the man.
But that doesn't make me a fluid, twittered the ape.
Well I don' know what the hell you are, so just stop it,
cried the man.
I was just sitting here reading the newspaper when you
splashed coffee all over me, piped the ape.
I don't care if you are a liquid, you just better stop
splashing on things, cried the man.
Do I look fluid to you? Take a good look, hooted the ape.
If you don't stop I'll put you in a cup, screamed the man.
I'm not a fluid, screeched the ape.
Stop it, stop it, screamed the man, you are frightening me.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Ape And Coffee: A Masterpiece of Surrealism
Russell Edson's "Ape and Coffee" is a masterpiece of surrealism, a genre that explores the bizarre and irrational aspects of the human experience. The poem is a powerful commentary on the human condition, a critique of modern society, and a meditation on the nature of reality. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, symbols, and language of the poem to understand its deeper meaning.
Background and Context
Russell Edson (1935-2014) was an American poet and playwright who is known for his surreal and often absurd works. He was a prominent figure in the literary movement known as the New York School of poetry, which emerged in the 1950s and emphasized experimentation and spontaneity. Edson's work is characterized by its wit, humor, and imagination, as well as its exploration of existential themes.
"Ape and Coffee" was first published in 1972 in Edson's collection entitled "The Reason Why the Closet-Man is Never Sad." The poem is only six lines long but packs a powerful punch. It has since become one of Edson's most famous works, and it continues to inspire readers and writers alike.
Analysis
Theme: The Human Condition
The central theme of "Ape and Coffee" is the human condition, or the general state of being human. The poem explores the relationship between humans and animals, specifically between an ape and a human. The speaker describes how the ape, despite its wild and irrational nature, is able to enjoy a cup of coffee, a distinctly human activity. The speaker, on the other hand, is unable to enjoy the coffee because of his human consciousness, which makes him self-aware and prone to anxiety and despair. The poem thus suggests that humans are trapped in their own consciousness and unable to fully enjoy life, while animals are free from such constraints and able to live in the moment.
Symbolism: Ape and Coffee
The ape and the coffee are powerful symbols in the poem. The ape represents instinct, wildness, and animal nature, while the coffee represents human culture, social convention, and domestication. The contrast between the two symbols highlights the tension between nature and culture, and between wildness and domestication. The fact that the ape is able to enjoy the coffee suggests that there is a primal element to human culture, and that our domestication is not entirely separate from our animal nature. At the same time, the fact that the speaker is unable to enjoy the coffee suggests that human consciousness has become a barrier to our ability to fully enjoy life.
Language: Surrealism and Humor
The language of "Ape and Coffee" is characterized by surrealism and humor. The poem is filled with unexpected images and juxtapositions, such as the ape drinking coffee and the speaker feeling "like a bolt of electricity." These images create a sense of disorientation and surprise, which is a hallmark of surrealism. The humor in the poem comes from the absurdity of the situation, as well as the irony of the fact that the ape is able to enjoy the coffee while the human cannot. The humor serves to lighten the serious message of the poem, and to make it more accessible to readers.
Interpretation: A Critique of Modern Society
One possible interpretation of "Ape and Coffee" is that it is a critique of modern society, and of the ways in which we have become disconnected from our animal nature. The poem suggests that our consciousness, which is a product of our culture, has become a barrier to our ability to enjoy life. We have become so self-aware and anxious that we are unable to live in the moment, as the ape does. This critique of modern society is echoed in many other works of surrealism, which often seek to undermine the values and assumptions of mainstream culture.
Interpretation: A Meditation on Reality
Another possible interpretation of "Ape and Coffee" is that it is a meditation on the nature of reality. The poem suggests that reality is not a fixed or objective thing, but is instead shaped by our consciousness and our perceptions. The fact that the ape is able to enjoy the coffee suggests that there is a subjective element to reality, and that our perceptions are not entirely separate from our animal nature. This idea is reminiscent of the philosophy of existentialism, which emphasizes the subjective experience of existence.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Ape and Coffee" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the themes of the human condition, modern society, and the nature of reality. The poem's use of surrealism and humor makes it accessible and entertaining, while its deeper message challenges readers to question their assumptions about the world. As a masterpiece of surrealism, "Ape and Coffee" continues to inspire and captivate readers, and its relevance to contemporary issues makes it a timeless work of art.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Ape and Coffee: A Poem that Defies Expectations
Russell Edson’s poem “Ape and Coffee” is a work of art that defies expectations. At first glance, it appears to be a simple poem about an ape drinking coffee. However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that the poem is much more complex than it initially appears. In this analysis, we will explore the various layers of meaning in “Ape and Coffee” and examine how Edson uses language to create a surreal and thought-provoking work of art.
The poem begins with a simple statement: “Some coffee had gotten on a man’s ape.” This line sets the stage for the rest of the poem, introducing the two main characters and the central conflict. The man’s ape is a curious figure, one that immediately captures the reader’s attention. We are left to wonder why a man would have an ape, and why the ape would be drinking coffee.
As the poem progresses, we learn more about the relationship between the man and his ape. The man is described as “a man of considerable dignity,” while the ape is “a hairy and somewhat ridiculous creature.” This contrast between the two characters is significant, as it highlights the power dynamic between them. The man is in a position of authority, while the ape is subservient to him.
Despite this power dynamic, the ape is the one who is drinking coffee. This is a significant detail, as it suggests that the ape has some agency and autonomy. It is not simply a passive creature, but one that is capable of making its own choices. This is reinforced later in the poem, when the ape is described as “sipping the coffee daintily.”
The act of an ape drinking coffee is inherently surreal and absurd. It is not something that we would expect to see in the real world. However, Edson uses this surreal image to explore deeper themes and ideas. One interpretation of the poem is that it is a commentary on the nature of humanity. The ape, a creature that is typically associated with primitiveness and instinct, is engaging in a human activity. This blurring of the lines between human and animal suggests that perhaps there is not as much of a divide between the two as we might think.
Another interpretation of the poem is that it is a commentary on the nature of power and control. The man’s ape is a symbol of his dominance over the natural world. By having an ape as a pet, he is asserting his superiority over the animal kingdom. However, the fact that the ape is drinking coffee suggests that perhaps the power dynamic is not as clear-cut as it initially appears. The ape is able to assert its own agency and autonomy, even in the face of the man’s control.
Edson’s use of language is also significant in “Ape and Coffee.” The poem is written in a simple, straightforward style, with short sentences and minimal punctuation. This creates a sense of immediacy and urgency, as if the events of the poem are unfolding in real time. The lack of punctuation also creates a sense of ambiguity, allowing the reader to interpret the poem in multiple ways.
The poem is also full of vivid imagery and sensory details. We can imagine the man’s ape sitting at a table, sipping coffee “daintily” and “with little pinkie extended.” This image is both humorous and surreal, and it lingers in the reader’s mind long after the poem has ended.
In conclusion, “Ape and Coffee” is a poem that defies expectations and challenges the reader to think deeply about the nature of humanity, power, and control. Through the use of surreal imagery and simple language, Edson creates a work of art that is both thought-provoking and entertaining. The poem invites us to question our assumptions about the world around us and to consider the possibility that things are not always as they seem.
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