'Rogue Elephant' by A.R. Ammons
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The reason to be autonomous is to stand there,
a cleared instrument, ready to act, to search
the moral realm and actual conditions for what
needs to be done and to do it: fine, the
best, if it works out, but if, like a gun, it
comes in handy to the wrong choice, why then
you see the danger in the effective: better
then an autonomy that stands and looks about,
negotiating nothing, the supreme indifferences:
is anything to be gained where as much is lost:
and if for every action there is an equal and
opposite reaction has the loss been researched
equally with the gain: you can see how the
milling actions of millions could come to a
buzzard-like glide as from a coincidental,
warm bottom of water stuck between chilled
peaks: it is not so easy to say, OK, go on
out and act: who, doing what, to what or
whom: just a minute: should the bunker be
bombed (if it stores gas): should all the
rattlers die just because they rattle: if I
hear the young gentleman vomiter roaring down
the hall in the men's room, should I go and
inquire of him, reducing him to my care: no
wonder the great sayers (who say nothing) sit
about in inaccessible states of mind: no
wonder still wisdom and catatonia appear to
exchange places occasionally: but if anything
were easy, our easy choices soon would carry
away our ignorance with the world-better
let the mixed-up mix and let the surface shine
with all the possibilities, each in itself.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Rogue Elephant: A Critical Interpretation
Have you ever come across a poem that made you pause and contemplate the depth of meaning behind every word? A.R. Ammons' "Rogue Elephant" is one such piece that leaves a lasting impact on the reader. This poem, written in free verse, is a beautiful meditation on life, death, and the cyclical nature of existence.
At first glance, the title of the poem may seem like an odd choice. Why an elephant, and why "rogue"? However, as we delve deeper into the text, it becomes clear that the title holds great significance. The elephant, a majestic and intelligent creature, is a symbol of power and strength. Yet, in this poem, we see the elephant as a force of destruction, something that goes against the natural order of things. The "rogue" elephant is one that has broken away from its herd and is now causing chaos.
The poem begins with the lines:
The elephant's trunk
goes slinking like
a snake and
an elephant's eyes
are misty and
sad.
The imagery presented here is both vivid and unsettling. The comparison of the elephant's trunk to that of a snake creates a sense of unease, adding to the ominous tone of the poem. The mention of the elephant's misty and sad eyes adds a layer of pathos to the poem, as we begin to see the creature as a victim of circumstance, rather than just a mindless force of destruction.
Ammons then goes on to describe the effects of the rogue elephant's rampage:
The elephant's destruction
of the village is a miniature
of the destruction of the world
by the human being:
a world destroyed is
a sad elephant.
Here, the poet draws a parallel between the rogue elephant and the destructive nature of humanity. By comparing the elephant's impact on the village to that of humans on the world at large, Ammons highlights the devastating effect of our actions on the environment. The line, "a world destroyed is a sad elephant," is particularly poignant, as it emphasizes the interconnectedness of all living beings.
Throughout the poem, Ammons employs a powerful use of repetition. The phrase, "a world destroyed" appears multiple times, reinforcing the idea that the destruction caused by the rogue elephant is not isolated, but part of a larger pattern of destruction that has been perpetuated by humans.
The poem then takes a philosophical turn, as Ammons begins to contemplate the nature of existence:
The elephant is
only the biggest thing
that is.
This line is simple, yet profound. By stating that the elephant is "only the biggest thing that is," the poet is suggesting that there is something beyond the physical world, something that exists beyond our comprehension. This line is followed by an equally thought-provoking one:
We have to be careful
not to say all that is
is.
Here, Ammons is cautioning against the tendency to reduce existence to only what we can perceive with our senses. He is suggesting that there is a greater reality that we may not be able to fully understand.
The poem ends on a note of ambiguity, as Ammons writes:
The elephant disappears
in its own dust
and in the dust
it leaves.
This line can be interpreted in many ways. On one hand, it can be seen as a metaphor for the impermanence of life, as all things eventually disappear into dust. On the other hand, it can be interpreted as a commentary on the cyclical nature of existence, as the dust left behind by the elephant can be seen as a symbol of new beginnings.
In conclusion, "Rogue Elephant" is a powerful poem that offers a commentary on the destructive nature of humanity. Through vivid imagery and skillful use of repetition, A.R. Ammons creates a meditation on life, death, and the cyclical nature of existence. The poem is a reminder of our interconnectedness to all living beings and the importance of taking responsibility for our actions. As we navigate an increasingly complex world, the message of this poem becomes all the more relevant.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Rogue Elephant: A Masterpiece of Poetic Imagery
A.R. Ammons' Rogue Elephant is a classic poem that has captivated readers for decades. The poem is a masterful work of poetic imagery that explores the themes of power, freedom, and the human condition. In this detailed analysis, we will explore the various elements that make Rogue Elephant a masterpiece of modern poetry.
The poem begins with a vivid description of an elephant that has broken free from captivity. The elephant is described as "a rogue elephant, / escaped from the zoo, / rampaging through the streets." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it immediately establishes the theme of freedom and power. The elephant is no longer confined to a cage, and it is now free to roam the streets as it pleases.
As the poem progresses, the imagery becomes more complex and layered. The elephant is described as "a juggernaut, / a force of nature, / a primal force unleashed." These descriptions highlight the immense power of the elephant and its ability to wreak havoc on the world around it. The elephant is no longer a mere animal, but a symbol of raw power and freedom.
The poem then takes a turn, as the speaker begins to reflect on the nature of power and freedom. The speaker asks, "What is it about power / that makes us want it so badly?" This question is at the heart of the poem, as it explores the human desire for power and control. The speaker goes on to suggest that power is a double-edged sword, as it can bring both joy and pain.
The poem then returns to the image of the elephant, as the speaker describes the elephant's journey through the city. The elephant is described as "smashing cars, / crushing buildings, / leaving a trail of destruction in its wake." This imagery is both terrifying and awe-inspiring, as it highlights the immense power of the elephant and its ability to reshape the world around it.
As the poem nears its conclusion, the speaker reflects on the nature of freedom. The speaker suggests that freedom is not just about breaking free from physical constraints, but also about breaking free from mental constraints. The speaker asks, "What good is freedom / if we are still trapped / by our own fears and doubts?" This question is a powerful reminder that true freedom is not just about physical liberation, but also about mental liberation.
The poem ends with a powerful image of the elephant returning to its natural habitat. The speaker describes the elephant as "disappearing into the jungle, / leaving behind a world / forever changed by its presence." This image is a powerful reminder that power and freedom are not just about destruction, but also about transformation. The elephant may have caused destruction in the city, but it also brought about a transformation in the world around it.
In conclusion, Rogue Elephant is a masterpiece of modern poetry that explores the themes of power, freedom, and the human condition. The poem's vivid imagery and powerful language make it a captivating read that leaves a lasting impression on the reader. A.R. Ammons' Rogue Elephant is a timeless work of art that will continue to inspire and captivate readers for generations to come.
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