'Paying The Captain' by Russell Edson
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We get on a boat, never mind if it sinks, we paythe captain by throwing him overboard. And when hegets back onboard we say, captain, please don't beangry. And he forgives us this time. And so we throwhim overboard again just to make sure we have fullypaid the price we have set upon our passage. When hegets back onboard he is not anxious to forgive us,and he would like it much better if we would get offhis boat. There is nothing left for us to do but torepay him and hope that this time it will be enough.And so we throw him overboard again. When he comesaboard again we say, now this must be the last ofthis, we will pay no more, we want the journey tobegin.But it seems there will be no journey since we havegotten the captain used to a good thing. And so wemust spend the rest of our days throwing the captainoverboard.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Paying The Captain by Russell Edson: A Surrealist Masterpiece
Poetry has always been a means of expressing one's innermost thoughts and emotions. However, some poets take it a step further, using their words to create fantastical worlds where anything is possible. Russell Edson is one such poet, and Paying The Captain is a prime example of his unique style.
The Basics
Paying The Captain is a surreal poem that tells the story of a man who pays a captain to take him to a far-off land. The journey is filled with strange occurrences, such as a storm that transforms the ship into a whale and a crew that turns into chickens. The man eventually reaches his destination and is met by a group of people who are willing to pay him for his journey.
The Symbolism
At its core, Paying The Captain is a poem about the journey of life. The man represents every person who sets out on their own journey, whether it be to find themselves or to fulfill their dreams. The captain represents the forces that guide us on our journey, whether it be fate, destiny, or something else entirely.
The storm symbolizes the obstacles that we must overcome in order to reach our destination. The fact that the ship turns into a whale shows that these obstacles can transform us, making us stronger and more resilient.
The crew turning into chickens is a particularly interesting symbol. Chickens are often seen as symbols of fear and cowardice, which suggests that the man's journey has forced him to confront his own fears and weaknesses.
Finally, the group of people at the end of the poem symbolizes the reward that awaits us at the end of our journey. Whether it be material wealth, emotional fulfillment, or something else entirely, there is always something waiting for us at the end of the road.
The Style
What sets Paying The Captain apart from other poems is its surrealist style. Surrealism is a movement in art and literature that emphasizes the power of the subconscious mind. It seeks to create works that are dreamlike and irrational, challenging our preconceived notions of reality.
Edson's use of surrealism in Paying The Captain allows him to explore the themes of the poem in a more creative and imaginative way. By using fantastical imagery and bizarre events, he is able to convey the idea that life is a journey full of unexpected twists and turns.
The Interpretation
Paying The Captain is a poem that can be interpreted in many different ways. One possible interpretation is that it is a commentary on the human condition. The man's journey represents the journey of every person, with all its ups and downs, while the captain and the storm represent the forces that shape our lives.
Another interpretation is that the poem is a critique of society. The fact that the man is paid for his journey suggests that there is a market for such experiences, which could be seen as a commentary on our consumerist culture. Additionally, the crew turning into chickens could be interpreted as a commentary on the state of modern society, where people are often driven by fear and cowardice.
The Conclusion
In conclusion, Paying The Captain is a surreal masterpiece that explores the themes of life, journey, and transformation in a unique and imaginative way. Russell Edson's use of surrealism allows him to convey these themes in a way that is both creative and thought-provoking. Whether you interpret the poem as a commentary on the human condition or a critique of society, there is no denying the power and beauty of Edson's words.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Paying The Captain: A Masterpiece of Surrealism
Russell Edson's "Poetry Paying The Captain" is a surrealistic masterpiece that defies conventional interpretation. The poem is a complex and multi-layered work that explores the relationship between poetry and the creative process. It is a poem that challenges the reader's imagination and invites them to explore the depths of their own psyche.
The poem begins with a simple premise: a captain is paid with poetry. However, as the poem progresses, it becomes clear that this is no ordinary transaction. The captain is not interested in money, but in the power of words. He is a man who understands the transformative power of poetry and is willing to accept it as payment for his services.
The first stanza of the poem sets the stage for the surrealistic journey that is about to unfold. The captain is described as a "man of the sea" who is "paid in poetry." This simple statement is loaded with meaning. The sea is a symbol of the unconscious mind, and the captain is a symbol of the creative spirit. The fact that he is paid in poetry suggests that the creative process is not a commodity that can be bought and sold, but a force that is beyond material value.
The second stanza of the poem introduces the idea of the "poetry machine." This machine is a metaphor for the creative process. It is a device that transforms the raw material of language into something that is beautiful and meaningful. The fact that the machine is "rusty" and "old" suggests that the creative process is not always easy or straightforward. It requires effort and perseverance to bring something new and meaningful into the world.
The third stanza of the poem introduces the idea of the "poetry bird." This bird is a symbol of the creative spirit. It is a creature that is free and unencumbered by the constraints of the material world. The fact that the bird is "caged" suggests that the creative spirit is often constrained by the limitations of the human mind. However, the fact that the bird is "singing" suggests that the creative spirit is still alive and well, even in the face of adversity.
The fourth stanza of the poem introduces the idea of the "poetry fish." This fish is a symbol of the unconscious mind. It is a creature that is mysterious and elusive, yet full of potential. The fact that the fish is "caught" suggests that the creative process is often a struggle. It requires patience and persistence to bring something new and meaningful into the world.
The fifth stanza of the poem introduces the idea of the "poetry tree." This tree is a symbol of the creative process itself. It is a living thing that grows and changes over time. The fact that the tree is "planted" suggests that the creative process is something that requires nurturing and care. It cannot be rushed or forced, but must be allowed to grow and develop at its own pace.
The final stanza of the poem brings all of these ideas together. The captain is described as a "poetry man" who is "paid in poetry." This suggests that the creative process is not something that can be easily defined or quantified. It is a force that is beyond material value, and it requires a certain level of understanding and appreciation to truly appreciate its power.
In conclusion, "Poetry Paying The Captain" is a surrealistic masterpiece that explores the relationship between poetry and the creative process. It is a poem that challenges the reader's imagination and invites them to explore the depths of their own psyche. Through its use of powerful symbols and metaphors, the poem suggests that the creative process is a force that is beyond material value, and that it requires a certain level of understanding and appreciation to truly appreciate its power.
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