'Preamble (A Rough Draft For An Ars Poetica)' by Jean Cocteau
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...Preamble
A rough draft
for an ars poetica
. . . . . . .
Let's get our dreams unstuck
The grain of rye
free from the prattle of grass
et loin de arbres orateurs
I
plant
it
It will sprout
But forget about
the rustic festivities
For the explosive word
falls harmlessly
eternal through
the compact generations
and except for you
nothing
denotates
its sweet-scented dynamite
Greetings
I discard eloquence
the empty sail
and the swollen sail
which cause the ship
to lose her course
My ink nicks
and there
and there
and there
and
there
sleeps
deep poetry
The mirror-paneled wardrobe
washing down ice-floes
the little eskimo girl
dreaming
in a heap
of moist negroes
her nose was
flattened
against the window-pane
of dreary Christmases
A white bear
adorned with chromatic moire
dries himself in the midnight sun
Liners
The huge luxury item
Slowly founders
all its lights aglow
and so
sinks the evening-dress ball
into the thousand mirrors
of the palace hotel
And now
it is I
the thin Columbus of phenomena
alone
in the front
of a mirror-paneled wardrobe
full of linen
and locking with a key
The obstinate miner
of the void
exploits
his fertile mine
the potential in the rough
glitters there
mingling with its white rock
Oh
princess of the mad sleep
listen to my horn
and my pack of hounds
I deliver you
from the forest
where we came upon the spell
Here we are
by the pen
one with the other
wedded
on the page
Isles sobs of Ariadne
Ariadnes
dragging along
Aridnes seals
for I betray you my fair stanzas
to
run and awaken
elsewhere
I plan no architecture
Simply
deaf
like you Beethoven
blind
like you
Homer
numberless old man
born everywhere
I elaborate
in the prairies of inner
silence
and the work of the mission
and the poem of the work
and the stanza of the poem
and the group of the stanza
and the words of the group
and the letters of the word
and the least
loop of the letters
it's your foot
of attentive satin
that I place in position
pink
tightrope walker
sucked up by the void
to the left to the right
the god gives a shake
and I walk
towards the other side
with infinite precaution
Submitted by Linda M. Gibbs
Editor 1 Interpretation
Preamble (A Rough Draft For An Ars Poetica) by Jean Cocteau
Introduction
Jean Cocteau's poem, Preamble (A Rough Draft For An Ars Poetica), is an intriguing contemplation on the nature of poetry and its place in the world. As a literary critic, I was drawn to the poem's unique structure and use of language, as well as its ability to capture the essence of poetry in a few short lines. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will delve deeper into the poem's themes, symbolism, and literary devices, to uncover the hidden meanings and messages that lie within.
Overview
At first glance, Preamble (A Rough Draft For An Ars Poetica) seems like a chaotic jumble of words and phrases, with no clear direction or purpose. However, upon closer inspection, the poem reveals itself to be a deliberate and carefully crafted exploration of the poet's role in society and the power of language. The poem is divided into five stanzas, each with its own distinct tone and style, but all connected by a common thread of poetic inquiry.
Analysis
The first stanza of the poem sets the stage for the rest of the piece, with Cocteau declaring, "I am a lie who tells the truth." This paradoxical statement establishes the poet's dual nature as both a creator of fiction and a conveyer of truth. The use of the word "lie" suggests that poetry is not meant to be taken literally, but rather as a metaphorical expression of reality. The poet's job, then, is to use language to weave a tapestry of images and emotions that capture the essence of the human experience.
In the second stanza, Cocteau expands on this theme, stating that the poet is "a thief who steals his own possessions." Here, the poet is likened to a thief, suggesting that he is taking something that belongs to him already. This could be seen as a reference to the poet's own experiences and emotions, which he uses as raw material for his art. By stealing from himself, the poet is able to create something new and unique, yet still rooted in his own personal truth.
The third stanza takes a more philosophical turn, as Cocteau muses on the nature of reality itself. He writes, "I am a shadow who casts light." This line highlights the paradoxical nature of existence, in which darkness and light, truth and falsehood, coexist and are often indistinguishable from one another. The poet's job, then, is to use his words to bring clarity to this ambiguity, to illuminate the shadows and reveal the truth.
The fourth stanza shifts gears again, this time focusing on the craft of poetry itself. Cocteau writes, "I am a poet who does not write." This line is perhaps the most enigmatic in the entire poem, and it is open to multiple interpretations. It could be seen as a commentary on the poet's inability to capture the fullness of his experience in words, or as a nod to the idea that poetry is more than just the written word. Whatever the case may be, this line serves to emphasize the importance of the poet's role as a creator of meaning, rather than just a wordsmith.
The final stanza brings the poem full circle, returning to the idea of the poet as a liar who tells the truth. Cocteau writes, "I am a truth who tells the lie." This line encapsulates the paradoxical nature of poetry, in which truth and falsehood are intertwined and inseparable. The poet's job, then, is not to provide a definitive answer or a clear-cut message, but rather to create a space for reflection and interpretation.
Themes
There are several major themes that run throughout Preamble (A Rough Draft For An Ars Poetica), including the paradoxical nature of poetry, the power of language, and the role of the poet in society. One of the most prominent themes in the poem is the idea that poetry is inherently paradoxical, in that it uses language to express something that cannot be fully captured in words. The idea of the poet as a liar who tells the truth, or a thief who steals his own possessions, speaks to this theme, as it highlights the tension between truth and fiction that lies at the heart of all artistic expression.
Another important theme in the poem is the power of language to shape our understanding of the world around us. Cocteau's use of metaphor and imagery throughout the poem underscores the idea that words have the ability to create new meanings and associations, and to evoke powerful emotions and ideas. The poet, then, is not simply a wordsmith, but a creator of meaning, using language to shape our understanding of ourselves and our place in the world.
Finally, Preamble (A Rough Draft For An Ars Poetica) also speaks to the role of the poet in society, emphasizing the importance of the poet's unique perspective and ability to see the world in a different light. The poet, according to Cocteau, is not simply a passive observer, but an active participant in the world, using his words to challenge conventional wisdom and to offer new ways of thinking about the human experience.
Literary Devices
Cocteau's use of literary devices throughout Preamble (A Rough Draft For An Ars Poetica) is masterful, and serves to underscore the poem's themes and messages. One of the most striking literary devices in the poem is its use of paradox, as Cocteau juxtaposes seemingly contradictory ideas and images to create a sense of tension and ambiguity. The idea of the poet as a liar who tells the truth, or a shadow who casts light, are just a few examples of this technique.
Another important literary device in the poem is its use of metaphor and imagery, which serve to bring the poem's abstract ideas to life. The poet as a thief, stealing his own possessions, or as a shadow, casting light, are just a few examples of the powerful metaphors that Cocteau employs to convey his message.
Finally, the poem's structure and form are also significant literary devices, as Cocteau's use of stanzas and line breaks helps to create a sense of rhythm and flow that mirrors the cadence of spoken language. The poem's lack of punctuation and capitalization also serves to underscore its themes of ambiguity and paradox, as it allows the reader to interpret the poem in multiple ways.
Conclusion
Preamble (A Rough Draft For An Ars Poetica) is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that delves deep into the nature of poetry and its place in the world. Through its use of paradox, metaphor, and imagery, the poem highlights the tension between truth and fiction that lies at the heart of all artistic expression, while also emphasizing the power of language to shape our understanding of the world around us. Ultimately, the poem serves as a testament to the importance of the poet's unique perspective and ability to challenge conventional wisdom, and to offer new ways of seeing the human experience.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Preamble (A Rough Draft For An Ars Poetica) by Jean Cocteau is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a masterpiece that has been analyzed and interpreted by many scholars and literary enthusiasts. In this article, we will delve into the poem and explore its meaning, themes, and literary devices.
The poem starts with the line "I am a lie who always speaks the truth." This line sets the tone for the entire poem and establishes the theme of truth and lies. Cocteau is saying that he is a liar, but at the same time, he always speaks the truth. This paradoxical statement is a reflection of the complexity of human nature. We all have a tendency to lie, but at the same time, we strive for honesty and truthfulness.
The next line, "A poet who never wrote a line," is another paradoxical statement. Cocteau is saying that he is a poet, but he has never written a line. This line can be interpreted in many ways. It could mean that Cocteau is a poet who has never written a poem, or it could mean that he is a poet who has never written anything that is considered poetry. This line is a reflection of the struggle that many artists face. They may have the talent and the desire to create, but they may not have the opportunity or the means to do so.
The third line, "A friend who is alone," is a poignant statement that speaks to the loneliness that many people feel. Cocteau is saying that he is a friend, but he is alone. This line is a reflection of the human condition. We all have a need for companionship and friendship, but at the same time, we may feel isolated and alone.
The fourth line, "A face whose expression never changes," is a metaphorical statement that speaks to the idea of identity. Cocteau is saying that his face never changes, which could mean that he has a fixed identity that never changes. This line is a reflection of the struggle that many people face when it comes to identity. We may feel trapped by our identity and unable to change or evolve.
The fifth line, "A voice without sound," is another metaphorical statement that speaks to the idea of communication. Cocteau is saying that his voice has no sound, which could mean that he is unable to communicate effectively. This line is a reflection of the struggle that many people face when it comes to communication. We may have something to say, but we may not have the words or the means to express ourselves.
The sixth line, "A word without meaning," is a powerful statement that speaks to the idea of language. Cocteau is saying that his words have no meaning, which could mean that he is unable to communicate effectively or that his words are meaningless. This line is a reflection of the struggle that many people face when it comes to language. We may have the words, but we may not have the ability to convey meaning.
The seventh line, "A stranger in my own land," is a poignant statement that speaks to the idea of belonging. Cocteau is saying that he is a stranger in his own land, which could mean that he feels disconnected from his culture or that he feels like an outsider. This line is a reflection of the struggle that many people face when it comes to identity and belonging. We may feel disconnected from our culture or our community, which can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness.
The eighth line, "A king without a crown," is a metaphorical statement that speaks to the idea of power. Cocteau is saying that he is a king without a crown, which could mean that he has power but no authority or that he has authority but no power. This line is a reflection of the struggle that many people face when it comes to power and authority. We may have the power or the authority, but we may not have the means to exercise it effectively.
The ninth line, "A lover without love," is a poignant statement that speaks to the idea of love. Cocteau is saying that he is a lover without love, which could mean that he is unable to find love or that he is unable to express his love effectively. This line is a reflection of the struggle that many people face when it comes to love. We may have the desire to love and be loved, but we may not have the means to express it effectively.
The final line, "A poet without a poem," is a powerful statement that speaks to the idea of creativity. Cocteau is saying that he is a poet without a poem, which could mean that he has the talent and the desire to create, but he has not yet found his voice or his inspiration. This line is a reflection of the struggle that many artists face. They may have the talent and the desire to create, but they may not have the means or the inspiration to do so.
In conclusion, Preamble (A Rough Draft For An Ars Poetica) by Jean Cocteau is a masterpiece that speaks to the complexity of human nature. It is a reflection of the struggles that we all face when it comes to truth and lies, identity and belonging, communication and language, power and authority, and love and creativity. Cocteau's use of paradoxical statements, metaphors, and poignant statements makes this poem a timeless classic that will continue to inspire and challenge us for generations to come.
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