Poem Analysis - An Asphodel

Introduction: Intimacy and Despair

Allen Ginsberg's "An Asphodel" is a raw and intimate glimpse into a moment of vulnerability, longing, and self-acceptance. The poem blends expressions of frustrated desire with a frank celebration of the self. There's a mournful tone initially, tinged with a sense of helplessness, which gradually shifts towards a defiant and self-appreciative stance as the speaker embraces his present state. The poem overall expresses a complex mix of sadness and liberation.

The Crushing Weight of Unattainable Desire

One prominent theme in the poem is the pain of unattainable desire. The opening line, "O dear sweet rosyunattainable desire," immediately establishes this yearning. The word "unattainable" emphasizes the futility and frustration of the speaker's longing. The "madcultivated asphodel," and "visible reality" suggest that the object of his desire is perhaps an idealized version, or a constructed reality that is ultimately out of reach. He seems to acknowledge that his pursuit of this ideal is inherently flawed, a "mad" endeavor.

Self-Acceptance Through Nudity

The theme of self-acceptance emerges as the speaker confronts the "appallingpetals" of his own skin. Instead of succumbing to self-pity, he describes himself as "inspired to be so Iying in the livingroom drunk nakedand dreaming." This acceptance is not necessarily joyful, but it is genuine. By embracing his present state of "nudity," both physically and emotionally, the speaker finds a temporary solace and a degree of freedom from the constraints of his unfulfilled desire. The line "my only rose tonite's the treatof my own nudity" symbolizes a move away from external validation and desire toward an internal embrace of self.

The Symbolism of the Asphodel: Fate and Remembrance

The recurring symbol of the asphodel is central to the poem's meaning. In Greek mythology, the asphodel is associated with the afterlife and remembrance. Ginsberg uses this symbol to represent a "gray fate," suggesting a bleak or melancholic destiny. The speaker is "eating the low rootof the asphodel," which implies that he is confronting and internalizing this potentially grim reality. The phrase "rolling in generationon the flowery couchas on a bank in Arden" can be seen as an allusion to Shakespearean romantic idealism contrasted with the actual "gray fate" presented by the asphodel.

Concluding Thoughts: Finding Peace in Imperfection

In conclusion, "An Asphodel" is a poignant exploration of desire, disappointment, and self-acceptance. Ginsberg masterfully blends raw emotion with symbolic imagery to create a poem that resonates with vulnerability and authenticity. While the initial tone is one of sadness and longing, the poem ultimately finds a sense of peace, albeit tinged with melancholy, in the embrace of the present self, flaws and all. The speaker's journey is one of navigating the complexities of human desire and ultimately finding a fragile solace in the face of life's imperfections.