Anecdote of the Jar
Fiction | Poem | Adult | Published in 2012
5
Poem • Fiction
Tennessee
2012
Adult
18+ years
In "Anecdote of the Jar," Wallace Stevens presents a person placing a jar on a hill in Tennessee. The jar's presence alters the surrounding wilderness, bringing order to the untamed environment and highlighting nature's complexity in contrast with the jar's simplicity. This interaction explores themes of art's influence and humanity's relationship with nature.
Contemplative
Mysterious
Serene
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Anecdote of the Jar by Wallace Stevens is praised for its exploration of the interaction between civilization and nature, highlighting the transformative power of human presence. Critics admire its stark imagery and philosophical depth, though some find its ambiguity challenging. The poem's brevity and layered meaning invite varied interpretations, enhancing its enduring appeal.
A reader drawn to Wallace Stevens’ Anecdote of the Jar likely appreciates philosophical poetry and themes of order versus chaos. Fans of T.S. Eliot’s The Waste Land or John Ashbery’s Self-Portrait in a Convex Mirror may enjoy the exploration of the interaction between human creations and nature.
48 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
5
Poem • Fiction
Tennessee
2012
Adult
18+ years
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