"Constantly Risking Absurdity" is all an artistic journey for the poet-acrobat. And although that sounds noble and great, we also know it's dangerous and even a little ridiculous at times. This is not the kind of exploration that involves checking out the latest hotspot in your neighborhood or trying out a new beach resort. It's rather one that involves unpredictability, unimaginable Beauty, and yes, even death. Sound more enticing than an all-inclusive in Jamaica? Shmoop thinks so.
Questions About Exploration
- Find some words that have a connotation of exploration. How do they all fit together by the end of the poem?
- What are some possible dangers of this sort of exploration, besides "death?" Are the dangers worth it to the poet?
- If this particular exploration did not involve death, would it be any less enticing or rewarding? Why or why not?
Chew on This
This poem just goes to show: life's like a box of chocolates, with one or two being poisonous; but hey, for the chance of a lemon cream, we'll take it.
The poet-acrobat's example teaches us that it's much better to have climbed and fallen to one's death, than to never have climbed and taken a job instead as an insurance salesman.