The poem's theme also transcends not being limited to the art as an entity but using the art as an intrinsic part of the world, of the human existence which is also illusory.
"You fluctuate in an artful body
You try to imitate the world’s glory
Art begins with a lie
That’s the story, sharp speck in the eye."
The fluctuation, the artful body, the imitation - they are all elements sustaining the idea of illusion, of what appears is not what the essence truly is. The ending of the poem is very relevant, the sharp speck in the eye implying not only the hindered view but also the pain that comes with this realization.
The fluctuation, the artful body, the imitation - they are all elements sustaining the idea of illusion, of what appears is not what the essence truly is. The ending of the poem is very relevant, the sharp speck in the eye implying not only the hindered view but also the pain that comes with this realization.
great insights, and good connection to "Makeup..." (and of course making things up...).. Yes, there is a sense of art as misdirection. The Buddhist connection is very helpful. Its "lie"of course is also its power. The poem is ambiguous about art's value, and function--one wants clear sight, w/out "misconception," and to avoid "artfulness" (though there can be art w/out being "artful"?), and yet of course this poem itself is another "story," and itself art (if not artful)--more so since it is based on a traditional poetic form--the Villanelle; knowing this may help interpret some of the poem's ambiguities.
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