Meaning: The quote "I like poems you can tack all over with a hammer and there are no hollow places" by John Ashbery, a renowned American poet, encapsulates the idea of robust, resilient poetry that can withstand scrutiny and interpretation without revealing any voids or weaknesses. Ashbery's statement suggests a preference for poems that are structurally sound and rich in meaning, able to endure the weight of analysis and criticism without crumbling under pressure. This quote reflects Ashbery's approach to poetry as a form of expression that is sturdy and enduring, yet open to interpretation and exploration.

John Ashbery's work is often characterized by its complexity and depth, inviting readers to engage with multiple layers of meaning and interpretation. His poetry is known for its enigmatic and elusive qualities, often challenging traditional notions of coherence and clarity. In this context, Ashbery's preference for poems without "hollow places" can be seen as a reflection of his own approach to writing, where he seeks to create works that are structurally solid and resistant to easy categorization or simplification.

When Ashbery speaks of poems that can be "tack all over with a hammer," it suggests a desire for poetry that can withstand the test of critical analysis and intellectual inquiry. This metaphorical image evokes the idea of a poem as a sturdy, substantial object that can endure being examined, probed, and debated without revealing any weaknesses or vulnerabilities. By expressing a preference for such poems, Ashbery emphasizes the importance of depth and resilience in poetic expression, suggesting that the best poems are those that can withstand rigorous examination and interpretation.

This quote also speaks to the idea of the poem as a physical object, something tangible and concrete that can be manipulated and interacted with. The image of "tacking" a poem with a hammer suggests a hands-on approach to engaging with poetry, treating it as something that can be physically handled and shaped. This tactile quality adds another dimension to Ashbery's vision of poetry, emphasizing the materiality of the written word and the ability of poems to withstand the rigors of physical and intellectual scrutiny.

In the context of literary criticism and interpretation, Ashbery's quote can be seen as a call for rigorous engagement with poetry, urging readers and critics to approach poems with a spirit of inquiry and investigation. By expressing a preference for poems without "hollow places," Ashbery sets a high standard for the kind of poetry he values, one that is robust, substantial, and resistant to easy deconstruction or dismissal.

Overall, John Ashbery's quote "I like poems you can tack all over with a hammer and there are no hollow places" encapsulates his vision of poetry as a resilient, multi-layered form of expression that can withstand scrutiny and interpretation without revealing any weaknesses. It reflects his own approach to writing and invites readers to engage with poetry as a robust and enduring art form that is open to exploration and interpretation.