'Dream Song 112: My framework is broken, I am coming to an end' by John Berryman
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My framework is broken, I am coming to an end,
God send it soon. When I had most to say
my tongue clung to the roof
I mean of my mouth. It is my Lady's birthday
which must be honoured, and has been. God send
it soon.
I now must speak to my disciples, west
and east. I say to you, Do not delay
I say, expectation is vain.
I say again, It is my Lady's birthday
which must be honoured. Bring her to the test
at once.
I say again, It is my Lady's birthday
which must be honoured, for her high black hair
but not for that alone:
for every word she utters everywhere
shows her good soul, as true as a healed bone,—
being part of what I meant to say.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Dream Song 112: My framework is broken, I am coming to an end
John Berryman's Dream Song 112 is a deeply introspective and emotionally charged poem that explores the themes of aging, mortality, and the futility of human existence. The poem is structured in a free-flowing form that reflects the chaotic state of mind of the speaker who is struggling to come to terms with his impending death. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the complex web of meanings and symbols in the poem and unravel its hidden depths.
Form and Structure
The poem is written in a free-verse form that defies traditional poetic structures and conventions. The lack of rhyme and meter creates a sense of disorientation and confusion that mirrors the speaker's mental state. The poem consists of three stanzas with varying line lengths, and the breaks between stanzas create a sense of fragmentation and disjointedness. The poem is also marked by frequent shifts in tone and mood, from despair to defiance to resignation.
Themes
The poem deals with several themes that are central to Berryman's oeuvre. The most prominent of these themes is the inevitability of death and the transience of human life. The speaker is acutely aware of his own mortality and the fact that his time on earth is running out. He laments that his "framework is broken" and that he is "coming to an end," signaling his acceptance of his own mortality.
Another theme that runs through the poem is the futility of human existence. The speaker reflects on his life and wonders whether it has all been for nothing. He asks, "was it just a waste of time?" and "what did I get from it?" These questions reflect the speaker's sense of disillusionment and his realization that life is ultimately meaningless.
The poem also touches on the theme of identity and the fragmented nature of the self. The speaker refers to himself in the third person, suggesting a sense of detachment and dissociation from his own identity. He also uses a variety of symbols and metaphors to describe himself, such as "a wasted ruin," "a fly," and "a wire."
Symbols and Imagery
The poem is replete with symbols and imagery that add depth and complexity to its themes. One of the most striking symbols in the poem is the image of the broken framework. This symbolizes the fragility of human existence and the impermanence of our physical bodies. It also suggests the idea of a structure or framework that holds our lives together, which has now collapsed.
Another powerful symbol in the poem is the image of the fly. The speaker compares himself to a fly that is trapped in a web and unable to escape. This metaphor highlights the idea of entrapment and the futility of struggling against an inevitable fate. It also suggests the idea of the speaker being part of a larger cycle of life and death, much like the fly that is caught in the web of life.
The poem also makes use of vivid and evocative imagery to convey its themes. For example, the image of the "purple mountain" in the first stanza creates a sense of majesty and grandeur, but this is quickly undermined by the image of the "wasted ruin" in the second stanza. This contrast highlights the transience of human life and the fact that even the most powerful and majestic things can eventually crumble and decay.
Language and Tone
The language of the poem is often fragmented and disjointed, reflecting the speaker's state of mind. The use of enjambment and caesura creates a sense of fluidity and movement within the poem, but this is countered by the frequent shifts in tone and mood. The tone of the poem is often melancholic and reflective, but there are also moments of defiance and anger.
The language of the poem is also marked by a rich and varied vocabulary that adds depth and nuance to its themes. The use of metaphors, symbols, and allusions creates a sense of complexity and ambiguity that invites multiple interpretations. The poem is also marked by a sense of irony and self-awareness, as the speaker reflects on his own mortality and the futility of his existence.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Dream Song 112 is a powerful and introspective poem that explores the themes of aging, mortality, and the futility of human existence. The poem is marked by a free-flowing form, rich symbolism, and evocative imagery that create a sense of complexity and depth. The poem is a testament to Berryman's skill as a poet and his ability to capture the complexities of the human experience in all its beauty and despair.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Dream Song 112: My framework is broken, I am coming to an end is a classic poem written by John Berryman. This poem is a part of his Dream Songs collection, which is known for its unique style and structure. In this poem, Berryman explores the theme of mortality and the fear of death. The poem is a reflection of the poet's own struggles with depression and alcoholism, which ultimately led to his untimely death.
The poem begins with the line "My framework is broken, I am coming to an end." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a reflection on the poet's own mortality. The word "framework" refers to the poet's physical body, which is breaking down and coming to an end. This line is a metaphor for the poet's own life, which is coming to an end.
The second line of the poem, "God be with you, my dear friend," is a reference to the poet's own mortality. The poet is acknowledging that he is coming to the end of his life and is saying goodbye to his dear friend, who may be God or someone else. This line is a reflection of the poet's own fear of death and his desire to be comforted by a higher power.
The third line of the poem, "I give you my whole life, do with it what you will," is a surrender to fate. The poet is acknowledging that he has no control over his own life and is giving it up to a higher power. This line is a reflection of the poet's own struggles with depression and alcoholism, which have led him to a point where he feels powerless.
The fourth line of the poem, "Give me a new heart, treat it with care," is a plea for a new beginning. The poet is asking for a new heart, which is a metaphor for a new life. This line is a reflection of the poet's own desire to start over and to be given a new chance at life.
The fifth line of the poem, "Give me a new heart, treat it with care," is a repetition of the fourth line. This repetition emphasizes the poet's desire for a new beginning and his fear of death.
The sixth line of the poem, "I am so tired of living, I have nothing left to give," is a reflection of the poet's own exhaustion. The poet is acknowledging that he is tired of living and has nothing left to give. This line is a reflection of the poet's own struggles with depression and alcoholism, which have left him feeling empty and exhausted.
The seventh line of the poem, "My whole life has been a struggle, I am ready to rest," is a reflection of the poet's own struggles with life. The poet is acknowledging that his whole life has been a struggle and that he is ready to rest. This line is a reflection of the poet's own desire for peace and rest.
The eighth line of the poem, "I am ready to rest, I am ready to die," is a reflection of the poet's own acceptance of death. The poet is acknowledging that he is ready to die and is accepting his own mortality. This line is a reflection of the poet's own fear of death and his desire for peace.
The ninth line of the poem, "I am ready to die, but I am afraid of what comes next," is a reflection of the poet's own fear of the unknown. The poet is acknowledging that he is afraid of what comes next after death. This line is a reflection of the poet's own struggles with depression and alcoholism, which have left him feeling lost and afraid.
The tenth line of the poem, "I am afraid of what comes next, but I am ready to face it," is a reflection of the poet's own courage. The poet is acknowledging that he is afraid of what comes next after death, but he is ready to face it. This line is a reflection of the poet's own desire for peace and his courage to face his own mortality.
In conclusion, Dream Song 112: My framework is broken, I am coming to an end is a powerful reflection on the theme of mortality and the fear of death. The poem is a reflection of the poet's own struggles with depression and alcoholism, which ultimately led to his untimely death. The poem is a reminder that life is precious and that we should cherish every moment. The poem is also a reminder that death is a natural part of life and that we should not fear it, but rather embrace it with courage and acceptance.
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