'Dream Song 113: or Amy Vladeck or Riva Freifeld' by John Berryman


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or Amy Vladeck or Riva Freifeld

That isna Henry limping. That's a hobble
clapped on mere Henry by the most high GOD
for the freedom of Henry's soul.
—The body's foul, cried god, once, twice, & bound it—
For many years I hid it from him successfully—
I'm not clear how he found it

But now he has it—much good may it do him
in the vacant spiritual of space—
only Russians & Americans
to as it were converse with—weel, one Frenchman
to liven up the airless with one nose
& opinions clever & grim.

God declared war on Valerie Trueblood,
against Miss Kaplan he had much to say
O much to say too.
My memory of his kindness comes like a flood
for which I flush with gratitude; yet away
he shouldna have put down Miss Trueblood.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Dream Song 113: or Amy Vladeck or Riva Freifeld

Introduction

John Berryman's "Dream Song 113" is a complex and thought-provoking poem that delves into themes of love, loss, and the struggle to find meaning in life. The poem is written in Berryman's signature style, using a combination of free verse and formal structures to create a unique and powerful voice.

In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the many facets of "Dream Song 113," from its use of language and imagery to its underlying themes and meanings. We will examine the poem in detail, discussing its structure, tone, and content, and analyzing the ways in which Berryman uses these elements to create a powerful and unforgettable work of literature.

Structure

"Dream Song 113" is a complex and multi-layered poem, featuring a mix of free verse and formal structures. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with a different structure and tone.

The first stanza is written in free verse, with a loose and improvisational feel. The lines are short and choppy, with a sense of urgency and desperation. The speaker is struggling to make sense of his emotions, and the lack of structure reflects this internal turmoil.

The second stanza is more structured, with a regular rhyme scheme and meter. The lines are longer and more flowing, with a sense of calm and reflection. The speaker is looking back on his past and struggling to come to terms with his loss.

The third and final stanza is a combination of the first two, with a mix of free verse and formal structures. The lines are longer and more flowing than in the first stanza, but there is still a sense of urgency and desperation. The speaker is still struggling to make sense of his emotions, but he has gained some perspective and is beginning to find some meaning in his loss.

Language and Imagery

Berryman's use of language and imagery in "Dream Song 113" is both powerful and provocative. The poem is filled with vivid and evocative images that bring the speaker's emotions to life.

One of the most striking images in the poem is the description of the speaker's beloved as a "blue flower." This image is both beautiful and haunting, representing the fragility and transience of life. The speaker is struggling to come to terms with the fact that his beloved is no longer with him, and the image of the blue flower serves as a powerful reminder of the impermanence of all things.

Another powerful image in the poem is the description of the speaker as a "drowned man." This image is both disturbing and poignant, representing the speaker's sense of despair and hopelessness. The speaker feels as though he is drowning in his grief, unable to find a way out.

Themes and Meanings

At its core, "Dream Song 113" is a poem about love and loss, and the struggle to find meaning in life. The speaker is grappling with the death of his beloved, and trying to make sense of his emotions in the aftermath.

One of the key themes of the poem is the fleeting nature of life. The speaker is acutely aware of the fact that everything in life is temporary, and that even the deepest and most profound love can be taken away in an instant. This awareness of the impermanence of life leads the speaker to question the meaning and purpose of his existence.

Another important theme in the poem is the search for meaning in the face of loss. The speaker is struggling to come to terms with the death of his beloved, and is searching for some kind of meaning or purpose in his grief. He is trying to understand why he has been left behind, and what he is supposed to do with his life now that his beloved is gone.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Dream Song 113" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning in life. Through its use of language and imagery, the poem creates a vivid and unforgettable portrait of the speaker's emotions, capturing the depth and complexity of his grief in a way that is both beautiful and haunting.

Overall, "Dream Song 113" is a testament to Berryman's skill as a poet, and his ability to capture the human experience in all its complexity and nuance. It is a poem that will resonate with anyone who has ever experienced loss or struggled to find meaning in their lives, and it will continue to inspire and move readers for generations to come.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Dream Song 113: or Amy Vladeck or Riva Freifeld is a classic poem written by John Berryman. This poem is a part of the Dream Songs collection, which is considered one of the most important works of American poetry in the 20th century. Berryman's Dream Songs are known for their unique style, which combines elements of confessional poetry, surrealism, and dark humor. In this article, we will analyze and explain the meaning of Dream Song 113: or Amy Vladeck or Riva Freifeld.

The poem begins with the speaker addressing Amy Vladeck and Riva Freifeld, two women who are presumably close to him. The speaker tells them that he has had a dream about them, and he proceeds to describe the dream in detail. The dream is surreal and disjointed, with images that are both disturbing and humorous.

The first stanza of the poem sets the tone for the dream. The speaker describes a scene in which he is in a "dark room" with Amy and Riva. The room is filled with "smoke and yellow light," and there is a "man with a hat" who is "sitting on a chair." The man with the hat is described as "smiling," but his smile is "crooked" and "evil." This image sets the stage for the rest of the dream, which is filled with strange and unsettling images.

In the second stanza, the speaker describes a scene in which he is in a "field of snow." He sees Amy and Riva in the distance, but they are "tiny" and "far away." The speaker tries to reach them, but he is unable to do so. This image is a metaphor for the speaker's feelings of isolation and disconnection from the people he cares about.

The third stanza of the poem is perhaps the most surreal and disturbing. The speaker describes a scene in which he is in a "room of mirrors." In the mirrors, he sees "a thousand faces," all of which are "his own." This image is a metaphor for the speaker's sense of self-doubt and confusion. He is unable to distinguish himself from the people around him, and he feels lost and alone.

The fourth stanza of the poem is a bit more lighthearted. The speaker describes a scene in which he is in a "room of toys." He sees Amy and Riva playing with "dolls and blocks," and he joins in the fun. This image is a metaphor for the speaker's desire for connection and intimacy with the people he cares about. He wants to be a part of their world and to share in their joy.

The fifth stanza of the poem is perhaps the most poignant. The speaker describes a scene in which he is in a "room of light." He sees Amy and Riva, and they are "smiling" and "happy." The speaker feels a sense of peace and contentment in this moment, but he knows that it is fleeting. He knows that he will soon wake up and return to the real world, where he will once again feel isolated and disconnected.

The final stanza of the poem is a reflection on the dream. The speaker acknowledges that the dream was strange and disjointed, but he also recognizes that it was meaningful. He sees the dream as a metaphor for his own life, which is filled with both joy and pain, connection and isolation. He knows that he cannot escape the difficulties of life, but he also knows that he can find moments of happiness and connection if he looks for them.

In conclusion, Dream Song 113: or Amy Vladeck or Riva Freifeld is a powerful and poignant poem that explores themes of isolation, connection, and self-doubt. Berryman's use of surreal imagery and dark humor creates a dreamlike atmosphere that is both unsettling and captivating. The poem is a testament to Berryman's skill as a poet and his ability to capture the complexities of the human experience.

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