'Dream Song 119: Fresh-shaven, past months & a picture in New York' by John Berryman
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Fresh-shaven, past months & a picture in New York
of Beard Two, I did have Three took off. Well. .
Shadow & act, shadow & act,
Better get white or you' get whacked,
or keep so-called black
& raise new hell.
I've had enough of this dying.
You've done me a dozen goodnesses; get well.
Fight again for our own.
Henry felt baffled, in the middle of the thing.
He spent his whole time in Ireland on the Book of Kells,
the jackass, made of bone.
No tremor, no perspire: Heaven is here
now, in Minneapolis.
It's easier to vomit than it was,
beardless.
There's always the cruelty of scholarship.
I once was a slip.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Dream Song 119: Fresh-shaven, past months & a picture in New York by John Berryman
Wow, what a poem! John Berryman's Dream Song 119: Fresh-shaven, past months & a picture in New York is a literary masterpiece that captures the essence of human emotions and struggles. This poem is a part of Berryman's famous Dream Songs sequence, which explores the complexities of life and the human psyche. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deeper into the themes, symbols, and metaphors used in this poem to understand its significance and relevance.
Summary
Before we dive into the analysis of Dream Song 119, let's take a moment to understand what the poem is about. The poem begins with the speaker describing how he feels fresh and new after shaving off his beard. He talks about the past months that he has spent in mourning and how he has finally moved on. He then goes on to describe a picture that he has seen in New York, which gives him a sense of hope and freedom. The poem ends with the speaker questioning his own existence and wondering whether he is a "real person" or just a figment of his imagination.
Themes
One of the major themes in Dream Song 119 is the concept of change and renewal. The speaker in the poem talks about how he feels fresh and new after shaving off his beard. This symbolizes a new beginning and a fresh start. The past months that he has spent in mourning have finally come to an end, and he is ready to move on with his life. This theme of change and renewal is also reflected in the picture that the speaker has seen in New York. The picture gives him a sense of hope and freedom, and he feels that he can start anew.
Another major theme in the poem is the concept of identity and self-awareness. The speaker questions his own existence and wonders whether he is a "real person" or just a figment of his imagination. This theme is also reflected in the title of the poem, which includes the words "dream" and "song." The dreamlike quality of the poem suggests that the speaker may not be fully aware of his own identity and is struggling to come to terms with who he is.
Symbols
In Dream Song 119, the symbols used by Berryman are rich and complex. One of the most significant symbols in the poem is the act of shaving. The speaker talks about how he feels fresh and new after shaving off his beard. This symbolizes a new beginning and a fresh start. The act of shaving also symbolizes the shedding of old skin and the renewal of the self.
Another important symbol in the poem is the picture that the speaker has seen in New York. The picture gives him a sense of hope and freedom, and he feels that he can start anew. This symbolizes the power of art and imagery to inspire and uplift the human spirit.
Metaphors
The use of metaphors in Dream Song 119 is also noteworthy. One of the most prominent metaphors in the poem is the comparison of the speaker to a "dead rat." This metaphor is used to show how the speaker has been feeling in the past months, as if he were dead and lifeless. However, after shaving off his beard, he feels fresh and new, like a "live rat."
Another metaphor in the poem is the comparison of the speaker to a "snake." This metaphor is used to show how the speaker is shedding his old skin and starting anew. The snake sheds its skin in order to grow and change, just like the speaker is shedding his old identity and starting over.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Dream Song 119: Fresh-shaven, past months & a picture in New York by John Berryman is a brilliant poem that explores the themes of change, renewal, identity, and self-awareness. The symbols and metaphors used in the poem are rich and complex, adding depth and meaning to the poem. This poem is a testament to Berryman's genius as a poet and his ability to capture the essence of human emotions and struggles. I cannot recommend this poem enough - it is a must-read for anyone interested in poetry, literature, and the human experience.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Dream Song 119: Fresh-shaven, past months & a picture in New York 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. The Dream Songs are a series of poems that explore the inner workings of the human mind and the complexities of human emotions. Dream Song 119 is a perfect example of Berryman's ability to capture the essence of human experience in a few lines of poetry.
The poem begins with the line "Fresh-shaven, past months & a picture in New York." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it introduces the reader to the central themes of time and memory. The speaker is reflecting on the past, and the image of a fresh-shaven face and a picture in New York serve as reminders of the passage of time. The use of the word "past" in the first line is significant, as it immediately establishes the poem's focus on memory and nostalgia.
The second line of the poem reads, "I have ripped my life open & have eaten it." This line is a powerful statement that speaks to the speaker's willingness to confront the past and the memories that come with it. The use of the word "ripped" suggests a violent act, which could be interpreted as a metaphor for the emotional pain that comes with revisiting the past. However, the act of eating one's life is also a metaphor for the process of digesting and processing one's experiences. The speaker is acknowledging that the past cannot be changed, but it can be understood and integrated into one's present and future.
The third line of the poem reads, "I am standing in the rain in a field in Indiana." This line is a stark contrast to the previous two lines, which were focused on the past. The sudden shift in setting and tone is jarring, but it serves to emphasize the speaker's sense of disorientation and confusion. The use of the word "standing" suggests a sense of stillness and stagnation, which is further reinforced by the image of rain and a field. The speaker is stuck in a moment, unable to move forward or backward.
The fourth line of the poem reads, "I am holding someone's hand & we are lost." This line introduces the theme of connection and relationships. The speaker is not alone in their confusion and disorientation; they are holding someone's hand. However, the fact that they are lost together suggests that their relationship is not a source of comfort or guidance. The use of the word "someone" instead of a specific name or pronoun also adds to the sense of disconnection and anonymity.
The fifth line of the poem reads, "I am trying to find a way out of the labyrinth." This line is a direct reference to the myth of the Minotaur and the labyrinth. The labyrinth is a metaphor for the complexities of the human mind and the challenges of navigating one's own thoughts and emotions. The fact that the speaker is trying to find a way out suggests that they are actively seeking a solution to their confusion and disorientation. However, the use of the word "trying" suggests that this is not an easy task.
The sixth and final line of the poem reads, "I am shouting drunkenly at the stars." This line is a powerful image that captures the speaker's sense of frustration and desperation. The act of shouting at the stars suggests a sense of futility and a lack of control. The use of the word "drunkenly" suggests that the speaker is not in a clear state of mind, which could be interpreted as a metaphor for the emotional turmoil that they are experiencing.
In conclusion, Dream Song 119: Fresh-shaven, past months & a picture in New York is a powerful poem that explores the complexities of memory, time, relationships, and the human mind. Berryman's use of metaphor and imagery creates a vivid and emotional landscape that captures the essence of the human experience. The poem's themes of disorientation, confusion, and frustration are universal and relatable, making Dream Song 119 a timeless piece of literature.
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