'Dream Song 12: Sabbath' by John Berryman
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There is an eye, there was a slit.
Nights walk, and confer on him fear.
The strangler tree, the dancing mouse
confound his vision; then they loosen it.
Henry widens. How did Henry House
himself ever come here?
Nights run. Tes yeux bizarres me suivent
when loth at landfall soft I leave.
The soldiers, Coleridge Rilke Poe,
shout commands I never heard.
They march about, dying & absurd.
Toddlers are taking over. O
ver! Sabbath belling. Snoods converge
on a weary-daring man.
What now can be cleard up? from the Yard the visitors urge.
Belle thro' the graves in a blast of sun
to the kirk moves the youngest witch.
Watch.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Dream Song 12: Sabbath by John Berryman
"Life, friends, is boring. We must not say so." These words, the opening lines of John Berryman's Dream Song 14, are an apt summation of his feelings towards life and its monotony. Berryman struggled with depression throughout his life, and his poetry often reflects this struggle. In Dream Song 12: Sabbath, he muses on the nature of sin, judgment, and redemption. In this essay, I will provide a detailed literary criticism and interpretation of this classic poem.
Context and Analysis
First published in 1964 as part of his collection "77 Dream Songs," Dream Song 12: Sabbath is a poem that explores the idea of sin and redemption. The poem is written in the voice of Berryman's alter-ego, Henry, who is a character that appears throughout the Dream Songs. Henry is a complex figure, at times sympathetic and at other times repulsive. In Dream Song 12, Berryman explores the theme of sin and redemption through the lens of Henry's experiences.
The poem is divided into three sections, each of which explores different aspects of the theme. In the first section, Henry speaks of his sins, acknowledging that he is a sinner and that he has done wrong. He asks for forgiveness, claiming that he is "a man of appetites, and appetites / are three." Here, Berryman is referencing the traditional Christian notion of the seven deadly sins, which includes lust, gluttony, and greed.
In the second section of the poem, Henry speaks of judgment. He acknowledges that he will be judged for his sins and that he is afraid of what the judgment will bring. This fear is portrayed through the image of the "bleak air," which "presses against him like a thief." Berryman uses this image to convey the sense of impending doom that Henry feels.
The third and final section of the poem is the most hopeful, as Henry speaks of redemption. He claims that he is not beyond redemption and that he has hope for the future. Berryman uses the image of the "white flowers at the edge of the forest" to convey the sense of hope and renewal that Henry feels.
Themes and Motifs
Sin and redemption are the primary themes of Dream Song 12. Berryman uses the character of Henry to explore the idea of sin and guilt, and how they can be overcome through redemption. The poem also explores the theme of judgment and the fear that comes with it.
Motifs are recurring images or symbols that are used to convey a particular theme or idea. In Dream Song 12, Berryman uses several motifs to reinforce the themes of sin and redemption. These motifs include the image of the "three appetites," which represents the seven deadly sins, and the image of the "bleak air," which represents the fear of judgment.
Language and Imagery
Berryman's use of language and imagery in Dream Song 12 is striking. His use of repetition, for example, underscores the theme of sin and redemption. The repetition of the word "sins" throughout the first section of the poem reinforces Henry's acknowledgment of his wrongdoing.
The imagery in the poem is also noteworthy. The image of the "bleak air," for example, is a powerful one that conveys the sense of fear and impending doom that Henry feels. Similarly, the image of the "white flowers at the edge of the forest" conveys the sense of hope and renewal that Henry feels.
Interpretation
Dream Song 12 is a powerful poem that explores the theme of sin and redemption through the character of Henry. Berryman's use of language and imagery is effective in conveying the sense of guilt, fear, and hope that Henry feels. The poem is a reflection of Berryman's own struggles with depression and his search for redemption.
In the end, Dream Song 12 is a poem about the human condition. It speaks to our inherent sinfulness and our desire for redemption. It is a poem that acknowledges the monotony and boredom of life but also offers hope and renewal. In many ways, it is a poem that speaks to the universal experience of being human.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Dream Song 12: Sabbath by John Berryman is a classic poem that explores the themes of guilt, redemption, and the search for meaning in life. The poem is part of a larger collection of poems called The Dream Songs, which were written by Berryman in the 1960s. The Dream Songs are known for their complex and often surreal imagery, as well as their exploration of the human psyche.
The poem begins with the speaker, Henry, reflecting on his past sins and the guilt that he feels as a result. He describes himself as a "bad man" who has done terrible things in his life. However, he also acknowledges that he is not alone in his guilt, as all humans are flawed and imperfect.
The poem then shifts to a description of the Sabbath, a day of rest and reflection in the Jewish tradition. Henry describes the Sabbath as a time when he can "lay down the load of his own life" and reflect on his past actions. He also describes the Sabbath as a time when he can connect with something greater than himself, perhaps a higher power or a sense of universal consciousness.
Throughout the poem, Henry grapples with the idea of redemption. He wonders if it is possible for him to be forgiven for his past sins and find a sense of peace and purpose in his life. He also questions whether redemption is something that can be earned through good deeds or if it is simply a gift that is bestowed upon those who seek it.
One of the most striking aspects of Dream Song 12: Sabbath is its use of imagery. Berryman employs a range of vivid and often surreal images to convey the speaker's emotions and experiences. For example, he describes the Sabbath as a time when "the bird of time / is on the wing" and when "the stars are out." These images suggest a sense of timelessness and transcendence, as if the speaker is able to escape the constraints of his own life and connect with something greater.
Another powerful image in the poem is that of the "blackened heart." Henry describes himself as having a heart that is "blackened by the soot of sin." This image suggests a sense of deep shame and self-loathing, as if the speaker is unable to forgive himself for his past actions. However, the image also suggests the possibility of transformation and renewal, as if the heart can be cleansed and made new again.
The poem also features a range of literary devices, including repetition, alliteration, and rhyme. For example, the phrase "I am, outside" is repeated several times throughout the poem, creating a sense of fragmentation and disconnection. The alliteration in phrases like "blackened by the soot of sin" and "the bird of time / is on the wing" adds to the poem's musicality and sense of rhythm. The rhyme scheme, which alternates between ABAB and AABB, creates a sense of balance and symmetry.
Overall, Dream Song 12: Sabbath is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores some of the most fundamental questions of human existence. Through its use of vivid imagery, literary devices, and complex themes, the poem invites readers to reflect on their own experiences of guilt, redemption, and the search for meaning in life. Whether read as a standalone work or as part of the larger Dream Songs collection, Dream Song 12: Sabbath is a masterpiece of modern poetry that continues to resonate with readers today.
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