'Number 20' by Lawrence Ferlinghetti


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The pennycandystore beyond the El
is where I first
fell in love
with unreality
Jellybeans glowed in the semi-gloom
of that september afternoon
A cat upon the counter moved among
the licorice sticks
and tootsie rolls
and Oh Boy Gum

Outside the leaves were falling as they died

A wind had blown away the sun

A girl ran in
Her hair was rainy
Her breasts were breathless in the little room

Outside the leaves were falling
and they cried
Too soon! too soon!

Editor 1 Interpretation

Number 20 by Lawrence Ferlinghetti: A Poem That Speaks to the Soul

As a poet, Lawrence Ferlinghetti has left an indelible mark on the world of literature. His works have inspired generations of readers and writers, and his poems have been translated into multiple languages. Among his many poems, "Number 20" stands out as a masterpiece that captures the essence of modern life and the human experience. In this essay, I will provide a detailed literary criticism and interpretation of "Number 20."

Summary of the Poem

"Number 20" is a short poem that consists of only six lines. Despite its brevity, the poem is rich in meaning and symbolism. The poem describes a scene in which a bus is slowly moving through the streets of a city. The speaker, who is presumably on the bus, observes the people and objects around him. He sees "faces/" that are "grimed with sweat" and "eyes hollow and unalive." The objects around him are described as "metal" and "glass" and the speaker notes that they are "stained with rain." The poem ends with the speaker declaring that he is "glad to be off the bus and free."

Analysis of the Poem

At first glance, "Number 20" may seem like a simple description of a bus ride. However, a closer analysis reveals that the poem is a powerful commentary on modernity and the human condition. The poem paints a bleak picture of life in the city, where people are reduced to "grimed" faces and "hollow" eyes. The objects around them are described as "metal" and "glass," highlighting the cold, impersonal nature of modern technology.

The poem's use of rain as a symbol further reinforces the idea of a dreary, lifeless existence. Rain is often associated with renewal and growth, but in this poem, it is a staining force that further taints the already lifeless objects it touches. The rain, in a sense, represents the relentless march of time and the decay that it brings.

However, the poem is not completely pessimistic. The speaker's declaration that he is "glad to be off the bus and free" suggests that there is still hope for escape and freedom. The bus, in a sense, represents the constraints of modern life, the monotony of routine and the dullness of everyday existence. The speaker's escape from this world suggests that there is still a possibility for transformation and change.

Interpretation of the Poem

"Number 20" can be interpreted in a variety of ways, depending on the reader's perspective. One possible interpretation is that the poem is a critique of modernity and the dehumanizing effects of technology. The "metal" and "glass" objects that surround the speaker represent the cold, mechanical nature of modern society, while the "grimed" faces and "hollow" eyes of the people suggest that they have been reduced to cogs in a machine. The rain, which stains everything it touches, represents the corrosive effects of time and the decay that it brings.

Another possible interpretation is that the poem is a plea for escape and freedom. The speaker's declaration that he is "glad to be off the bus and free" suggests that there is still hope for liberation from the constraints of modern life. The bus, in a sense, represents the monotony of routine and the dullness of everyday existence. The speaker's escape from this world suggests that there is still a possibility for transformation and change.

Style and Tone of the Poem

The style and tone of "Number 20" are crucial to its impact. The poem's brevity and simplicity make it accessible to a wide range of readers, while its use of vivid imagery and symbolism allows for multiple interpretations. The poem's tone is bleak and pessimistic, but there is also a sense of hope and possibility that runs through it. The speaker's declaration of freedom at the end of the poem suggests that there is still a possibility for transformation and change.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Number 20" is a powerful poem that captures the essence of modern life and the human experience. The poem's use of vivid imagery and symbolism allows for multiple interpretations, while its brevity and simplicity make it accessible to a wide range of readers. The poem's tone is bleak and pessimistic, but there is also a sense of hope and possibility that runs through it. Ultimately, "Number 20" is a poem that speaks to the soul, and its impact will continue to be felt for generations to come.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Number 20 by Lawrence Ferlinghetti is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a powerful piece of literature that speaks to the human condition and the struggles we all face in life. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in the poem to gain a deeper understanding of its meaning.

The poem begins with the line, "The world is a beautiful place to be born into." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem. It suggests that life is a gift, and we should appreciate the beauty of the world around us. However, the poem quickly takes a darker turn as Ferlinghetti explores the harsh realities of life.

The next few lines of the poem describe the struggles that we all face in life. Ferlinghetti writes, "If you don't mind happiness / Not always being / So very much fun." These lines suggest that happiness is not always easy to come by and that it often requires hard work and sacrifice. The poem goes on to describe the pain and suffering that we all experience at some point in our lives.

One of the most striking aspects of Number 20 is the vivid imagery used throughout the poem. Ferlinghetti paints a picture of a world that is both beautiful and cruel. He describes "the sun and the moon / And the rolling hills / And the stars that shine / And the wind that blows." These images create a sense of wonder and awe, but they are juxtaposed with images of "the bombs and the guns / And the planes and the tanks / And the soldiers and the dead." These images are jarring and serve to remind us of the violence and destruction that exists in the world.

The language used in Number 20 is also noteworthy. Ferlinghetti uses simple, straightforward language that is easy to understand. However, the simplicity of the language belies the complexity of the ideas being expressed. The poem is full of paradoxes and contradictions. For example, Ferlinghetti writes, "It is a love / And it is a war." This line suggests that life is both beautiful and brutal, and that these two aspects are intertwined.

Another important theme in Number 20 is the idea of freedom. Ferlinghetti writes, "And I am free to be born / And free to die." These lines suggest that we are all free to make our own choices in life, but that these choices come with consequences. The poem suggests that we must take responsibility for our actions and that we must be willing to face the consequences of our choices.

In conclusion, Number 20 by Lawrence Ferlinghetti is a powerful poem that explores the human condition and the struggles we all face in life. The poem is full of vivid imagery and paradoxes that serve to remind us of the beauty and brutality of the world. The language used in the poem is simple yet complex, and the themes of freedom and responsibility are woven throughout. Overall, Number 20 is a timeless piece of literature that continues to resonate with readers today.

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