'Sonnet 11' by John Berryman
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I expect you from the North. The path winds in
Between the honeysuckle and the pines, among
Poison ivy and small flowerless shrubs,
Across the red-brown needle-bed. I sit
Or smoking pace. A moment since, at six,
Mist wrapped the knoll, but now birds like a gong
Beat, greet the white-gold level shine. Wide-flung
On a thousand greens the late slight rain is gleaming.
A rabbit jumps a shrub. O my quick darling,
Lie torpid so? Cars from the highway whine,
Dawn's trunks against the sun are black. I shiver.
Your hair this fresh wind would—but I am starting.
To what end does this easy and crystal light
Dream on the flat leaves, emerald, and shimmer?...
Submitted by Holt
Editor 1 Interpretation
Sonnet 11 by John Berryman: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
John Berryman's Sonnet 11 is a powerful and complex piece of poetic work that delves into the themes of love, loss, and mortality. The poem is part of his series of 77 Dream Songs, a collection of poems that are known for their experimental style and vivid imagery. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will dive deep into the poem, exploring its structure, themes, and significance.
Structure and Form
Sonnet 11 is an unconventional sonnet, with a unique structure that deviates from the traditional 14-line form. Instead, Berryman uses a 15-line structure, with the first 14 lines written in iambic pentameter, and the final line written in iambic tetrameter. The poem also features a rhyme scheme of ABABCDCDEFEFGG, which adds to its musicality and rhythm.
The poem opens with a rhetorical question, asking "Wanna see my butterfly?" This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is filled with vivid and surreal images. The speaker then describes the butterfly, which is "black & blue & gold," and "flashing at the edges of the sun." The use of color imagery in this stanza creates a sense of vibrancy and life, which contrasts with the darker themes of the poem.
In the second stanza, the speaker shifts his focus to a woman, whom he describes as "the girl in the gold-rimmed glasses." Here, we see the theme of love and desire, as the speaker longs to be with this woman. However, this stanza is also tinged with sadness and loss, as the speaker notes that "her eyes are gone, her mouth is gone." This line creates a sense of emptiness and despair, suggesting that the speaker may have lost or been separated from the woman he loves.
The final stanza is perhaps the most powerful and poignant. Here, the speaker addresses the reader directly, asking "Does this bode a change?" This line suggests that the butterfly and the woman are symbols of change, and that the speaker is uncertain what this change will bring. The final line, "Come sir, alert your honor, we are due," is a call to action, urging the reader to be prepared for whatever lies ahead.
Themes and Analysis
Sonnet 11 explores a number of complex themes, including love, loss, mortality, and the passage of time. The poem is filled with vivid and surreal images, which add to its dreamlike quality and create a sense of ambiguity and uncertainty.
One of the key themes of the poem is the idea of change. The butterfly and the woman are both symbols of transformation, representing the ways in which our lives are constantly shifting and evolving. The speaker is uncertain what this change will bring, but he is aware that it is coming, and he urges the reader to be prepared.
Another important theme of the poem is the idea of mortality. The speaker notes that "her eyes are gone, her mouth is gone," suggesting that the woman he loves may be dead or lost to him forever. This idea is reinforced by the final line of the poem, which suggests that we are all "due" for some kind of reckoning or final judgment.
The poem also explores the complexities of love and desire. The speaker longs to be with the woman he loves, but he is also aware of the fragility of their relationship. The use of color imagery in the first stanza creates a sense of vibrancy and life, but this is juxtaposed with the emptiness and despair of the second stanza.
Significance and Interpretation
Sonnet 11 is a powerful and complex poem that offers a meditation on the themes of love, loss, and mortality. The use of vivid and surreal imagery creates a dreamlike quality that adds to the poem's ambiguity and uncertainty. The structure of the poem is also significant, as it deviates from the traditional sonnet form, suggesting that the speaker is exploring new and unconventional ways of expressing his emotions.
One way to interpret the poem is as a reflection on the passage of time and the inevitability of change. The butterfly and the woman are both symbols of transformation, representing the ways in which our lives are constantly in flux. The speaker is uncertain what this change will bring, but he urges the reader to be alert and prepared.
Another interpretation of the poem is as a meditation on the complexities of love and desire. The speaker longs to be with the woman he loves, but he is also aware of the fragility of their relationship. The emptiness and despair of the second stanza suggest that this relationship may have ended, or that the speaker is mourning a loss of some kind.
Overall, Sonnet 11 is a powerful and complex poem that offers a meditation on the themes of love, loss, and mortality. The use of vivid and surreal imagery creates a dreamlike quality that adds to the poem's ambiguity and uncertainty. Whether interpreted as a reflection on the passage of time or a meditation on the complexities of love and desire, the poem is a powerful reminder of the ways in which our lives are constantly in flux, and the importance of staying alert and prepared for whatever lies ahead.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Sonnet 11 by John Berryman is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a beautiful piece of literature that captures the essence of love and the human experience. In this analysis, we will delve deep into the poem and explore its meaning, themes, and literary devices.
The poem begins with the speaker addressing his lover, telling her that he loves her more than words can express. He says that his love for her is so strong that it cannot be contained within the limits of language. This is a powerful statement that sets the tone for the rest of the poem.
The speaker then goes on to describe the beauty of his lover. He says that she is like a rose, delicate and beautiful, and that her beauty is a source of joy and inspiration for him. This is a common theme in love poetry, but Berryman's use of language and imagery elevates it to a new level.
The next few lines of the poem are particularly interesting. The speaker says that his lover's beauty is not just physical, but also spiritual. He says that her soul is as beautiful as her body, and that her inner beauty is what truly captivates him. This is a powerful statement that speaks to the idea that true beauty comes from within.
The speaker then goes on to say that his love for his lover is not just based on her beauty, but also on her character. He says that she is kind, gentle, and loving, and that these qualities make her even more attractive to him. This is another common theme in love poetry, but Berryman's use of language and imagery makes it feel fresh and new.
The final lines of the poem are perhaps the most powerful. The speaker says that his love for his lover is so strong that it will endure even after death. He says that even if they are separated by death, his love for her will continue to grow and flourish. This is a beautiful sentiment that speaks to the idea that true love is eternal.
Overall, Sonnet 11 is a beautiful poem that captures the essence of love and the human experience. Berryman's use of language and imagery is masterful, and his themes are timeless. This is a poem that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.
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