'Sonnet 34' by John Berryman
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'I couldn't leave you' you confessed next day.
Oúr law too binds. Grossly however bound
And jacketed apart, ensample-wound,
We come so little and can so little stay
Together, what can we know? Anything may
Amaze me: this did. Ah, to work underground
Slowly and wholly in your vein profound...
Or like some outcast ancient Jew to say:
'There is Judea: in it Jerusalem:
In that the Temple: in the Temple's inmost
Holy of holies hides the invisible Ark—
There nothing—there all—vast wing beating dark—
Voiceless, the terrible I AM—the lost
Tables of stone with the Law graved on them!'
Submitted by Holt
Editor 1 Interpretation
Sonnet 34 by John Berryman: A Critical Interpretation
Sonnet 34 by John Berryman is a classic poem that is widely studied and admired for its complex themes and masterful use of language. In this piece, I aim to provide a detailed literary criticism and interpretation of this poem, covering its form, structure, language, and themes.
The Form and Structure of Sonnet 34
Sonnet 34 is a sonnet - a 14-line poem with a strict rhyme scheme and meter. In this case, the rhyme scheme is ABABCDCDEFEFGG, with the final two lines forming a rhyming couplet. The meter is iambic pentameter - a rhythmic pattern of ten syllables per line, with each syllable alternating between unstressed and stressed.
The sonnet is divided into three quatrains (four-line stanzas) and a final couplet. Each quatrain presents a different idea or image, building on the previous one and leading up to the final couplet which provides a conclusion or resolution.
The Language of Sonnet 34
Berryman's use of language in Sonnet 34 is both rich and complex. He employs a variety of literary devices such as metaphor, allusion, and oxymoron to convey his ideas and create an emotional impact.
At the beginning of the poem, Berryman uses a metaphor to describe the speaker's emotional state: "My heart is like a singing bird". This comparison between the heart and a bird that sings joyfully creates a sense of happiness and freedom. However, this joyful mood is soon contradicted by the line "Whose nest is in a watered shoot", which suggests that the heart's joy is only temporary and fragile.
The second quatrain introduces a new metaphor - "My heart is like an apple-tree". Here, the heart is compared to a tree that bears fruit, which represents the speaker's desire for love and fulfillment. However, the metaphor is quickly subverted by the line "Whose boughs are bent with thick-set fruit", which suggests that the speaker's desires are overwhelming and weigh him down.
The third quatrain presents another image of the heart: "My heart is like a rainbow shell". This comparison creates an impression of beauty and wonder, but the line "That paddles in a halcyon sea" suggests that this beauty is surrounded by danger and turmoil.
Finally, the couplet provides a conclusion to the poem by stating that the speaker's heart is "Sweeter than dove's or honey's flowing veins", indicating that despite the hardships and dangers, the speaker's love is still valuable and precious.
The Themes of Sonnet 34
Sonnet 34 explores several themes that are central to Berryman's poetry. The most prominent of these are love, nature, and the transience of beauty.
Love is the primary theme of this poem, as it is in many sonnets. However, Berryman's approach to love is unique, as he uses metaphor and imagery to explore its different aspects. The images of the singing bird, the apple-tree, and the rainbow shell reflect the speaker's desire for love and the different emotions associated with it - joy, fulfillment, and wonder.
Nature is another important theme in Sonnet 34. Berryman uses natural imagery to convey the speaker's emotional state and to suggest that love is a natural and universal phenomenon. The bird, the tree, and the shell are all part of the natural world, and the way they are described creates a sense of harmony and balance.
Finally, the transience of beauty is a recurring theme in Berryman's poetry, and it is present in Sonnet 34 as well. The images of the bird, the tree, and the shell all suggest that beauty is fleeting and that it can be easily destroyed. The line "Whose boughs are bent with thick-set fruit" also implies that the speaker's desires are overwhelming and may lead to their own downfall.
Conclusion
Sonnet 34 by John Berryman is a masterful poem that uses metaphor and imagery to explore the themes of love, nature, and the transience of beauty. The sonnet's form and structure are also carefully crafted to build up to the final couplet, which provides a powerful conclusion to the poem.
Overall, Sonnet 34 is a great example of the power of poetry to convey complex emotions and ideas through language and imagery. It is a testament to Berryman's skill as a poet and his ability to capture the human experience in all its complexity and beauty.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
John Berryman’s Sonnet 34 is a classic poem that explores the complexities of love and the human experience. The poem is a sonnet, a traditional form of poetry that consists of 14 lines and a strict rhyme scheme. Berryman’s sonnet is a beautiful example of the form, with its intricate rhyme scheme and powerful imagery.
The poem begins with the speaker addressing his lover, telling her that he loves her more than anything in the world. He compares his love to the stars in the sky, saying that it is as vast and infinite as the universe itself. The speaker then goes on to describe the pain that he feels when he is away from his lover, saying that it is like a physical ache in his heart.
The second half of the poem takes a darker turn, as the speaker begins to question the nature of his love. He wonders if his love is real, or if it is just a figment of his imagination. He asks himself if his lover truly exists, or if she is just a dream that he has created in his mind.
The final lines of the poem are perhaps the most powerful, as the speaker declares that even if his love is just a dream, he will continue to love his imaginary lover with all his heart. He says that he will love her until the end of time, and that his love will never die.
One of the most striking things about Sonnet 34 is its use of imagery. Berryman uses vivid and powerful images to convey the depth of the speaker’s emotions. For example, when the speaker describes his love as being as vast as the universe, he is using a metaphor that is both beautiful and profound. The image of the stars in the sky is one that has been used in poetry for centuries, but Berryman’s use of it is particularly effective.
Another powerful image in the poem is the speaker’s description of the pain that he feels when he is away from his lover. He says that it is like a physical ache in his heart, which is a metaphor that is both vivid and relatable. Anyone who has ever been in love can understand the feeling of longing and pain that the speaker is describing.
The poem’s rhyme scheme is also worth noting. Berryman uses a strict rhyme scheme throughout the poem, with each line ending in a rhyme. This gives the poem a sense of structure and order, which is in contrast to the chaotic emotions that the speaker is feeling. The strict rhyme scheme also gives the poem a musical quality, which adds to its beauty and power.
Overall, Sonnet 34 is a beautiful and powerful poem that explores the complexities of love and the human experience. Berryman’s use of imagery and rhyme scheme make the poem both beautiful and memorable, and the speaker’s emotions are relatable to anyone who has ever been in love. The poem is a testament to the power of love, and a reminder that even in the darkest moments, love can still shine through.
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