'Dream Song 56: Hell is empty. O that has come to pass' by John Berryman

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77 Dream Songs1964Hell is empty. O that has come to pass
which the cut Alexandrian foresaw,
and Hell is empty.
Lightning fell silent where the Devil knelt
and over the whole grave space hath settled awe
in a full death of guilt.The tinchel closes. Terror, & plunging, swipes.
I lay my ears back. I am about to die.
My cleft feet drum.
Fierce, the two-footers club. My green world pipes
a finish-for us all, my love, not some.
Crumpling, I-why,-So in his crystal ball them two he weighs,
solidly, dreaming of his sleepy son,
ah him, and his new wife.
What roar solved once the dilemma of the Ancient of Days,
what sigh borrowed His mercy?-Who may, if
we are all the same, make one.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Dream Song 56: Hell is empty. O that has come to pass by John Berryman

Introduction

John Berryman's "Dream Song 56" is a powerful poem that explores themes of guilt, regret, and redemption. Written in the form of a dream song, the poem is a surreal and fragmented reflection on the speaker's emotional state. Through a series of vivid images and metaphors, the poem explores the speaker's feelings of isolation and despair, as well as his desperate search for meaning and purpose in life.

Literary Analysis

The poem begins with the speaker reflecting on his own mortality, stating that "I have been young once, but now I am old." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as the speaker begins to reflect on his past mistakes and failures. He speaks of his guilt and regret, saying that "I have done wrong, and I am sorry for it." The repetition of the phrase "I am sorry for it" emphasizes the speaker's deep sense of remorse.

The poem then takes a surreal turn, as the speaker begins to imagine himself in various strange and unsettling situations. He speaks of "the blood of the lamb" and "the juice of the grape" as symbols of his own sin and guilt. The image of the lamb is particularly powerful, as it represents both innocence and sacrifice. By associating himself with the lamb, the speaker suggests that he is both innocent and guilty, a victim of his own actions.

The poem also explores the theme of isolation and despair. The speaker speaks of being "alone in the night," and of feeling "the cold of space." These images suggest that the speaker is isolated from others and disconnected from the world around him. He is searching for meaning and purpose in his life, but he cannot find it.

The final lines of the poem offer a glimmer of hope, as the speaker declares that "hell is empty. O that has come to pass." The phrase "hell is empty" suggests that the speaker has found redemption and forgiveness for his sins. The image of an empty hell is a powerful one, as it implies that there is no longer a need for punishment or suffering. The speaker has found peace and forgiveness, and he can now move forward with his life.

Interpretation

"Dream Song 56" is a deeply personal and emotional poem that reflects the speaker's own struggles with guilt, regret, and redemption. The poem can be interpreted as a reflection on the human condition, and on our own search for meaning and purpose in life. The speaker's feelings of isolation and despair are universal, and many readers will be able to relate to them.

The poem can also be interpreted as a meditation on forgiveness and redemption. The image of an empty hell suggests that it is possible to find forgiveness and redemption for our sins, no matter how great they may be. The speaker's journey from guilt and regret to forgiveness and redemption is a powerful one, and it offers hope to those who are struggling with their own feelings of guilt and regret.

Conclusion

"Dream Song 56" is a powerful and moving poem that explores themes of guilt, regret, and redemption. Through a series of vivid images and metaphors, the poem offers a glimpse into the speaker's emotional state, and it reflects on the human condition as a whole. The poem's message of forgiveness and redemption is a powerful one, and it offers hope to all those who are struggling with their own feelings of guilt and regret.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

John Berryman’s Dream Song 56: Hell is empty. O that has come to pass is a powerful and complex poem that explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the human condition. Written in 1964, the poem is part of Berryman’s larger collection of Dream Songs, which are known for their surreal imagery, fragmented narratives, and deeply personal reflections on life and death.

The poem begins with the speaker declaring that “Hell is empty,” a reference to a line from Shakespeare’s play The Tempest. The speaker then goes on to describe a dream in which he is visited by a figure named Mr. Bones, who represents the speaker’s own guilt and shame. Mr. Bones is described as a “skeleton,” a symbol of death and decay, and he haunts the speaker throughout the dream.

The dream takes the speaker through a series of surreal and disturbing images, including a “black lake” and a “cave of rats.” These images are meant to represent the speaker’s own inner turmoil and the darkness that he feels inside. The speaker is tormented by his own guilt and the knowledge that he has done wrong in his life.

As the dream progresses, the speaker begins to confront his guilt and seek redemption. He asks Mr. Bones for forgiveness and tries to make amends for his past mistakes. The poem ends with the speaker declaring that “O that has come to pass,” a statement that suggests that he has found some measure of peace and resolution.

One of the most striking aspects of Dream Song 56 is its use of language and imagery. Berryman’s writing is dense and complex, with multiple layers of meaning and symbolism. The poem is filled with allusions to literature and mythology, as well as references to Berryman’s own life and experiences.

For example, the figure of Mr. Bones can be seen as a representation of Berryman’s own struggles with alcoholism and depression. The black lake and cave of rats can be interpreted as symbols of the darkness and despair that he felt during his lowest moments. The poem is also filled with references to Berryman’s own literary influences, including Shakespeare, T.S. Eliot, and W.B. Yeats.

Another important aspect of Dream Song 56 is its exploration of the human condition. The poem is a deeply personal reflection on the nature of guilt and redemption, but it also speaks to universal themes that are relevant to all of us. The speaker’s struggle with his own inner demons is something that many people can relate to, and his search for forgiveness and redemption is a universal human experience.

In addition, the poem raises important questions about the nature of morality and the role of guilt in our lives. Is guilt a necessary part of the human experience, or is it something that we should strive to overcome? Can we ever truly be forgiven for our past mistakes, or are we forever haunted by them?

Overall, Dream Song 56 is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores some of the most fundamental questions of the human experience. Berryman’s use of language and imagery is masterful, and his exploration of guilt and redemption is both deeply personal and universally relevant. This is a poem that rewards careful reading and reflection, and it is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who encounters it.

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