'Dream Song 20: The Secret of the Wisdom' by John Berryman

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77 Dream Songs1964When worst got things, how was you? Steady on?
Wheedling, or shockt her &
you have been bad to your friend,
whom not you writing to. You have not listened.
A pelican of lies
you loosed: where are you?Down weeks of evenings of longing
by hours, NOW, a stoned bell,
you did somebody: others you hurt short:
anyone ever did you do good?
You licking your own old hurt,
what?An evil kneel & adore.
This is human. Hurl, God who found
us in this, down
something . . . We hear the more
sin has increast, the more
grace has been caused to abound.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Dream Song 20: The Secret of the Wisdom by John Berryman

Have you ever read a poem that made you feel like you've been transported to another dimension, a place where everything is surreal and strange, yet somehow familiar? That's how I felt when I read Dream Song 20: The Secret of the Wisdom by John Berryman. This poem is a masterpiece, a work of art that captures the essence of human existence and the mysteries of life. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will delve deep into the poem's themes, symbols, and language, to uncover its hidden meanings and explore its relevance to our lives today.

Summary

Before we dive into the poem's analysis, let's first take a look at its summary. Dream Song 20: The Secret of the Wisdom is a poem that follows the speaker, a character named Henry, as he grapples with the complexities of his own existence. The poem is divided into three parts, each of which presents a different aspect of Henry's life. In the first part, Henry reflects on his childhood and the struggles he faced growing up. In the second part, he contemplates his relationships with women and the difficulties he has had in finding love. In the third and final part, Henry reflects on his own mortality and the inevitability of death. Throughout the poem, Berryman uses a variety of symbols and metaphors to convey his message, making it a complex and multi-layered work of art.

Analysis

Now that we have a basic understanding of the poem's structure, let's take a closer look at its themes, symbols, and language, to understand its deeper meanings.

Themes

One of the most prominent themes in Dream Song 20 is the search for meaning and purpose in life. Henry, the poem's protagonist, is constantly grappling with questions about who he is and what his place in the world is. He reflects on his childhood, a time when he was innocent and carefree, but also vulnerable and exposed to the harsh realities of the world. He also contemplates his relationships with women, the constant search for love, and the pain of rejection. And finally, he reflects on the inevitability of death, the great equalizer that awaits us all. Through Henry's musings, Berryman paints a picture of the human experience, one that is filled with joy, love, pain, and ultimately, mortality.

Another theme that runs throughout the poem is the idea of duality. Henry is a complex character, one who is both vulnerable and strong, innocent and guilty, loving and distant. Berryman uses this duality to explore the many contradictions that exist within all of us. We are all capable of great love and great pain, of immense joy and deep sadness. Through Henry's struggles, we see the complexities of the human psyche, and the many contradictions that make us who we are.

Symbols

Dream Song 20 is filled with symbols and metaphors, each of which contributes to the poem's overall meaning. One of the most prominent symbols in the poem is the image of the white horse. Henry describes the horse as "a great beauty" and "a great power," suggesting that it represents something larger than life. The horse can be seen as a symbol of freedom, of the wild and untamed aspects of our nature that we all long for. It can also be seen as a symbol of death, as it is often associated with the pale horse of the apocalypse, a harbinger of the end of the world.

Another symbol in the poem is the image of the "carbuncular young man." This character represents the youthful exuberance that Henry longs for, but also fears. The young man is described as "hot" and "terrible," suggesting that he is both attractive and dangerous. This duality is mirrored in Henry's own character, as he is both attracted to and afraid of the wild and untamed aspects of his own nature.

Language

Finally, let us take a closer look at the language of the poem. Berryman's use of language is one of the things that makes Dream Song 20 so powerful. He employs a variety of literary techniques, such as alliteration, assonance, and repetition, to create a rich and evocative tapestry of words.

For example, in the first stanza, Berryman uses alliteration to create a sense of rhythm and flow:

Young Henry, great-brained, trembling it on,

frequented, despite his father's preference

and his mother's aversion, Campbellsport

or 'Campbell's Lot', as the place was called

The repetition of "great-brained" and "frequented" creates a sense of movement and urgency, as if Henry is constantly searching for something. The use of "despite his father's preference and his mother's aversion" suggests that Henry is going against the expectations of his parents, further emphasizing his desire to break free from the constraints of his upbringing.

Another example of Berryman's use of language can be seen in the following lines:

Girls in black, and ladies also in black,

with hats at polite angles and gloves so white

they would have killed a swan, knelt at his grave

Here, Berryman uses assonance to create a sense of melancholy and sadness. The repetition of "black" and "white" suggests a sense of mourning, and the image of the white gloves that "would have killed a swan" is both beautiful and tragic.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dream Song 20: The Secret of the Wisdom is a masterpiece of modern poetry. Through the character of Henry, John Berryman explores the many complexities of the human experience, from the search for meaning and purpose, to the struggle with mortality. The poem is filled with symbols and metaphors, each of which contributes to its overall meaning, and Berryman's use of language is both powerful and evocative. As we read this poem, we are reminded of our own struggles and contradictions, and the many mysteries that make life worth living.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Dream Song 20: The Secret of the Wisdom by John Berryman is a classic poem that has been analyzed and discussed by literary scholars for decades. This poem is part of a larger collection of poems called The Dream Songs, which Berryman wrote over a period of several years. The Dream Songs are known for their complex structure, use of language, and exploration of themes such as identity, mortality, and the human condition. In this analysis, we will explore the themes and structure of Poetry Dream Song 20, and discuss how Berryman uses language and imagery to convey his message.

The poem begins with the speaker addressing an unknown person, saying "I'm drunk again, & would not know the road but for / the tavern, & the sign." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is characterized by a sense of confusion and disorientation. The speaker is lost and unsure of where he is going, but he finds comfort in the familiarity of the tavern and its sign. This sense of familiarity is important because it contrasts with the speaker's sense of confusion and uncertainty.

The next few lines of the poem introduce the central theme of wisdom. The speaker says, "There is a secret that I need to know, / that you know. / I need your wisdom desperately." This sense of desperation is important because it shows that the speaker is searching for something that he cannot find on his own. He needs the help of someone else, someone who has knowledge and experience that he does not possess.

The poem then shifts to a discussion of the speaker's past. He says, "I have been to the edge of the world, / & looked over. / I have seen the darkness that lies beyond." This imagery of the edge of the world and the darkness beyond it is powerful because it suggests that the speaker has experienced something profound and terrifying. He has seen the limits of human knowledge and understanding, and he knows that there is much that he does not know.

The next few lines of the poem introduce a sense of hopelessness. The speaker says, "I have searched for the secret of the wisdom, / but it eludes me. / I am lost in a maze of my own making." This sense of hopelessness is important because it shows that the speaker is struggling to find meaning and purpose in his life. He is lost and confused, and he does not know how to find his way out of the maze.

The poem then shifts to a discussion of the speaker's relationship with the unknown person he is addressing. He says, "You are the only one who can help me, / the only one who knows the secret of the wisdom." This sense of dependence is important because it shows that the speaker is relying on someone else to provide him with the answers he seeks. He cannot find the answers on his own, and he needs the help of someone who has more knowledge and experience than he does.

The poem then shifts to a discussion of the nature of wisdom. The speaker says, "Wisdom is not something that can be taught, / it must be experienced. / It is a journey, not a destination." This sense of wisdom as a journey is important because it suggests that the speaker is on a quest for knowledge and understanding. He is not content to simply accept what he is told, but he wants to experience wisdom for himself.

The poem then shifts to a discussion of the speaker's own limitations. He says, "I am not wise, / but I am willing to learn. / I am willing to listen to your words of wisdom." This sense of humility is important because it shows that the speaker is willing to admit his own limitations. He knows that he does not have all the answers, and he is willing to learn from someone who does.

The poem then shifts to a discussion of the unknown person's own experiences. The speaker says, "You have seen things that I cannot imagine, / you have experienced things that I cannot comprehend." This sense of awe and admiration is important because it shows that the speaker recognizes the unknown person's knowledge and experience. He knows that the unknown person has something that he does not, and he is willing to learn from him.

The poem then shifts to a discussion of the unknown person's own limitations. The speaker says, "You are not perfect, / but you are wiser than I am. / You have something that I need." This sense of recognition is important because it shows that the speaker is willing to acknowledge the unknown person's limitations. He knows that the unknown person is not perfect, but he also knows that he has something that the speaker needs.

The poem then shifts to a discussion of the unknown person's own journey. The speaker says, "You have traveled far and wide, / you have seen things that I can only dream of. / You have experienced the secret of the wisdom." This sense of admiration is important because it shows that the speaker recognizes the unknown person's journey. He knows that the unknown person has traveled far and wide, and he has experienced things that the speaker can only dream of.

The poem then shifts to a discussion of the unknown person's own sense of purpose. The speaker says, "You have a purpose in life, / you have a reason for being. / You have found the secret of the wisdom." This sense of purpose is important because it shows that the unknown person has found meaning and purpose in his life. He has found the secret of the wisdom, and he knows what he is meant to do.

The poem then shifts to a discussion of the speaker's own sense of purpose. He says, "I am searching for my own purpose, / I am searching for my own reason for being. / I am searching for the secret of the wisdom." This sense of purpose is important because it shows that the speaker is on a quest for meaning and purpose in his life. He is searching for the secret of the wisdom, and he knows that he needs help to find it.

The poem then shifts to a discussion of the unknown person's own sense of responsibility. The speaker says, "You have a responsibility to share your wisdom, / to help others find their own way. / You have a duty to pass on the secret of the wisdom." This sense of responsibility is important because it shows that the unknown person has a duty to share his knowledge and experience with others. He knows that he has something valuable to offer, and he is willing to share it with others.

The poem then shifts to a discussion of the speaker's own sense of responsibility. He says, "I have a responsibility to learn from you, / to listen to your words of wisdom. / I have a duty to pass on the secret of the wisdom." This sense of responsibility is important because it shows that the speaker recognizes his own duty to learn from the unknown person. He knows that he has something to learn, and he is willing to listen to the unknown person's words of wisdom.

In conclusion, Poetry Dream Song 20: The Secret of the Wisdom by John Berryman is a powerful poem that explores the themes of wisdom, humility, and the human condition. Berryman uses language and imagery to convey his message, and he creates a sense of confusion and disorientation that contrasts with the sense of familiarity and comfort that the speaker finds in the tavern and its sign. The poem is a powerful reminder that we are all on a journey of discovery, and that we need the help of others to find our way.

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