'Dream Song 19: Here, whence' by John Berryman
AI and Tech Aggregator
Download Mp3s Free
Tears of the Kingdom Roleplay
Best Free University Courses Online
TOTK Roleplay
77 Dream Songs1964Here, whence
all have departed orwill do, here airless, where
that witchy ball
wanted, fought toward, dreamed of, all a green living
drops limply into one's hands
without pleasure or interestFigurez-vous, a time swarms when the word
'happy' sheds its whole meaning, like to come and
like for memory too
That morning arrived to Henry as well a great cheque
eaten out already by the Government & State &
other strange mattersGentle friendly Henry Pussy-cat
smiled into his mirror, a murderer's
(at Stillwater), at himself alone
and said across a plink to that desolate fellow
said a little hail & buck-you-up
upon his triumph
Editor 1 Interpretation
Dream Song 19: Here, Whence
John Berryman's Dream Song 19 is a captivating poem that explores themes of memory, identity, and mortality. The poem is one of Berryman's most famous and is often cited as an example of his unique style and technique. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will examine the poem in detail and explore the various themes and motifs that are woven throughout.
Overview
Dream Song 19 is a poem that consists of three stanzas, each containing six lines. The poem is written in free verse, with no discernible rhyme scheme. The speaker of the poem is Henry, an alter ego of Berryman himself, who is reflecting on his past and his present.
The poem begins with the lines:
The man is making a drum.
He will use it now, or die.
These lines set the tone for the rest of the poem, which is characterized by a sense of urgency and impending mortality. The man in question is Henry himself, who is making a drum out of a tin can. The drum is a symbol of Henry's creativity and his desire to make something meaningful out of the materials he has at his disposal.
The second stanza of the poem is a reflection on Henry's past. He thinks about his childhood and his relationship with his father, who he describes as "a bastard / a bastard / with genius." These lines suggest a complex relationship between the two, one that is marked by both love and resentment.
The final stanza of the poem is a meditation on mortality. Henry imagines his own death and wonders what will become of him. He thinks about the afterlife and wonders if he will be reunited with his loved ones.
Themes and Motifs
Dream Song 19 is a poem that is rich with themes and motifs. One of the central themes of the poem is memory. Henry reflects on his past throughout the poem, and his memories are often tinged with both joy and sadness. He thinks about his father and his childhood, but he also thinks about the people he has lost and the things he has left behind.
Another theme that is present in the poem is identity. Henry is a complex character who is often at odds with himself. He is both the man who is making the drum and the man who is reflecting on his past. He is also an alter ego of Berryman himself, which adds another layer of complexity to his character.
The motif of mortality is also present throughout the poem. Henry is acutely aware of his own mortality, and this awareness colors his reflections on his past and his present. He wonders what will become of him after he dies and whether he will be remembered by those he leaves behind.
Analysis
Dream Song 19 is a poem that is both complex and accessible. On the surface, it is a meditation on memory and mortality, but it is also a poem that contains deeper layers of meaning and symbolism.
One of the most striking things about the poem is its use of language. Berryman's style is often characterized by its use of colloquial language and unconventional syntax, and Dream Song 19 is no exception. The poem is full of unexpected turns of phrase and unconventional word choices, which give it a sense of immediacy and urgency.
Another notable aspect of the poem is its use of imagery. The image of the drum is central to the poem, and it serves as a symbol of Henry's creativity and his desire to make something out of nothing. The image of the drum also suggests a sense of rhythm and movement, which is echoed in the poem's free verse form.
The motif of mortality is also central to the poem. Henry is acutely aware of his own mortality, and this awareness colors his reflections on his past and his present. He wonders what will become of him after he dies and whether he will be remembered by those he leaves behind.
Conclusion
Dream Song 19 is a poem that is both complex and accessible. It explores themes of memory, identity, and mortality, and it does so in a style that is both unconventional and compelling. The poem is a testament to Berryman's skill as a poet, and it stands as one of his most enduring works. If you are a fan of poetry, then Dream Song 19 is a poem that you simply must read.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
John Berryman's "Dream Song 19: Here, whence" is a classic poem that has captivated readers for decades. The poem is part of Berryman's larger collection of Dream Songs, which explore the themes of love, loss, and identity. In this analysis, we will delve into the meaning and significance of "Dream Song 19: Here, whence" and explore the literary techniques that Berryman employs to convey his message.
The poem begins with the speaker addressing a woman, whom he refers to as "you." The speaker tells the woman that he has been dreaming of her, and that he has been "sick with longing" for her. The speaker then goes on to describe the dream, which involves the two of them being together in a beautiful garden. The speaker describes the garden in vivid detail, using imagery such as "the roses, the lilacs, the violets" to create a sense of beauty and tranquility.
However, the dream is not all sunshine and roses. The speaker also describes a sense of unease and anxiety, as he feels that he is "lost" in the garden and cannot find his way out. This sense of being lost is a recurring theme throughout the Dream Songs, and it is often used to symbolize the speaker's feelings of confusion and uncertainty about his own identity.
As the poem progresses, the speaker begins to reflect on his own mortality. He tells the woman that he is "old" and that he knows he will not live forever. This sense of mortality is also a recurring theme in the Dream Songs, and it is often used to symbolize the speaker's fear of death and his desire for immortality.
The poem then takes a darker turn, as the speaker begins to contemplate suicide. He tells the woman that he has been "thinking of suicide" and that he has even gone so far as to "write the note." This sense of despair and hopelessness is a common theme in the Dream Songs, and it is often used to symbolize the speaker's feelings of isolation and alienation from the world around him.
Despite the darkness of the poem, there is also a sense of hope and redemption. The speaker tells the woman that he has "come back" from the brink of suicide, and that he is "here, whence." This phrase is a play on words, as it can be interpreted as both "here, from where" and "here, from whence." The former interpretation suggests that the speaker has returned from a place of darkness and despair, while the latter interpretation suggests that the speaker has returned to his original state of being.
The poem ends with the speaker addressing the woman once again, telling her that he loves her and that he will always be with her. This sense of love and connection is a recurring theme in the Dream Songs, and it is often used to symbolize the speaker's desire for human connection and intimacy.
In terms of literary techniques, Berryman employs a number of devices to convey his message. One of the most notable is his use of imagery, which is particularly effective in creating a sense of beauty and tranquility in the garden scene. Berryman also uses repetition and wordplay to create a sense of rhythm and musicality in the poem, which adds to its overall impact.
Another important technique that Berryman employs is his use of symbolism. The garden, for example, can be interpreted as a symbol of paradise or the Garden of Eden, while the speaker's feelings of being lost and confused can be interpreted as a symbol of the human condition. Similarly, the speaker's contemplation of suicide can be interpreted as a symbol of the human desire for escape from the pain and suffering of life.
Overall, "Dream Song 19: Here, whence" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores some of the most fundamental themes of human existence. Through his use of vivid imagery, repetition, wordplay, and symbolism, Berryman creates a work of art that is both beautiful and haunting. Whether you are a fan of poetry or simply interested in exploring the human experience, this poem is well worth your time and attention.
Editor Recommended Sites
DFW Education: Dallas fort worth educationPrivacy Ads: Ads with a privacy focus. Limited customer tracking and resolution. GDPR and CCPA compliant
Crypto Jobs - Remote crypto jobs board: Remote crypto jobs board
Tech Deals: Deals on laptops, computers, apple, tablets, smart watches
Privacy Chat: Privacy focused chat application.
Recommended Similar Analysis
Easter, 1916 by William Butler Yeats analysisConsorting With Angels by Anne Sexton analysis
Holy Sonnet ? by John Donne analysis
The Wild Swans At Coole by William Butler Yeats analysis
Kitchen Chimney, The by Robert Lee Frost analysis
As The Poems Go by Charles Bukowski analysis
Paradiso (Italian) by Dante Alighieri analysis
Morella by Edgar Allen Poe analysis
Mushrooms by Sylvia Plath analysis
Picture Puzzle Piece by Shel Silverstein analysis