'Dream Song 12: Sabbath' by John Berryman
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77 Dream Songs1964There is an eye, there was a slit.
Nights walk, and confer on him fear.
The strangler tree, the dancing mouse
confound his vision; then they loosen it.
Henry widens. How did Henry House
himself ever come here?Nights run. Tes yeux bizarres me suivent
when loth at landfall soft I leave.
The soldiers, Coleridge Rilke Poe,
shout commands I never heard.
They march about, dying & absurd.
Toddlers are taking over. Over! Sabbath belling. Snoods converge
on a weary-daring man.
What now can be cleard up? from the Yard the visitors urge.
Belle thro' the graves in a blast of sun
to the kirk moves the youngest witch.
Watch.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Dream Song 12: Sabbath by John Berryman
Dream Song 12: Sabbath by John Berryman is a classic poem that leaves a strong impression on its readers. The poem, one of the most famous pieces from Berryman's Dream Songs, is a complex and multi-layered work that explores themes of guilt, sin, and redemption. Berryman's use of language, imagery, and form is masterful, and the poem is a testament to his talent as a poet.
Background
Before we dive into the poem, it's important to understand a bit about John Berryman and the Dream Songs. Berryman was an American poet, scholar, and critic who lived from 1914 to 1972. He is best known for his collection of poetry called The Dream Songs, which won the Pulitzer Prize in 1965. The Dream Songs are a series of 385 poems that are, as Berryman described them, "a continuation of my own stupidities of several years back."
The Dream Songs are written in a unique style that combines free verse, metered verse, and prose. The poems are often surreal, and they feature a character named Henry who is based on Berryman himself. Henry is a complex and troubled character who struggles with addiction, depression, and guilt. The Dream Songs are considered by many to be one of the most important works of American poetry of the 20th century.
Analysis
Dream Song 12: Sabbath is a poem that is both beautiful and haunting. The poem is written in free verse, and it consists of four stanzas of varying lengths. The poem is narrated by Henry, and it explores his feelings of guilt and shame. The poem is also a meditation on sin and redemption.
The first stanza of the poem is particularly powerful. The stanza begins with the line "I went to the mountain," which sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The mountain is often used as a symbol of transcendence or spiritual enlightenment, and in this case, it represents Henry's desire for redemption. The stanza goes on to describe the beauty of the mountain and the surrounding landscape. The imagery in this stanza is stunning, and it creates a sense of awe and wonder in the reader.
The second stanza of the poem is where we really start to see Henry's guilt and shame. The stanza begins with the lines "What did I think, a storm clutching a clarinet / on my lawnchair, I myself was seized by doubt?" These lines are a bit confusing at first, but they become clearer as the stanza unfolds. Henry is questioning his own sanity and his own worthiness for redemption. He feels that his sins are too great to be forgiven, and he doubts whether he is even capable of change.
The third stanza of the poem is where we see Henry's desire for redemption. The stanza begins with the line "I went to the city," which is a stark contrast to the mountain in the first stanza. The city represents sin and temptation, and Henry is drawn to it despite his desire for redemption. The stanza goes on to describe the city in vivid detail, and it creates a sense of chaos and confusion.
The fourth and final stanza of the poem is a bit more hopeful. The stanza begins with the line "I went to the country," which is another contrast to the city in the previous stanza. The country represents peace and tranquility, and it is where Henry finds his redemption. The stanza goes on to describe the beauty of the countryside and the sense of peace that Henry finds there. The poem ends with the line "I lay down in the grass," which is a powerful image of surrender and acceptance.
Interpretation
Dream Song 12: Sabbath is a poem that is open to interpretation. On one level, the poem is about Henry's desire for redemption. He feels guilty and ashamed for his sins, and he wants to find a way to be forgiven. On another level, the poem is about the human condition. We all struggle with guilt and shame at some point in our lives, and we all have a desire for redemption.
The poem can also be read as a commentary on religion. The poem is titled Sabbath, which is a reference to the Jewish day of rest. The poem explores themes of sin and redemption, which are central to many religions. The poem can be seen as a critique of religion, or it can be seen as a celebration of faith.
One of the most interesting aspects of the poem is the contrast between the mountain, the city, and the country. The mountain represents transcendence and spiritual enlightenment, while the city represents sin and temptation. The country represents peace and tranquility. The poem is a journey through these different landscapes, and it represents Henry's journey towards redemption.
Conclusion
Dream Song 12: Sabbath is a powerful and complex poem that explores themes of guilt, sin, and redemption. Berryman's use of language, imagery, and form is masterful, and the poem is a testament to his talent as a poet. The poem is open to interpretation, and it can be read in many different ways. Ultimately, the poem is a meditation on the human condition and our desire for redemption. It is a poem that will leave a strong impression on its readers, and it is a work that deserves to be studied and appreciated for generations to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
John Berryman’s “Dream Song 12: Sabbath” is a complex and multi-layered poem that explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the search for meaning in life. The poem is part of Berryman’s larger collection of Dream Songs, which are known for their surreal and fragmented style. In this analysis, we will take a closer look at “Dream Song 12: Sabbath” and explore its various themes and literary devices.
The poem begins with the speaker, Henry, reflecting on his past sins and the guilt that he carries with him. He describes himself as a “bad man” who has done terrible things in his life. The use of the word “bad” is significant here, as it suggests that the speaker is not inherently evil, but rather has made mistakes and done things that he regrets. This sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a meditation on the nature of sin and the possibility of redemption.
The next stanza of the poem introduces the character of Mr. Bones, who is a recurring figure in the Dream Songs. Mr. Bones is a kind of alter ego for the speaker, representing his darker impulses and desires. In this stanza, Mr. Bones is described as “dancing” and “grinning,” which suggests that he is enjoying himself despite the speaker’s guilt and remorse. This contrast between the speaker’s feelings of guilt and Mr. Bones’ carefree attitude creates a sense of tension and conflict within the poem.
The third stanza of the poem introduces the idea of the Sabbath, which is traditionally a day of rest and reflection in the Jewish and Christian faiths. The speaker describes himself as “waiting for the Lord,” suggesting that he is seeking some kind of spiritual guidance or redemption. The use of the word “waiting” is significant here, as it suggests that the speaker is not actively seeking redemption, but rather is hoping that it will come to him.
The fourth stanza of the poem introduces the character of Aunt Rose, who is another recurring figure in the Dream Songs. Aunt Rose is described as a “good woman” who is “praying” for the speaker’s soul. This suggests that the speaker is not alone in his search for redemption, but rather has the support of others who are hoping for his salvation.
The fifth stanza of the poem introduces the idea of the “black book,” which is a metaphor for the speaker’s sins and the guilt that he carries with him. The speaker describes the book as “heavy” and “full of names,” suggesting that he is not the only one who has sinned. This creates a sense of universality within the poem, as the speaker’s sins are not unique to him but rather are part of the human condition.
The sixth stanza of the poem introduces the character of the “great god Brown,” who is a reference to the play “The Great God Brown” by Eugene O’Neill. In the play, Brown is a character who is torn between his desire for success and his need for spiritual fulfillment. The use of this reference suggests that the speaker is also struggling with these same issues.
The seventh stanza of the poem introduces the idea of the “white book,” which is a metaphor for the possibility of redemption. The speaker describes the book as “light” and “empty,” suggesting that it is waiting to be filled with the names of those who have been redeemed. This creates a sense of hope within the poem, as the speaker is not resigned to his fate but rather is actively seeking redemption.
The eighth stanza of the poem introduces the character of “the Lord,” who is the ultimate source of redemption and salvation. The speaker describes the Lord as “coming” and “bringing the fire,” suggesting that he is both a source of comfort and a source of judgment. This creates a sense of tension within the poem, as the speaker is both hopeful and fearful of the Lord’s arrival.
The final stanza of the poem brings together all of these various themes and characters. The speaker describes himself as “waiting for the sound” of the Lord’s arrival, suggesting that he is still seeking redemption. He also describes himself as “dancing” with Mr. Bones, suggesting that he is still struggling with his darker impulses. The poem ends with the image of Aunt Rose “praying” for the speaker’s soul, suggesting that he is not alone in his search for redemption.
In terms of literary devices, “Dream Song 12: Sabbath” is notable for its use of metaphor and allusion. The black book and white book are both powerful metaphors for the speaker’s sins and the possibility of redemption. The reference to Eugene O’Neill’s play “The Great God Brown” is also significant, as it adds another layer of meaning to the poem. The use of repetition and rhyme also creates a sense of rhythm and musicality within the poem.
In conclusion, “Dream Song 12: Sabbath” is a powerful and complex poem that explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the search for meaning in life. Through its use of metaphor, allusion, and repetition, the poem creates a sense of tension and conflict that is both compelling and thought-provoking. Ultimately, the poem suggests that redemption is possible, but that it requires a willingness to confront one’s own sins and to seek spiritual guidance and support from others.
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