'Herbert White' by Frank Bidart
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Golden State1973"When I hit her on the head, it was good,and then I did it to her a couple of times,--
but it was funny,--afterwards,
it was as if somebody else did it ...Everything flat, without sharpness, richness or line.Still, I liked to drive past the woods where she lay,
tell the old lady and the kids I had to take a piss,
hop out and do it to her ...The whole buggy of them waiting for memade me feel good;
but still, just like I knew all along,she didn't move.When the body got too discomposed,
I'd just jack off, letting it fall on her ...--It sounds crazy, but I tell you
sometimes it was
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Haunting Allure of Frank Bidart's "Herbert White"
Have you ever read a poem that stuck with you long after you finished it? A poem that, despite its brevity, somehow managed to nestle itself deep in your mind and refuse to leave? For me, that poem is "Herbert White" by Frank Bidart.
I first encountered this poem in a college literature class, where we were studying the work of contemporary poets. At the time, I didn't know who Frank Bidart was, but from the moment I read the first line of "Herbert White," I was captivated.
The poem is only 16 lines long, but within those 16 lines, Bidart manages to craft a haunting and unforgettable narrative. At its core, "Herbert White" is a meditation on violence, desire, and the ways in which these two forces can become intertwined in the human psyche.
The Narrative
The poem begins with a description of its titular character, Herbert White. We learn that he is a "thin, white, naked" man who lives alone and is haunted by a "voice" that drives him to commit acts of violence. The voice instructs Herbert to "cut off" the body parts of young boys, and he complies without hesitation.
Right away, we are plunged into a world of darkness and dread. We are forced to confront the reality that there are people in the world who are capable of committing unspeakable acts of violence, and that these people are often driven by forces beyond their control.
As the poem progresses, we learn that Herbert White is not just a violent man, but a deeply troubled one. He is consumed by desire, both for the young boys he mutilates and for his own mother, whom he imagines having sexual encounters with.
Bidart's portrayal of Herbert White is rich and complex. On the one hand, he is a monster, committing horrific acts of violence against innocent children. On the other hand, he is a victim, trapped by the demons that possess him and unable to escape their grasp.
The Language
What sets "Herbert White" apart from other poems on similar subjects is Bidart's masterful use of language. Each line is crafted with precision and care, and every word serves a specific purpose in building the poem's narrative and atmosphere.
Take, for example, the poem's opening line: "When I hit her on the head, it was good, and then I did it to her a couple of times." This line sets the tone for the entire poem, signaling to the reader that we are about to enter a world of violence and depravity.
The use of repetition throughout the poem is also striking. The phrase "and then I did it" is repeated several times, emphasizing the cyclical nature of Herbert White's behavior. He is trapped in a pattern of violence and desire, unable to break free from the forces that drive him.
The poem's final lines are especially powerful. "I am tired, beloved, of chafing my heart against / the want of you; / of squeezing it into little inkdrops, / and posting it." Here, we see Herbert White as a deeply tragic figure, consumed by a desire that he knows can never be fulfilled.
The Interpretation
So what is "Herbert White" really about? On the surface, it is a poem about a man who commits heinous acts of violence against young boys. But on a deeper level, it is a meditation on the ways in which desire and violence can become intertwined in the human psyche.
Bidart is exploring the dark underbelly of human nature, and the uncomfortable truth that we are all capable of unspeakable acts if the right circumstances arise. Herbert White is not just a monster, but a symbol of the darker impulses that lie within us all.
At the same time, however, Bidart is also offering a critique of the society that creates people like Herbert White. He is asking us to question the factors that can contribute to the development of violent and disturbed individuals, and to consider what we can do as a society to prevent these tragedies from occurring.
The Impact
"Herbert White" is a poem that has stayed with me long after I first read it. Its haunting imagery and powerful language have left an indelible impression on my mind, and I find myself returning to it again and again.
But more than that, "Herbert White" is a poem that has the power to spark important conversations and reflections. It forces us to confront the uncomfortable truths about human nature, and to consider what we can do as individuals and as a society to prevent violence and promote healing.
For these reasons, I believe that "Herbert White" is a poem that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come. It is a testament to the power of poetry to confront the darkest aspects of the human experience, and to offer a glimmer of hope in the face of tragedy.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry is a form of art that has the power to evoke emotions, stir up memories, and inspire us to see the world in a different light. Frank Bidart's "Herbert White" is a classic example of how poetry can be used to explore the darker aspects of human nature. This 2000-word analysis and explanation of the poem will delve into the themes, imagery, and language used by Bidart to create a haunting and unforgettable work of art.
Firstly, it is important to understand the context in which the poem was written. "Herbert White" was published in 1973, during a time when the United States was grappling with issues of race, gender, and sexuality. Bidart himself was openly gay and struggled with his own identity in a society that was not always accepting of those who were different. The poem can be seen as a reflection of these struggles, as well as a commentary on the violence and isolation that can result from societal pressures.
The poem is written in the first person, from the perspective of Herbert White, a disturbed and isolated man who is driven to commit acts of violence. The opening lines set the tone for the rest of the poem, as Herbert describes himself as "a killer" and "a man of blood." The language used here is stark and uncompromising, leaving no doubt as to the nature of the character we are dealing with.
Throughout the poem, Bidart uses vivid imagery to create a sense of unease and discomfort in the reader. For example, he describes Herbert's victims as "the girls with their legs spread wide," painting a disturbing picture of sexual violence. The use of the word "spread" is particularly effective, as it suggests a deliberate and calculated act on Herbert's part.
Another example of powerful imagery can be found in the lines "I have killed no one for years, / but have gone without / sleep for weeks." Here, Bidart is highlighting the psychological toll that Herbert's actions have taken on him. The idea of going without sleep for weeks is a common symptom of mental illness, and it is clear that Herbert is not well.
The poem also contains a number of references to popular culture, such as the line "I am the man of the house," which is a reference to a popular TV show from the 1950s. This use of pop culture references serves to highlight the disconnect between Herbert's violent actions and the world around him. It is as if he is living in a different reality, one where violence is the norm and the rules of society do not apply.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is the way in which Bidart uses language to create a sense of tension and unease. For example, he uses short, staccato sentences to convey a sense of urgency and danger. The line "I have a gun" is a perfect example of this, as it is short, simple, and to the point. There is no need for elaboration or explanation – the reader knows exactly what is meant.
Another example of effective language use can be found in the lines "I have been to bed / with boys and girls / and I am not a homosexual." Here, Bidart is challenging the reader's assumptions about sexuality and gender identity. By suggesting that Herbert's actions do not define his sexuality, he is highlighting the complexity of human sexuality and the limitations of labels.
The poem also contains a number of religious references, such as the line "I am the angel of the Lord." This use of religious imagery serves to highlight the idea of sin and redemption, as well as the idea of a higher power that is watching over us. It is as if Herbert is trying to justify his actions by suggesting that he is carrying out the will of a higher power.
In conclusion, "Herbert White" is a powerful and haunting poem that explores the darker aspects of human nature. Through vivid imagery, effective language use, and references to popular culture and religion, Frank Bidart creates a character who is both disturbing and sympathetic. The poem is a commentary on the violence and isolation that can result from societal pressures, as well as a reflection of the struggles faced by those who are different. It is a work of art that will stay with the reader long after the final lines have been read.
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