'Three Oranges' by Charles Bukowski


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first time my father overheard me listening to

this bit of music he asked me,

"what is it?"

"it's called Love For Three Oranges,"

I informed him.

"boy," he said, "that's getting it

cheap."

he meant sex.

listening to it

I always imagined three oranges

sitting there,

you know how orange they can

get,

so mightily orange.

maybe Prokofiev had meant

what my father

thought.

if so, I preferred it the

other way

the most horrible thing

I could think of

was part of me being

what ejaculated out of the

end of his

stupid penis.

I will never forgive him

for that,

his trick that I am stuck

with,

I find no nobility in

parenthood.

I say kill the Father

before he makes more

such as

I.


from ONTHEBUS - 1992

Editor 1 Interpretation

Three Oranges by Charles Bukowski: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Introduction

Three Oranges is a classic poem written by Charles Bukowski, a literary icon who is known for his raw and unfiltered style of writing. In this poem, Bukowski explores the themes of love, loss, and the fleeting nature of happiness. The poem is an ode to the unpredictability of life and the futility of trying to hold onto something that is bound to slip away. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will dive deep into the poem, exploring its meaning, themes, and its relevance in today's world.

Summary

Three Oranges is a short, seven-line poem that tells the story of a man who buys three oranges and brings them home to his lover. The man is excited to share the oranges with his lover and hopes that they will bring them joy and happiness. However, when they cut open the oranges, they find that they are bitter and inedible. The man is disappointed, but he realizes that this is just a small setback in the grand scheme of things.

Literary Devices

Bukowski is known for his use of literary devices to convey his message, and Three Oranges is no exception. The poem is filled with metaphor, imagery, and symbolism that help to deepen its meaning.

Metaphor: The oranges in the poem represent happiness and joy. The man hopes that the oranges will bring happiness to his lover, but they end up being bitter and disappointing.

Imagery: Bukowski uses imagery to create a vivid picture in the reader's mind. The image of the man bringing the oranges home and cutting them open is a powerful one that conveys the man's excitement and disappointment.

Symbolism: The oranges in the poem not only represent happiness and joy but also the fleeting nature of these emotions. The oranges are a reminder that happiness is temporary and that it is important to enjoy it while it lasts.

Themes

Three Oranges explores several themes that are relevant to the human experience. These themes include:

Love: The poem is a testament to the power of love and the lengths that people will go to make their loved ones happy. The man in the poem buys the oranges as a gift for his lover, hoping to bring her joy and happiness.

Loss: The bitter oranges represent the loss of happiness and the inevitability of disappointment. The man is disappointed by the oranges, but he realizes that this is just a small setback in the grand scheme of things.

Futility: The poem is a reminder that happiness is temporary and that it is futile to try to hold onto something that is bound to slip away. The man's disappointment with the oranges is a metaphor for the futility of trying to hold onto happiness.

Analysis

Three Oranges is a powerful poem that explores the complex nature of human emotion. The poem is a reminder that happiness is temporary and that it is important to enjoy it while it lasts. The bitter oranges represent the inevitability of disappointment and the futility of trying to hold onto something that is bound to slip away.

The man in the poem represents the human desire for happiness and the lengths that people will go to make their loved ones happy. The fact that he buys the oranges as a gift for his lover shows that he is willing to go out of his way to bring her joy and happiness.

However, the bitter oranges represent the fleeting nature of happiness and the inevitability of disappointment. The man is disappointed by the oranges, but he realizes that this is just a small setback in the grand scheme of things. This is a reminder that happiness is temporary and that it is important to enjoy it while it lasts.

The use of metaphor, imagery, and symbolism in the poem help to deepen its meaning and convey its message. The oranges in the poem represent happiness and joy, but also the fleeting nature of these emotions. The image of the man bringing the oranges home and cutting them open is a powerful one that conveys the man's excitement and disappointment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Three Oranges is a powerful poem that explores the themes of love, loss, and the fleeting nature of happiness. The bitter oranges represent the inevitability of disappointment and the futility of trying to hold onto something that is bound to slip away. The man in the poem represents the human desire for happiness and the lengths that people will go to make their loved ones happy. The poem is a reminder that happiness is temporary and that it is important to enjoy it while it lasts. Bukowski's use of metaphor, imagery, and symbolism help to deepen the poem's meaning and convey its message.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Three Oranges: A Masterpiece by Charles Bukowski

Charles Bukowski, the legendary American poet, novelist, and short-story writer, is known for his raw, gritty, and unapologetic style of writing. His works often explore the darker side of human nature, delving into themes of alcoholism, poverty, and loneliness. One of his most famous poems, "Three Oranges," is a prime example of his unique style and powerful storytelling.

The poem begins with the speaker describing a dream he had about three oranges. The oranges are described as "big and bright and round," and the speaker is filled with a sense of wonder and excitement as he watches them. However, the dream takes a dark turn when the oranges suddenly turn into skulls, and the speaker is left feeling frightened and alone.

At first glance, "Three Oranges" may seem like a simple poem about a strange dream. However, upon closer analysis, it becomes clear that the poem is a powerful commentary on the human condition and the fragility of life.

The oranges in the poem can be seen as a symbol of life and vitality. They are described as "big and bright and round," suggesting a sense of abundance and fullness. The speaker is filled with wonder and excitement as he watches them, suggesting that he is in awe of the beauty and richness of life.

However, the fact that the oranges turn into skulls suggests that life is fleeting and fragile. The sudden transformation from something beautiful and full of life to something dark and lifeless is a powerful reminder of the impermanence of all things.

The poem can also be seen as a commentary on the human condition. The speaker's fear and loneliness in the face of the skulls suggest that he is grappling with the reality of his own mortality. The fact that he is alone in the dream suggests that he is struggling to come to terms with his own mortality on his own.

This theme of loneliness and isolation is a common one in Bukowski's work. Many of his poems and stories explore the lives of people who are marginalized and isolated from society. In "Three Oranges," the speaker's sense of isolation is heightened by the fact that he is alone in his dream, facing the reality of his own mortality without any support or comfort.

Overall, "Three Oranges" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the fragility of life and the human condition. Bukowski's raw and unapologetic style of writing is on full display here, as he delves into themes of mortality, loneliness, and isolation. The poem is a testament to Bukowski's skill as a writer, and it continues to resonate with readers today.

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