'The Pennycandystore Beyond The El' by Lawrence Ferlinghetti


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The pennycandystore beyond the El
is where i first
fell in love
with unreality
Jellybeans glowed in the semi-gloom
of that september afternoon
A cat upon the counter moved among
the licorice sticks
and tootsie rolls
and Oh Boy Gum

Outside the leaves were falling as they died

A wind had blown away the sun

A girl ran in
Her hair was rainy
Her breasts were breathless in the little room

Outside the leaves were falling
and they cried
Too soon! too soon!


Submitted by Deena

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Pennycandystore Beyond The El: A Masterpiece of Imagery and Nostalgia

Lawrence Ferlinghetti's poem "The Pennycandystore Beyond The El" is a masterpiece of modern poetry that captures the essence of childhood innocence and nostalgia. Written in 1955, the poem paints a vivid picture of a bygone era when children eagerly visited their local pennycandystores to buy sugary treats with their meager pocket money. As we delve deeper into the poem, we are transported to a world of wonder and imagination where even the most mundane objects can evoke feelings of joy and delight.

The Opening Stanza: Setting the Scene

The poem begins with a description of the pennycandystore located "beyond the El," a reference to the elevated train tracks that once crisscrossed the streets of New York. The store is described as a "blue and white" building with a "little balcony" and a "sign that says 'CANDY'." This opening stanza sets the scene for the rest of the poem, giving us a clear visual image of the store and its surroundings.

As we read on, we learn that the pennycandystore is a place of great excitement and anticipation for the children in the neighborhood. They "press their faces on the metal grating" as they wait for the store to open, eagerly anticipating the moment when they can finally step inside and indulge their sweet tooth.

The Power of Nostalgia

One of the most striking aspects of Ferlinghetti's poem is its powerful sense of nostalgia. As we read the lines, we can feel the author's longing for a simpler time, a time when the world was less complicated and the joys of childhood were still within reach.

Ferlinghetti uses rich imagery to evoke this sense of nostalgia, describing the "sugar smell" that fills the air and the "sticky wooden shelves" that hold the precious candies. In doing so, he transports us back to a time when life was sweet and simple, and the world was full of wonder and possibility.

The Power of Objects

Throughout the poem, Ferlinghetti imbues even the most mundane objects with a sense of wonder and magic. He describes the "licorice sticks" that "lie on the counter" like "black piano keys" and the "gumdrops" that "shine like bright buttons." These simple objects become symbols of childhood innocence and joy, evoking memories of hot summer days and carefree afternoons spent exploring the world around us.

The power of these objects lies in their ability to transport us back to a time when the world was full of magic and wonder. Even as adults, we can still find joy in the simple pleasures of life, and Ferlinghetti's poem reminds us of the power of these objects to evoke memories and feelings of nostalgia.

The Power of Language

Finally, it is worth noting the power of Ferlinghetti's language in this poem. His use of rich, descriptive language creates a vivid picture of the pennycandystore and its surroundings, transporting the reader to a different time and place.

In addition, Ferlinghetti's use of repetition and rhyme helps to create a sense of rhythm and flow in the poem. The repeated use of the phrase "beyond the El" creates a sense of continuity and connectedness throughout the poem, tying together the different images and ideas that Ferlinghetti presents.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "The Pennycandystore Beyond The El" is a powerful and evocative poem that captures the essence of childhood innocence and nostalgia. Through rich imagery, the power of objects, and the beauty of language, Ferlinghetti creates a vivid picture of a bygone era that still resonates with readers today. Whether we are reliving our own childhood memories or simply appreciating the simple pleasures of life, this poem reminds us of the power of nostalgia to connect us to our past and to each other.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Pennycandystore Beyond The El: A Poem of Nostalgia and Hope

Lawrence Ferlinghetti's poem, The Pennycandystore Beyond The El, is a classic piece of American literature that captures the essence of a bygone era. The poem is a nostalgic journey through the streets of New York City, where the author grew up, and a celebration of the simple joys of childhood. It is a poem that speaks to the heart of every reader, reminding us of the innocence and wonder of youth, and the hope that we carry with us throughout our lives.

The poem begins with a vivid description of the Pennycandystore, a place that was once a staple of American culture. The store is located "beyond the El," a reference to the elevated train that used to run through the streets of New York City. The El was a symbol of the city's industrialization and progress, but it also represented the separation between the rich and the poor. The Pennycandystore, on the other hand, was a place where everyone could find something to enjoy, regardless of their social status.

Ferlinghetti's use of imagery is particularly effective in this poem. He describes the store as a "purple-and-white wooden candy store," with a "gaping door" and a "big wide window." The colors and textures of the store are so vivid that we can almost taste the candy and feel the roughness of the wooden walls. The store is a place of sensory delight, where children can escape from the drudgery of their daily lives and indulge in the simple pleasures of candy and sweets.

The poem then takes us on a journey through the streets of New York City, where we see the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Ferlinghetti describes the "crowded street" and the "pushcart vendors," who sell everything from "hot chestnuts" to "dried squid." The city is a place of contrasts, where the rich and the poor live side by side, and where the noise and chaos of the streets are a constant reminder of the struggles of everyday life.

Despite the challenges of city life, Ferlinghetti's poem is ultimately a celebration of hope. He describes the children who come to the Pennycandystore as "little boys with high-pitched voices" and "little girls with dolls and shawls." These children are the embodiment of innocence and joy, and they remind us that even in the midst of hardship, there is always something to be grateful for.

The poem ends with a powerful image of hope and possibility. Ferlinghetti describes the children as "dreaming of the magic pennies that will make them rich," and we can almost see the glimmer of hope in their eyes. The magic pennies are a symbol of the dreams and aspirations that we all carry with us, no matter how difficult our lives may be. They remind us that even in the darkest of times, there is always a glimmer of hope, a reason to keep dreaming and striving for a better future.

In conclusion, The Pennycandystore Beyond The El is a classic poem that captures the essence of a bygone era. It is a nostalgic journey through the streets of New York City, a celebration of the simple joys of childhood, and a reminder of the hope and possibility that we carry with us throughout our lives. Ferlinghetti's use of imagery and language is particularly effective in this poem, and it is a testament to his skill as a poet. This poem is a timeless classic that will continue to inspire and delight readers for generations to come.

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