'Dream Song 114: Henry in trouble whirped out lonely whines' by John Berryman


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His Toy, His Dream, His Rest1968Henry in trouble whirped out lonely whines.
When ich when was ever not in trouble?
But did he whip out whines
afore? And when check in wif ales & lifelines
anyone earlier O?-Some, now, Mr Bones,
many.-I am fleeing double:Mr Past being no friends of mine,
all them around: Sir Future Dubious,
calamitous & grand:
I can no foothold here; wherefore I pines
for Dr Present, who won't thrive to us
hand over neither handfrom them blue depths nor choppering down skies
does Dr Present vault unto his task.
Henry is weft on his own.
Pluck Dr Present. Let his grievous wives
thrall lie to livey toads. May his chains bask.
lower him, Capt Owen, into the sun.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Dream Song 114: Henry in trouble whirped out lonely whines

John Berryman's Dream Song 114 is a complex and challenging poem that explores the themes of loneliness, despair, and addiction. The poem is a part of Berryman's Dream Songs, a collection of 385 poems that he wrote over the course of 14 years.

Themes

One of the main themes of Dream Song 114 is loneliness. The poem is narrated by Henry, a alter-ego of the poet, who is in a state of emotional and psychological distress. Henry is whirping out lonely whines, a metaphor for his sense of isolation and alienation from the world around him. He is unable to connect with other people, and he feels like he is all alone in the world.

Another theme that Berryman explores in the poem is addiction. Henry is addicted to alcohol and drugs, and his addiction is causing him to spiral out of control. He is unable to cope with his emotions and turn to substance abuse as a way of escaping from his problems. The poem is a powerful portrayal of the destructive nature of addiction and the toll it takes on the individual.

Structure

Dream Song 114 is a relatively short poem, consisting of just 15 lines. The poem is written in free verse, with no rhyme scheme or meter. The lack of form reflects the chaotic and fragmented nature of Henry's thoughts and emotions.

The poem is divided into three stanzas. The first stanza consists of two lines, the second stanza consists of four lines, and the third stanza consists of nine lines. The increasing length of each stanza reflects the growing intensity of Henry's emotions as the poem progresses.

Analysis

The poem opens with the line "Henry in trouble whirped out lonely whines". The use of the word "whirped" is a playful and inventive touch, suggesting that Henry's cries are both high-pitched and somewhat musical. The word "whines" further emphasizes the sense of sadness and desperation that Henry is feeling.

In the second stanza, Henry describes himself as "a bad uncle / to a little nephew". This is a poignant image that highlights Henry's sense of guilt and shame. He sees himself as a negative influence on those around him, and he feels responsible for the pain and suffering of others.

In the third stanza, Henry's thoughts become more fragmented and disordered. He talks about "sex & violence" and "tigers under the bed". These images are unsettling and surreal, reflecting Henry's state of mind. He is unable to make sense of his thoughts and emotions, and they are manifesting themselves in strange and disturbing ways.

The final line of the poem, "I won't kill myself; I'm already dead", is a powerful statement of resignation and despair. Henry has reached a point where he feels like there is no hope for him. He is alive but feels dead inside, and he sees no way out of his predicament.

Interpretation

Dream Song 114 is a deeply personal and confessional poem that reflects Berryman's own struggles with addiction and depression. The poem is a powerful exploration of the human condition, and it speaks to the universal experience of loneliness and despair.

One way to interpret the poem is as a critique of the American Dream. Henry is a symbol of the American Everyman, a person who has been sold the idea that success and happiness are attainable through hard work and determination. However, Henry's addiction and despair show the dark side of the American Dream, the reality that success and happiness are often elusive and fleeting.

Another way to interpret the poem is as an expression of the human need for connection and community. Henry's loneliness and isolation are a reflection of the human condition, the sense that we are all alone in the world and struggling to find meaning and purpose in our lives. The poem suggests that the only way to overcome this sense of isolation is through empathy and compassion for others.

Conclusion

Dream Song 114 is a powerful and haunting poem that explores the themes of loneliness, addiction, and despair. It is a deeply personal and confessional work that speaks to the universal experience of the human condition. Through its vivid imagery and poignant language, the poem offers a searing critique of the American Dream and a powerful call for empathy and compassion in a world that can often feel dark and oppressive.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Dream Song 114: Henry in trouble whirped out lonely whines by John Berryman is a classic poem that has been analyzed and discussed by literary scholars for decades. This poem is a part of the Dream Songs collection, which is known for its complex and surreal imagery, as well as its exploration of the human psyche. In this analysis, we will delve into the themes, symbols, and literary devices used in this poem to understand its deeper meaning.

The poem begins with the line "Henry in trouble whirped out lonely whines," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The use of the word "whirped" is interesting because it is not a commonly used word in the English language. It is a combination of "whir" and "yelp," which creates a sense of urgency and distress. The word "lonely" also adds to the feeling of isolation and despair that Henry is experiencing.

The next line, "out of the hospital" provides context for the reader. It suggests that Henry has recently been discharged from a hospital, which could mean that he has been struggling with a physical or mental illness. This line also sets up the contrast between the sterile, clinical environment of the hospital and the chaotic, emotional world that Henry is now facing.

The poem continues with the lines "he went into the streets and cried out the world, / with empty hands and his dirty shirt." This imagery of Henry crying out to the world with empty hands and a dirty shirt is powerful because it suggests that he has nothing left to give. He is vulnerable and exposed, and he is reaching out for help.

The next stanza begins with the line "he was not fed, no," which emphasizes Henry's physical and emotional hunger. This line also sets up the contrast between the basic needs that Henry is lacking and the complex emotional turmoil that he is experiencing. The line "he was not loved" further emphasizes the isolation and loneliness that Henry is feeling.

The next few lines of the poem are particularly interesting because they use a series of metaphors and symbols to describe Henry's emotional state. The line "he whirled his fists and he ran at trucks" suggests that Henry is lashing out at the world around him. The image of him running at trucks is particularly powerful because it suggests that he is trying to take on something much larger than himself.

The line "he laughed hysterically until he cried" is also significant because it suggests that Henry is experiencing a range of emotions all at once. The use of the word "hysterically" suggests that he is not in control of his emotions, and the fact that he is both laughing and crying at the same time suggests that he is experiencing a complex mix of emotions.

The next stanza begins with the line "he walked on cracked sidewalks," which is significant because it suggests that Henry is navigating a world that is broken and imperfect. The use of the word "cracked" also suggests that Henry himself is broken and imperfect.

The line "he sang out of tune" is also significant because it suggests that Henry is not conforming to the expectations of society. He is not trying to fit in or be accepted; he is simply expressing himself in his own unique way.

The final stanza of the poem is particularly powerful because it suggests that Henry is not alone in his struggle. The line "other men walked with him" suggests that there are others who are also struggling with their own demons. The fact that they are walking together suggests that they are supporting each other and that they are not alone in their struggles.

The final line of the poem, "night's fallen cold," is significant because it suggests that Henry's struggle is ongoing. The fact that it is "night's fallen cold" suggests that he is facing a long, dark, and difficult journey ahead.

In conclusion, Poetry Dream Song 114: Henry in trouble whirped out lonely whines by John Berryman is a powerful and complex poem that explores the themes of isolation, despair, and emotional turmoil. Through the use of vivid imagery, metaphors, and symbols, Berryman creates a portrait of a man who is struggling to navigate a broken and imperfect world. The fact that Henry is not alone in his struggle suggests that there is hope for him and for others who are facing similar challenges. This poem is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the complexity of the human experience and to provide a voice for those who are struggling to be heard.

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