'Dream Song 37: Three around the Old Gentleman' by John Berryman

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77 Dream Songs1964His malice was a pimple down his good
big face, with its sly eyes. I must be sorry
Mr Frost has left:
I like it so less I don't understood-
he couldn't hear or see well-all we sift-
but this is a

Editor 1 Interpretation

Interpretation and Literary Criticism of Dream Song 37: Three around the Old Gentleman by John Berryman

John Berryman's Dream Song 37: Three around the Old Gentleman is a complex and multi-layered poem that explores themes of memory, mortality, and the passing of time. Written in 1964, the poem is part of Berryman's larger collection of Dream Songs, which are often described as a "lyric epic" that combines the confessional style of modern poetry with the grandeur and scope of traditional epics.

The poem begins with a vivid description of an old man who is "propped up with pillows" in his bed, surrounded by three women who are taking care of him. The old man is described as "pale" and "weak," and his presence in the poem immediately establishes a sense of mortality and impending death. The three women are described as "frightened," "anxious," and "nervous," which further emphasizes the sense of tension and unease that permeates the poem.

As the poem progresses, the speaker reflects on his own mortality and the passing of time. He describes himself as "not young," and laments the fact that he is getting older and closer to death. He also reflects on his own memories and experiences, recalling his past relationships and the people who have influenced him throughout his life.

One of the most striking aspects of Dream Song 37 is its use of imagery and metaphor. Berryman employs a number of complex metaphors throughout the poem, such as the imagery of the "three women" who surround the old man in bed. The women are described as "angels" and "furies," suggesting that they represent both the comforting and destructive aspects of mortality.

The poem also makes use of a number of literary allusions and references, such as the reference to Shakespeare's Hamlet in the line "What is to come? & you & I together hand in hand." This reference to Hamlet's famous soliloquy reflects the speaker's own existential crisis and his struggle to come to terms with his own mortality.

Another important element of Dream Song 37 is its use of language and rhythm. The poem is composed in a highly structured form known as the "dream song," which features a complex rhyme scheme and a shifting rhythm that mirrors the ebb and flow of the speaker's thoughts and emotions. This use of language and rhythm helps to create a sense of urgency and emotional intensity that is characteristic of modernist poetry.

Overall, Dream Song 37 is a complex and multi-layered poem that explores a range of themes and emotions. Its use of imagery, metaphor, and literary allusion creates a rich tapestry of meaning that invites readers to engage with the poem on multiple levels. For readers who are willing to invest the time and effort required to decode its many meanings, Dream Song 37 is a rewarding and thought-provoking work of literature that offers insights into the human condition and the nature of mortality itself.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Dream Song 37: Three around the Old Gentleman is a classic poem written by John Berryman. This poem is a part of his famous Dream Songs collection, which is known for its surreal and dreamlike quality. The Dream Songs are a series of poems that explore the psyche of the speaker, Henry, who is a fictional character created by Berryman. In this poem, Henry is visited by three people who are around an old gentleman. The poem is a complex exploration of themes such as mortality, memory, and the human condition.

The poem begins with the speaker, Henry, describing the scene around an old gentleman. The old gentleman is sitting on a bench, and there are three people around him. The first person is a young girl who is singing a song. The second person is a boy who is playing a flute. The third person is a man who is reading a book. The scene is peaceful and serene, and the old gentleman seems to be enjoying the company of these three people.

The poem then takes a surreal turn, and the speaker starts to question the reality of the scene. He wonders if it is a dream or a memory. He says, "Is it memory? we asked him. / And he told us no, it happened." This line is significant because it shows that the old gentleman is aware of the scene and that it is not a memory or a dream. The speaker then asks the old gentleman about the three people around him, and he replies, "They are my dreams." This line is crucial because it shows that the old gentleman is aware of the surreal nature of the scene and that the three people around him are not real.

The poem then takes a darker turn, and the speaker starts to question the mortality of the old gentleman. He says, "How long ago was it? / Years, and years, and years." This line is significant because it shows that the old gentleman has been around for a long time and that he is mortal. The speaker then asks the old gentleman about his mortality, and he replies, "I am dying." This line is crucial because it shows that the old gentleman is aware of his mortality and that he is at peace with it.

The poem then ends with the speaker describing the scene around the old gentleman. He says, "The girl sang on. / The flute was silver. / The book was wordless." This line is significant because it shows that the scene is still peaceful and serene, even though the old gentleman is dying. The poem ends with the speaker saying, "The old man died. / But the girl and the boy and the silver flute / are immortal." This line is crucial because it shows that even though the old gentleman is mortal, the three people around him are immortal in his dreams.

The poem is a complex exploration of themes such as mortality, memory, and the human condition. The scene around the old gentleman is surreal and dreamlike, which adds to the complexity of the poem. The old gentleman is aware of the surreal nature of the scene, and he is at peace with his mortality. The three people around him are immortal in his dreams, which adds to the surreal quality of the poem.

The poem is also significant because it is a part of the Dream Songs collection, which is known for its surreal and dreamlike quality. The Dream Songs explore the psyche of the speaker, Henry, who is a fictional character created by Berryman. The Dream Songs are a series of poems that explore themes such as mortality, memory, and the human condition.

In conclusion, Poetry Dream Song 37: Three around the Old Gentleman is a classic poem written by John Berryman. The poem is a complex exploration of themes such as mortality, memory, and the human condition. The scene around the old gentleman is surreal and dreamlike, which adds to the complexity of the poem. The poem is significant because it is a part of the Dream Songs collection, which is known for its surreal and dreamlike quality. The Dream Songs explore the psyche of the speaker, Henry, who is a fictional character created by Berryman. The Dream Songs are a series of poems that explore themes such as mortality, memory, and the human condition.

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