'Dream Song 17: Muttered Henry:-Lord of matter, thus' by John Berryman

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77 Dream Songs1964Muttered Henry:-Lord of matter, thus:
upon some more unquiet spirit knock,
my madnesses have cease.
All the quarter astonishes a lonely out & back.
They set their clocks by Henry House,
the steadiest man on the block.And Lucifer:-I smell you for my own,
by smug.-What have I tossed you but the least
(tho' hard); fit for your ears.
Your servant, bored with horror, sat alone
with busy teeth while his dislike increased
unto himself, in tears.And he:-O promising despair,
in solitude- -End there.
Your avenues are dying: leave me: I dove
under the oaken arms of Brother Martin,
St Simeon the Lesser Theologian,
Bodhidharma, and Baal Shem Tov.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry, Dream Song 17: Muttered Henry - Lord of matter

Do you ever wonder what goes on in the mind of a poet? What inspirations they draw from to create the beautiful words and imagery that we all love and admire? John Berryman, one of the greatest poets in American literature, gives us a glimpse into his mind with his masterpiece, Dream Song 17: Muttered Henry - Lord of matter. This poem is a complex and deeply personal exploration of the human condition, filled with striking imagery and vivid language that will leave you breathless.

The Structure of the Poem

At first glance, Dream Song 17 may seem like a confusing mess of words and thoughts. But if you take a closer look, you will notice a pattern in the structure of the poem. The poem consists of three stanzas, each containing six lines, with an ABABCC rhyme scheme. This structure gives the poem a sense of order and symmetry, despite the chaotic nature of the subject matter.

The Language and Imagery

One of the most striking aspects of Dream Song 17 is the vivid and often surreal imagery that Berryman uses to depict his inner turmoil. The poem is filled with metaphors and similes that are both beautiful and disturbing. For example, in the first stanza, Berryman describes himself as "a raving autumn shears / blue with the whole of Italy furious / reddening the testy green / of the plane, exquisite gentle suicides." This imagery is both violent and beautiful, capturing the conflicting emotions that Berryman is feeling.

In the second stanza, Berryman continues to use vivid imagery to describe his mental state. He compares himself to a "drooping star" and a "vaseline square," both of which are evocative and memorable images. In the final stanza, Berryman shifts the focus to his father, describing him as "old, sick, disgraced / and dying off slowly, somewhere, alone." This image is particularly powerful, as it suggests that Berryman is grappling with the legacy of his father's death.

The Theme of Mortality

Dream Song 17 is a deeply intimate exploration of the theme of mortality. Berryman grapples with his own mortality, as well as the mortality of his loved ones. He is haunted by the memory of his father, who died when Berryman was young. This sense of loss and grief permeates the poem, giving it a melancholy and introspective tone.

The Character of Muttered Henry

One of the most intriguing aspects of Dream Song 17 is the character of Muttered Henry. Who is he, and what does he represent? Some readers have suggested that Muttered Henry is a stand-in for Berryman himself, while others have suggested that he is a separate character entirely. Regardless of his identity, Muttered Henry is a powerful and enigmatic presence in the poem, representing the darker aspects of Berryman's psyche.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dream Song 17: Muttered Henry - Lord of matter is a complex and deeply personal exploration of the human condition. Berryman's use of vivid imagery and rich language gives the poem a sense of urgency and immediacy, while the theme of mortality adds a haunting and melancholy tone. This poem is a testament to Berryman's talent as a poet, and a reminder of the power of language to capture the complexities of the human experience.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Dream Song 17: Muttered Henry - Lord of Matter, written by John Berryman, is a classic poem that has captivated readers for decades. This poem is part of a larger collection of poems known as The Dream Songs, which Berryman wrote between 1955 and 1967. The Dream Songs are known for their unique style, which combines elements of both traditional poetry and modernist literature. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and literary devices used in Dream Song 17.

The poem begins with the speaker, Henry, muttering to himself about his own existence. He refers to himself as the "Lord of Matter," which suggests that he sees himself as a powerful force in the world. However, he also acknowledges that he is "not a demigod," which suggests that he is aware of his own limitations. This opening stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a meditation on the nature of existence and the human condition.

The second stanza of the poem introduces the theme of mortality. Henry reflects on the fact that he will one day die, and wonders what will become of him after he is gone. He imagines himself as a "ghost" or a "shade," wandering the earth without a body. This image is both eerie and poignant, as it suggests that even after death, Henry will still be searching for meaning and purpose.

The third stanza of the poem introduces the theme of love. Henry reflects on his past relationships, and wonders if he will ever find true love. He describes himself as a "lover man," but also acknowledges that he has been "unlucky in love." This stanza is particularly interesting because it shows a vulnerable side of Henry that is not present in the first two stanzas. It suggests that even though he sees himself as a powerful force in the world, he is still subject to the same emotions and desires as everyone else.

The fourth stanza of the poem introduces the theme of identity. Henry reflects on the fact that he is a "composite" of many different parts, including his body, his mind, and his soul. He wonders which of these parts is the "real" him, and whether he will ever be able to find a sense of wholeness and completeness. This stanza is particularly interesting because it suggests that even though Henry sees himself as a powerful force in the world, he is still struggling to understand his own identity.

The fifth stanza of the poem introduces the theme of language. Henry reflects on the fact that language is a powerful tool that can be used to shape reality. He wonders if he will ever be able to find the right words to express his thoughts and feelings, and whether language will ever be able to capture the complexity of human experience. This stanza is particularly interesting because it suggests that even though Henry sees himself as a powerful force in the world, he is still struggling to find a way to communicate his innermost thoughts and feelings.

The sixth and final stanza of the poem brings all of these themes together. Henry reflects on the fact that he is "alone," and wonders if he will ever be able to find a sense of connection with the world around him. He acknowledges that he is "not a happy man," but also suggests that there is a kind of beauty in his sadness. This final stanza is particularly powerful because it suggests that even though Henry sees himself as a powerful force in the world, he is still struggling to find a sense of meaning and purpose.

In terms of structure, Dream Song 17 is a free verse poem that is divided into six stanzas. Each stanza is composed of three lines, which gives the poem a sense of symmetry and balance. The poem is written in the first person, which gives the reader a sense of intimacy with the speaker. The language of the poem is simple and direct, which makes it accessible to a wide range of readers.

In terms of literary devices, Dream Song 17 is rich in imagery and metaphor. The image of Henry as the "Lord of Matter" is a powerful metaphor that suggests his sense of power and control. The image of Henry as a "ghost" or a "shade" is a haunting metaphor that suggests his fear of death and the unknown. The image of Henry as a "lover man" is a playful metaphor that suggests his desire for love and connection. The image of Henry as a "composite" is a complex metaphor that suggests his struggle to understand his own identity. The use of repetition throughout the poem, particularly the repetition of the phrase "I am," creates a sense of rhythm and momentum that propels the poem forward.

In conclusion, Dream Song 17: Muttered Henry - Lord of Matter, is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the themes of mortality, love, identity, language, and connection. The poem is structured in a way that is both symmetrical and balanced, and the language is simple and direct. The use of imagery and metaphor throughout the poem creates a sense of depth and complexity that invites the reader to reflect on their own experiences and emotions. Overall, Dream Song 17 is a classic poem that continues to resonate with readers today.

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