'Dream Song 172: Your face broods' by John Berryman

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His Toy, His Dream, His Rest1968Your face broods from my table, Suicide.
Your force came on like a torrent toward the end
of agony and wrath.
You were christened in the beginning Sylvia Plath
and changed that name for Mrs Hughes and bred
and went on round the bendtill the oven seemed the proper place for you.
I brood upon your face, the geography of grief,
hooded, till I allow
again your resignation from us now
though the screams of orphaned children fix me anew.
Your torment here was brief,long falls your exit all repeatingly,
a poor exemplum, one more suicide,
to stack upon the others
till stricken Henry with his sisters & brothers
suddenly gone pauses to wonder why he
alone breasts the wronging tide.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Dream Song 172: Your Face Broods by John Berryman

John Berryman's Dream Song 172: Your Face Broods is a poem that delves deep into the speaker's psyche, exploring themes of loneliness, isolation, and longing for companionship. The speaker is searching for a connection with someone, anyone, and the absence of that connection is taking a toll on him.

Structure and Form

The poem is made up of three stanzas, each with six lines. The rhyme scheme is AABCCB, which gives the poem a sing-song quality. The use of repetition is also significant in this poem. The phrase "Your face broods" is repeated three times, emphasizing the speaker's fixation on this image. The use of anaphora is also evident in the repetition of the word "nothing" at the beginning of each stanza.

Interpretation

The speaker is longing for a connection with someone, but is unable to find it. The repetition of the phrase "Your face broods" suggests that the speaker is fixated on an image of someone, but that image is only a memory. The use of the word "dream" in the title further emphasizes the idea that this connection is not tangible, but rather a figment of the speaker's imagination.

The speaker's desperation is evident in the repetition of the word "nothing" at the beginning of each stanza. This suggests that the speaker feels as though he has nothing, no one to turn to, and is trapped in a state of isolation. The use of the word "broods" in relation to the face further emphasizes the negative emotions that the speaker is experiencing.

The final stanza of the poem is particularly poignant. The speaker admits that he is "afraid to die alone," emphasizing the fear of loneliness and the need for companionship. The repetition of the phrase "Your face broods" in the final line suggests that the speaker is still fixated on this image, even as he faces his fear of dying alone.

Themes

The poem explores themes of loneliness, isolation, and the human need for companionship. The speaker's fixation on an image of someone suggests that he is searching for a connection, but is unable to find it. The repetition of the word "nothing" emphasizes the speaker's feelings of emptiness and isolation.

The fear of dying alone is also a significant theme in the poem. The speaker's admission that he is afraid to die alone suggests that he recognizes the importance of companionship and the need for human connection.

Conclusion

Dream Song 172: Your Face Broods is a powerful poem that explores themes of loneliness, isolation, and the human need for companionship. The poem's structure and use of repetition emphasize the speaker's desperation and fixation on an image of someone, and the fear of dying alone.

Berryman's ability to convey such complex emotions through simple language and repetition is a testament to his skill as a poet. The poem is a reminder of the importance of human connection and the devastating effects of isolation and loneliness.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

John Berryman’s “Dream Song 172: Your face broods” is a haunting and enigmatic poem that explores themes of loss, grief, and the search for meaning in a world that often seems indifferent to our struggles. Through its vivid imagery, complex syntax, and haunting repetition, the poem invites readers to enter into a dreamlike state where the boundaries between reality and imagination blur, and where the speaker’s innermost thoughts and emotions are laid bare.

At its core, “Your face broods” is a meditation on the nature of memory and the ways in which our past experiences shape our present selves. The poem opens with the speaker addressing an unnamed person, whose face “broods” over him like a dark cloud. This image of brooding suggests a sense of heaviness and foreboding, as if the person’s presence is a reminder of some past trauma or loss. The speaker then goes on to describe a series of fragmented memories, each one evoking a sense of longing and regret.

One of the most striking images in the poem is the repeated reference to “the girl who died.” This girl is never named, and we are given no details about her life or death. Yet her presence looms large over the poem, as if she represents some deep-seated pain or loss that the speaker is struggling to come to terms with. The repeated use of the word “died” underscores the finality of her passing, and the sense of grief and regret that the speaker feels.

Another key image in the poem is the “black lake” that the speaker sees in his dreams. This lake is described as “bottomless,” suggesting a sense of infinite depth and mystery. The speaker is drawn to this lake, even though he knows it is dangerous, and he seems to find some solace in its dark waters. The lake can be read as a metaphor for the unconscious mind, with its hidden depths and unknown dangers. By exploring this lake in his dreams, the speaker is perhaps trying to come to terms with his own inner demons and fears.

Throughout the poem, Berryman employs a complex and fragmented syntax that mirrors the speaker’s own fragmented thoughts and emotions. The poem is full of abrupt shifts in tone and perspective, as if the speaker is struggling to make sense of his own experiences. At times, the language is almost surreal, as in the line “the black lake is a great beast / and terrible,” which suggests a sense of primal fear and awe.

One of the most striking features of the poem is its use of repetition. The phrase “your face broods” is repeated several times throughout the poem, each time with a slightly different emphasis. This repetition creates a sense of unease and tension, as if the speaker is unable to escape the haunting presence of this unnamed person. Similarly, the repeated references to “the girl who died” create a sense of weight and significance, as if her memory is a burden that the speaker cannot shake off.

Overall, “Your face broods” is a powerful and haunting poem that explores some of the deepest and most universal human emotions. Through its vivid imagery, complex syntax, and haunting repetition, the poem invites readers to enter into a dreamlike state where the boundaries between reality and imagination blur, and where the speaker’s innermost thoughts and emotions are laid bare. Whether read as a meditation on memory, grief, or the search for meaning in a chaotic world, this poem is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who reads it.

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