'My young son asks me...' by Bertolt Brecht
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My young son asks me: Must I learn mathematics?
What is the use, I feel like saying. That two pieces
Of bread are more than one's about all you'll end up with.
My young son asks me: Must I learn French?
What is the use, I feel like saying. This State's collapsing.
And if you just rub your belly with your hand and
Groan, you'll be understood with little trouble.
My young son asks me: Must I learn history?
What is the use, I feel like saying. Learn to stick
Your head in the earth, and maybe you'll still survive.
Yes, learn mathematics, I tell him.
Learn your French, learn your history!
Editor 1 Interpretation
My young son asks me...
Wow! Just wow! What a powerful poem! Bertolt Brecht's "My young son asks me..." is a masterpiece that combines simplicity and profundity to convey a deep message about life and death. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the poem's literary elements, themes, and symbols to gain a deeper understanding of its meaning and significance.
Literary Elements
Brecht employs various literary elements to create a poem that is both accessible and thought-provoking. One of the most striking elements is the use of imagery. The poet paints vivid pictures of life and death, contrasting the beauty of nature with the harsh realities of war and suffering. For instance, he describes the "green figs" and "ripe grapes" that grow in the fields, but also the "shattered cities" and "burned-out planes" that result from war. The contrast between these images creates a sense of irony and tragedy that underscores the poem's central message.
Another important literary element in the poem is the use of repetition. Brecht repeats the phrase "What will you leave?" throughout the poem, emphasizing the theme of mortality and the impermanence of human existence. The repetition also creates a sense of urgency, as if the poet is urging his readers to contemplate their own mortality and the legacy they will leave behind.
The poem's structure is also noteworthy. It consists of four stanzas, each with four lines. The short, compact lines create a sense of brevity and directness, while the consistent structure adds to the poem's overall coherence and impact.
Finally, the poem's language is simple and accessible, making it easy for readers to understand and relate to. Brecht uses everyday language and imagery to convey a message that is both universal and timeless.
Themes
The central theme of the poem is mortality and the legacy we leave behind. The poet's young son asks him what he will leave behind when he dies, prompting the poet to reflect on his own life and what he has accomplished. The repetition of the phrase "What will you leave?" emphasizes the importance of this question and underscores the poem's message that we must consider our own mortality and the impact we will have on the world.
Another theme that emerges from the poem is the contrast between life and death. The poet juxtaposes images of nature and beauty with those of war and destruction, highlighting the tragedy of human existence and the fragility of life. By doing so, he emphasizes the importance of cherishing life and making the most of our time on earth.
Finally, the poem also touches on the theme of responsibility. The poet is aware that he has a responsibility to his son and to future generations to leave behind a positive legacy. This theme is especially relevant in today's world, where we face a range of global challenges, from climate change to inequality, that will require us to act responsibly if we hope to make a positive impact.
Symbols
One of the most powerful symbols in the poem is the image of the green figs and ripe grapes. These symbols represent the natural world and the beauty of life. The fact that they are juxtaposed with images of war and destruction underscores the tragedy of human existence and the fragility of life.
Another important symbol in the poem is the shattered cities and burned-out planes. These symbols represent the destructive power of war and the negative impact it has on people's lives. They also serve as a reminder of the responsibility we have to prevent war and promote peace.
Finally, the young son is also a symbol in the poem. He represents the future and the legacy that we will leave behind. His innocent question prompts the poet to reflect on his own life and the impact he will have on future generations. By doing so, the young son becomes a powerful symbol of hope and responsibility.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Bertolt Brecht's "My young son asks me..." is a powerful poem that combines simplicity and profundity to convey a deep message about life and death. Through his use of imagery, repetition, structure, and language, Brecht creates a poem that is both accessible and thought-provoking. The central themes of mortality, life and death, and responsibility are underscored by powerful symbols, such as the green figs and ripe grapes, the shattered cities and burned-out planes, and the young son. This poem is a reminder that we must all consider our own mortality and the legacy we will leave behind if we hope to make a positive impact on the world.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
My Young Son Asks Me… by Bertolt Brecht: A Poem of Social Commentary
Bertolt Brecht, a German poet, playwright, and theatre director, is known for his works that reflect his Marxist beliefs and his criticism of capitalism. One of his most famous poems, My Young Son Asks Me…, is a prime example of his social commentary. In this poem, Brecht explores the concept of justice and the role of the state in ensuring it.
The poem begins with the speaker's young son asking him, "What is the meaning of the word 'justice'?" The speaker responds by telling his son that justice is something that the state provides. He explains that the state is responsible for ensuring that everyone is treated fairly and that no one is oppressed. The speaker goes on to say that the state is made up of people who are elected by the citizens to represent them and make decisions on their behalf.
However, the speaker's tone changes as he continues to explain the concept of justice. He tells his son that the state is not always just and that sometimes it can be corrupt. He explains that the people who are elected to represent the citizens often have their own interests in mind and may not always act in the best interest of the people they represent. The speaker goes on to say that the state can also be oppressive and that it can use its power to control and manipulate the people.
Brecht's use of language in this poem is powerful. He uses simple language to explain complex concepts, making it accessible to a wider audience. The repetition of the phrase "the state" emphasizes the importance of the state in ensuring justice. However, the use of the word "sometimes" suggests that justice is not always guaranteed, and that the state can fail in its duty to provide it.
The poem also highlights the importance of education in understanding the concept of justice. The speaker's son asks him what justice means, suggesting that he does not yet understand the concept. The speaker takes the time to explain it to him, emphasizing the importance of passing on knowledge to the next generation.
Brecht's Marxist beliefs are evident in this poem. He believed that the state should be responsible for ensuring justice and that it should work towards creating a fair and equal society. However, he also recognized that the state can be corrupt and oppressive, and that it is important to hold those in power accountable.
In conclusion, My Young Son Asks Me… is a powerful poem that explores the concept of justice and the role of the state in ensuring it. Brecht's use of language and repetition emphasizes the importance of the state in providing justice, while also acknowledging its potential for corruption and oppression. The poem highlights the importance of education in understanding the concept of justice and passing on knowledge to future generations. Brecht's Marxist beliefs are evident in the poem, as he emphasizes the importance of creating a fair and equal society. Overall, My Young Son Asks Me… is a timeless poem that continues to resonate with readers today.
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