'Sonnet 5' by John Berryman

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The poet hunched, so, whom the worlds admire,
Rising as I came in; greeted me mildly,
Folded again, and our discourse was easy,
While he hid in his skin taut as a wire,
Considerate as grace, a candid pyre
Flaring some midday shore; he took more tea,
I lit his cigarette... once I lit Yeats' as he
Muttered before an Athenaeum fire
The day Dylan had tried to show me drunk
Down to the great man's club. But you laught just now
Letting me out, you bubbled 'Liar' and
Laught... Well, but thén my breast was empty, monk
Of Yeatsian order: yesterday (truth now)
Flooding blurred Eliot's words sometimes,
Face not your face, hair not you blonde but iron.


Submitted by Holt

Editor 1 Interpretation

Sonnet 5 by John Berryman: A Journey Through Love and Death

As I sit down to read John Berryman's Sonnet 5, I can already feel the weight of the words on the page. This poem is a masterful creation of the English sonnet form, with its fourteen lines, iambic pentameter, and strict rhyme scheme. But what sets it apart from other sonnets is the way it tackles such weighty themes as love, death, and the human condition.

The Opening Lines: An Introduction to the Theme

The poem starts off with the speaker addressing his lover, telling her that she is the "only girl" he has ever loved. This opening line is a powerful declaration of the speaker's emotions, and it immediately draws the reader in. We can feel the depth of the speaker's love for this woman, and we are eager to hear more.

But then, the tone shifts. The speaker begins to talk about death, saying that he hopes they will die together. This sudden shift in tone is unsettling, and it brings up questions about the nature of love and death. Why does the speaker want to die with his lover? Is this a romantic gesture, or something more sinister?

The Body of the Poem: A Meditation on Mortality

As the poem progresses, the speaker continues to dwell on the theme of death. He talks about how death will come for them eventually, and how they should embrace it. He says that death is nothing to fear, and that they will be together even in death. This is a powerful message, and it raises important questions about our relationship with mortality.

The speaker's tone throughout the poem is one of acceptance and resignation. He seems to have made peace with the idea of death, and he wants his lover to feel the same. But there is also a sense of urgency in the way he speaks. He knows that time is short, and he wants to make the most of the time they have left.

The Final Lines: A Call to Action

In the final lines of the poem, the speaker makes a plea to his lover. He tells her that they must love each other now, while they still can. He says that they should not waste any more time, but should seize the moment and love each other fully. This is a powerful message, and it is one that resonates with us all.

As I read Sonnet 5, I am struck by the sheer beauty of the language. Berryman's use of imagery is masterful, and his words are so carefully chosen that each line feels like a work of art in itself. But beyond the language, there is a message here that is both timeless and urgent. The poem speaks to our deepest fears and desires, and it challenges us to live our lives to the fullest.

Conclusion

In conclusion, John Berryman's Sonnet 5 is a masterpiece of English poetry. It tackles complex themes with subtlety and grace, and it speaks to us in a way that is both timeless and urgent. As I close the book, I am left with a sense of awe and reverence. This is a poem that will stay with me for a long time, and it will continue to inspire me as I navigate the complexities of life and death.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

John Berryman's Sonnet 5 is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. This sonnet is a part of his famous collection of poems, "The Dream Songs," which were published in 1969. The poem is a beautiful and complex piece of literature that explores the themes of love, loss, and mortality. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its structure, language, and meaning.

Structure

Sonnet 5 is a traditional sonnet, consisting of fourteen lines, with a rhyme scheme of ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. The poem is written in iambic pentameter, which means that each line has ten syllables, with the stress falling on every other syllable. The poem is divided into three quatrains and a final couplet. The first quatrain sets the scene and introduces the theme of the poem. The second and third quatrains develop the theme, while the final couplet provides a conclusion.

Language

The language used in Sonnet 5 is rich and complex. Berryman uses a variety of literary devices to create a vivid and powerful image of love and loss. The poem is full of metaphors and similes, which help to convey the emotions and feelings of the speaker. For example, in the first line, the speaker compares his love to a "rose," which is a common symbol of love and beauty. The use of the word "rose" creates a sense of fragility and vulnerability, which is a recurring theme throughout the poem.

The poem is also full of allusions, which add depth and meaning to the text. For example, in the second line, the speaker alludes to the biblical story of Adam and Eve, when he says, "And Adam's flesh, and Eve's, and all the roses." This allusion creates a sense of timelessness and universality, suggesting that the theme of love and loss is a fundamental part of the human experience.

Meaning

The central theme of Sonnet 5 is love and loss. The poem explores the idea that love is fleeting and fragile, and that even the most beautiful and perfect things in life are subject to decay and death. The speaker is addressing his lover, telling her that their love is like a rose, which is beautiful but also fragile and fleeting. He is aware that their love will not last forever, and that they will eventually be separated by death.

The poem is also a meditation on mortality. The speaker is aware that he and his lover are mortal, and that their time together is limited. He is haunted by the idea of death, and the knowledge that everything in life is subject to decay and destruction. The poem suggests that the only way to overcome the fear of death is to embrace life fully, and to love deeply and passionately.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Sonnet 5 is a beautiful and complex poem that explores the themes of love, loss, and mortality. The poem is full of rich language and literary devices, which help to create a vivid and powerful image of the speaker's emotions and feelings. The poem suggests that love is fragile and fleeting, and that even the most beautiful and perfect things in life are subject to decay and death. However, the poem also suggests that the only way to overcome the fear of death is to embrace life fully, and to love deeply and passionately. Sonnet 5 is a timeless piece of literature that continues to resonate with readers today, and it is a testament to John Berryman's skill as a poet.

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