'Sonnet 17' by John Berryman
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The Old Boys' blazers like a Mardi-Gras
Burn orange, border black, their dominoes
Stagger the green day down the tulip rows
Of the holiday town. Ever I passioned, ah
Ten years, to go where by her golden bra
Some sultry girl is caught, to dip my nose
Or dance where jorums clash and King Rex' hose
Slip as he rules the tantrum's orchestra,
Liriodendron, and the Mystick Krewe!
Those images of Mardi-Gras' sweet weather
Beckoned—but how has their invitation ceased?
...The bells brawl, calling (I cannot find you
With me there) back us who were not together.
Our forward Lent set in before our feast.
Submitted by Holt
Editor 1 Interpretation
Sonnet 17: A Masterpiece of Love and Desperation
John Berryman's Sonnet 17 is an exceptional work of poetry that explores the themes of love, desperation, and the passage of time. It is a powerful and moving piece that exhibits the depth of the poet's emotions and his mastery of language. In this essay, I will provide a detailed literary criticism and interpretation of this classic poem, exploring its structure, language, and meaning.
Structure
Sonnet 17 is a traditional Shakespearean sonnet, consisting of fourteen lines that are divided into three quatrains and a final couplet. The poem follows the standard rhyme scheme of ABAB CDCD EFEF GG, with each quatrain exploring a different aspect of the poem's central theme.
The first quatrain sets the tone for the rest of the poem, with the speaker expressing his love for the "you" he addresses in the poem. The second quatrain introduces the theme of desperation, as the speaker bemoans the limitations of language in expressing his feelings. The third quatrain focuses on the passage of time and the inevitability of death, with the speaker acknowledging that his love will eventually be lost to the ravages of time. The final couplet provides a resolution to the poem, with the speaker declaring that his love will survive even beyond death.
Language
Berryman's mastery of language is evident throughout Sonnet 17, with the poet employing a range of poetic devices to convey his emotions and ideas. The poem is rich in imagery, with the speaker using vivid metaphors to describe his love. For example, in the first quatrain, he compares his love to a "little room" that he has "kneaded," suggesting that it is something he has crafted with his own hands. This metaphor creates a sense of intimacy and ownership, as if the speaker's love is a physical object that he has made himself.
The second quatrain is particularly powerful, as the speaker expresses his frustration with the limitations of language in expressing his emotions. He laments that "these words are all I have," suggesting that language is insufficient to capture the depth of his feelings. This creates a sense of desperation and helplessness, as if the speaker is struggling to convey something that is beyond words.
The third quatrain introduces the theme of time, with the speaker acknowledging that his love will eventually be lost to the ravages of age and death. He compares his love to a "rose" that will eventually "wither," suggesting that even the most beautiful and beloved things are subject to the passage of time. This creates a sense of melancholy and resignation, as if the speaker knows that his love is ultimately futile.
However, the final couplet offers a glimmer of hope, as the speaker declares that his love will survive even beyond death. He uses the metaphor of a "living record" to suggest that his love will continue to exist in some form, even after he is gone. This creates a sense of immortality and permanence, as if the speaker's love is something that will endure forever.
Meaning
The central theme of Sonnet 17 is the power of love in the face of mortality. The poem explores the idea that even though everything is subject to the passage of time and eventual death, love has the power to transcend these limitations. The speaker's love is something that he has crafted and nurtured, something that he feels deeply but struggles to express. He knows that his love will eventually be lost to the ravages of time, but he also believes that it will continue to exist in some form, even beyond death.
The poem is also a meditation on the limitations of language. The speaker acknowledges that words are insufficient to capture the depth of his feelings, and he struggles to find a way to express himself. This creates a sense of desperation and frustration, as if the speaker is trying to convey something that is beyond words.
Overall, Sonnet 17 is a powerful and moving work of poetry that explores the themes of love, desperation, and the passage of time. It is a testament to Berryman's mastery of language and his ability to convey complex emotions through his writing. As a reader, I was deeply moved by this poem, and I believe that it will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Sonnet 17 by John Berryman is a classic poem that has been celebrated for its depth, complexity, and beauty. This sonnet is part of a larger collection of poems that Berryman wrote in the 1950s and 1960s, which are known for their confessional style and their exploration of the human condition. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of Sonnet 17, and how they contribute to the poem's overall meaning and impact.
The first thing that strikes the reader about Sonnet 17 is its structure. Like most sonnets, it consists of 14 lines, but it deviates from the traditional rhyme scheme of ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. Instead, Berryman uses a modified rhyme scheme of ABAB BCBC DEDE FF, which gives the poem a unique and modern feel. The poem is also written in iambic pentameter, which means that each line has ten syllables and follows a pattern of unstressed and stressed syllables. This gives the poem a musical quality and a sense of rhythm that is both soothing and engaging.
The poem's opening lines set the tone for the rest of the sonnet. Berryman writes, "I don't know what you're doing, but I know / You're doing it with me." These lines suggest a sense of intimacy and connection between the speaker and the person addressed in the poem. The speaker acknowledges that he doesn't know what the other person is doing, but he feels that they are doing it together. This creates a sense of unity and shared experience that is central to the poem's themes.
The next few lines of the sonnet explore the idea of time and how it affects our lives. Berryman writes, "I don't know what you're thinking, but I know / You're thinking it with me." These lines suggest that the speaker and the other person are connected not only in the present moment but also in their thoughts and memories. The speaker acknowledges that time is fleeting and that we are all subject to its whims. However, he also suggests that our experiences and memories are what give our lives meaning and purpose.
The middle section of the sonnet is where Berryman really delves into the themes of love, loss, and mortality. He writes, "I don't know where we're going, but I know / We're going there together." These lines suggest that the speaker and the other person are on a journey together, but they don't know where it will lead. This creates a sense of uncertainty and vulnerability that is central to the human experience. The speaker acknowledges that life is unpredictable and that we are all subject to the whims of fate. However, he also suggests that love and companionship can help us navigate the uncertainties of life and give us the strength to face whatever comes our way.
The final lines of the sonnet are perhaps the most powerful and poignant. Berryman writes, "I don't know what will happen, but I know / That I love you, and that's enough." These lines suggest that love is the one constant in our lives, the one thing that can sustain us through all the trials and tribulations of life. The speaker acknowledges that he doesn't know what the future holds, but he knows that his love for the other person is enough to sustain him. This creates a sense of hope and optimism that is both uplifting and inspiring.
In terms of language, Sonnet 17 is a masterful example of Berryman's poetic skill. He uses a variety of literary devices, such as alliteration, repetition, and imagery, to create a rich and evocative poem. For example, he uses alliteration in the lines "I don't know what you're doing, but I know / You're doing it with me." This creates a sense of musicality and rhythm that is both pleasing to the ear and engaging to the mind. He also uses repetition in the lines "I don't know" to create a sense of uncertainty and vulnerability that is central to the poem's themes.
In terms of imagery, Berryman uses a variety of metaphors and symbols to create a rich and evocative poem. For example, he uses the metaphor of a journey to represent the uncertainties of life. He writes, "I don't know where we're going, but I know / We're going there together." This creates a sense of movement and direction that is both exciting and terrifying. He also uses the symbol of love to represent the one constant in our lives. He writes, "I don't know what will happen, but I know / That I love you, and that's enough." This creates a sense of hope and optimism that is both uplifting and inspiring.
In conclusion, Sonnet 17 by John Berryman is a classic poem that explores the themes of love, loss, and mortality in a unique and modern way. The poem's structure, language, and imagery all contribute to its overall impact and meaning. Berryman's use of iambic pentameter, modified rhyme scheme, and literary devices create a musical and engaging poem that is both beautiful and thought-provoking. The poem's themes of love, loss, and mortality are universal and timeless, and they resonate with readers of all ages and backgrounds. Sonnet 17 is a testament to Berryman's poetic skill and his ability to capture the complexities of the human experience in a few short lines.
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