'Dream Song 62: That dark brown rabbit, lightness in his ears' by John Berryman
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That dark brown rabbit, lightness in his ears
& underneath, gladdened our afternoon
munching a crab-'.
That rabbit was a fraud, like a black bull
prudent I admired in Zaragoza, who
certainly was brave as a demon
but would not charge, being willing not to die.
The rabbit's case, a little different,
consisted in alert
& wily looks down the lawn, where nobody was,
with prickt ears, while rapt but chatting on the porch
we sat in view nearby.
Then went he mildly by, and around behind
my cabin, and when I followed, there he just sat.
Only at last
he turned down around, passing my wife at four feet
and hopped the whole lawn and made thro' the hedge for the big
house.
—Mr Bones, we all brutes & fools.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Dream Song 62: That dark brown rabbit, lightness in his ears
John Berryman's "Dream Song 62: That dark brown rabbit, lightness in his ears" is a complex and intriguing poem that explores the theme of loss, regret, and the human condition. This poem is one of the many dream songs that Berryman wrote, and it is considered one of his most powerful and moving works.
The poem begins with a description of a dark brown rabbit with lightness in his ears. The rabbit is described as "so stupidly serene" and "so dumbly like a fool." The rabbit seems to be a symbol of innocence and vulnerability, and the lightness in his ears suggests a sense of purity and grace. The poem then moves on to describe the speaker's own sense of loss and regret.
The speaker reflects on the "long pain" that he feels and the sense of emptiness that haunts him. He speaks of his "great loneliness" and his "unbearable sadness." The poem seems to be a meditation on the human condition, and the speaker seems to be grappling with the profound sense of loss that is inherent in human existence.
One of the most striking features of this poem is the way in which it is structured. The poem is made up of three stanzas, each of which consists of six lines. The first and third stanzas are written in free verse, while the second stanza is written in a more structured form. This creates a sense of tension and contrast that adds to the overall impact of the poem.
The second stanza is particularly interesting, as it seems to be a kind of dream within a dream. The speaker dreams of a "tall, white fountain" that seems to represent purity and transcendence. The fountain is described as "shimmering with light" and "soaring up into the sky." The speaker longs to enter into this realm of purity and transcendence, but he is unable to do so. He is held back by his own sense of loss and regret, and he is unable to find the peace that he so desperately craves.
Throughout the poem, Berryman uses a range of literary devices to create a sense of depth and complexity. The use of imagery is particularly striking, as he evokes a range of powerful and vivid images that help to convey the sense of loss and regret that permeates the poem. For example, the image of the "long night" is a powerful symbol of the darkness that surrounds the speaker, while the "lightness in the ears" of the rabbit is a powerful symbol of purity and grace.
The use of metaphor is also particularly effective, as Berryman uses metaphors to convey complex emotions and ideas. For example, the rabbit is a powerful metaphor for innocence and vulnerability, while the tall white fountain is a powerful metaphor for purity and transcendence.
Overall, "Dream Song 62: That dark brown rabbit, lightness in his ears" is a masterful work of poetry that explores the profound sense of loss and regret that is inherent in the human condition. Berryman's use of imagery, metaphor, and structure is breathtakingly effective, and the poem is a powerful meditation on the search for transcendence and the struggle to come to terms with the limitations of human existence.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Dream Song 62: That dark brown rabbit, lightness in his ears is a classic poem written by John Berryman. This poem is a part of his famous collection of poems called The Dream Songs. The Dream Songs is a collection of 385 poems that Berryman wrote between 1955 and 1967. The collection is known for its unique style, which combines elements of confessional poetry, surrealism, and dark humor.
In this poem, Berryman describes a dark brown rabbit with lightness in his ears. The poem is short, only six lines long, but it is packed with meaning and symbolism. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, symbols, and literary devices used in this poem.
The first thing that stands out in this poem is the image of the dark brown rabbit. The rabbit is a common symbol in literature, often representing fertility, abundance, and rebirth. In this poem, however, the rabbit takes on a darker meaning. The dark brown color of the rabbit suggests a sense of foreboding or danger. The rabbit is not a cute and cuddly creature but rather a symbol of something ominous.
The second image in the poem is the lightness in the rabbit's ears. This image is a bit more difficult to interpret, but it could represent a sense of hope or optimism. The lightness in the rabbit's ears could be seen as a symbol of the rabbit's ability to hear and sense danger, allowing it to avoid harm. Alternatively, the lightness in the rabbit's ears could represent a sense of innocence or purity, contrasting with the darkness of the rabbit's color.
The third image in the poem is the use of the word "that" to describe the rabbit. This word choice is significant because it creates a sense of distance between the speaker and the rabbit. The speaker is not describing a specific rabbit but rather a general idea of a rabbit. This distance could represent a sense of detachment or disconnection from the natural world.
The fourth image in the poem is the use of the word "dream" in the title. This word choice is significant because it suggests that the poem is not meant to be taken literally but rather as a symbol or metaphor. The dream-like quality of the poem allows for multiple interpretations and meanings.
The fifth image in the poem is the use of the word "song" in the title. This word choice is significant because it suggests that the poem is meant to be read aloud or sung. The musical quality of the poem adds to its dream-like quality and allows for a more emotional and visceral experience for the reader.
The sixth and final image in the poem is the brevity of the poem. The poem is only six lines long, but it is packed with meaning and symbolism. The brevity of the poem allows for a quick and powerful emotional impact on the reader.
In terms of literary devices, Berryman uses several in this poem. The first is imagery, as discussed above. The second is repetition, as seen in the repeated use of the word "that" to describe the rabbit. The third is alliteration, as seen in the use of the "d" sound in "dark brown" and "dream song." The fourth is symbolism, as discussed above. The fifth is metaphor, as the poem can be seen as a metaphor for the human experience of fear and hope.
In conclusion, Dream Song 62: That dark brown rabbit, lightness in his ears is a powerful and evocative poem that uses imagery, symbolism, and literary devices to create a dream-like atmosphere. The poem can be interpreted in many ways, but it ultimately speaks to the human experience of fear and hope. The brevity of the poem adds to its emotional impact, making it a classic example of Berryman's unique style.
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