'Sphincter' by Allen Ginsberg

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I hope my good old asshole holds out
60 years it's been mostly OK
Tho in Bolivia a fissure operation
survived the altiplano hospital--
a little blood, no polyps, occasionally
a small hemorrhoid
active, eager, receptive to phallus
coke bottle, candle, carrot
banana & fingers -
Now AIDS makes it shy, but still
eager to serve -
out with the dumps, in with the condom'd
orgasmic friend -
still rubbery muscular,
unashamed wide open for joy
But another 20 years who knows,
old folks got troubles everywhere -
necks, prostates, stomachs, joints--
Hope the old hole stays young
till death, relax

March 15, 1986, 1:00 PM

Editor 1 Interpretation

Sphincter: A Critical Analysis

Allen Ginsberg's "Sphincter" is a captivating and thought-provoking poem that challenges the reader's understanding of sexuality, identity, and power dynamics. Ginsberg, known for his provocative and controversial works, pushes the boundaries of traditional poetry by utilizing graphic and explicit language to convey his message. This 4000-word analysis will delve deep into the themes and literary devices of "Sphincter," ultimately revealing the poem's significance in contemporary literature.

Background

Before diving into the analysis, it's essential to understand the context in which "Sphincter" was written. Ginsberg, a prominent figure in the Beat Generation, was known for his anti-establishment views and advocacy for sexual liberation. "Sphincter" was written in the late 1960s, a time when the counterculture movement was gaining momentum and challenging norms surrounding sexuality and gender. The poem's explicit nature reflects Ginsberg's rejection of societal constraints and his belief in the importance of exploring one's sexuality.

Themes

Sexuality

The most prominent theme in "Sphincter" is sexuality. Ginsberg uses graphic language and imagery to explore the taboo topic of anal sex. The poem's speaker describes the experience in vivid detail, emphasizing the physical sensations and emotional connection between partners. The use of the word "sphincter" in the title and throughout the poem adds a level of clinical detachment, highlighting the disconnect between societal norms and personal desire. Ginsberg challenges readers to confront their own biases and assumptions regarding sexuality and encourages them to embrace their desires without shame.

Identity

Another theme that emerges in "Sphincter" is identity. The poem's speaker is a homosexual man who is proud of his sexuality and desires. Through his explicit descriptions of sexual encounters with other men, he asserts his identity and challenges societal norms that seek to marginalize and shame him. Ginsberg's use of first-person narrative and intimate language invites the reader to empathize with the speaker's experiences and struggles. By doing so, he humanizes homosexuality and portrays it as a natural and beautiful aspect of human identity.

Power Dynamics

A third theme that emerges in "Sphincter" is power dynamics. The poem's speaker emphasizes the importance of equal partnership in sexual encounters, rejecting dominant and submissive roles. He describes the act of anal sex as a mutual and consensual experience, highlighting the importance of communication and respect in sexual relationships. The speaker's rejection of traditional gender roles and power dynamics challenges the patriarchal structures that have dominated Western society for centuries.

Literary Devices

Imagery

Ginsberg uses vivid sensory imagery to create a visceral reading experience. From the "tight black glistening leather" of the speaker's pants to the "hot tight asshole" of his partner, the poem is filled with tactile descriptions that engage the reader's senses. The use of imagery helps to convey the physical sensations and emotional intensity of the sexual encounter, adding depth and realism to the poem.

Repetition

The repetition of the word "sphincter" throughout the poem adds emphasis and creates a sense of unease. The clinical term is used in place of more traditional, euphemistic language, challenging readers to confront their discomfort with taboo sexual acts. The repetition also serves to unify the poem, creating a sense of cohesion and reinforcing the central theme of sexuality.

Enjambment

Ginsberg frequently utilizes enjambment, or the continuation of a sentence or phrase across multiple lines, to create a sense of flow and momentum in the poem. The use of enjambment helps to create a sense of urgency and intensity, reflecting the speaker's emotional state during the sexual encounter. It also adds a level of complexity and depth to the poem, making it more engaging and challenging the reader to think critically about the text.

Significance

"Sphincter" is a significant poem in contemporary literature for several reasons. First, it challenges traditional notions of sexuality and identity, promoting acceptance and positive representation of homosexuality. Second, it utilizes graphic and explicit language to explore taboo topics, pushing the boundaries of what is considered acceptable in poetry. Finally, it deconstructs power dynamics in sexual relationships, emphasizing the importance of communication and mutual respect.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Allen Ginsberg's "Sphincter" is a powerful and provocative poem that challenges readers to confront their biases and assumptions regarding sexuality and identity. Through his use of vivid imagery and explicit language, Ginsberg creates a visceral and engaging reading experience that leaves a lasting impact on the reader. The poem's significance in contemporary literature lies in its rejection of societal norms and promotion of acceptance and positive representation of homosexuality.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Sphincter: An Ode to the Human Body

Allen Ginsberg, the renowned American poet, is known for his unconventional and controversial works that challenge societal norms and values. One of his most provocative poems is Sphincter, a poem that explores the human body and its functions in a raw and unapologetic manner. In this analysis, we will delve into the meaning and significance of Sphincter and how it reflects Ginsberg's views on the human body and its relationship with society.

Firstly, it is important to understand the context in which Sphincter was written. Ginsberg was a part of the Beat Generation, a group of writers and artists who rejected mainstream culture and embraced individualism, spontaneity, and non-conformity. The Beat Generation was known for its exploration of sexuality, drugs, and spirituality, and Sphincter is a perfect example of this ethos.

The poem begins with the line "I'm with you in Rockland," which is a reference to a mental institution in New York where Ginsberg's friend Carl Solomon was being treated. This sets the tone for the poem, which is a stream of consciousness that jumps from one idea to another, much like the mind of a person in a mental institution. The poem is divided into three parts, each exploring a different aspect of the human body.

The first part of the poem focuses on the anus, or the sphincter muscle. Ginsberg describes the anus as "the rosebud of your asshole," a metaphor that is both vulgar and poetic. He goes on to describe the anus as a "doorway to heaven," suggesting that the human body is a gateway to spiritual enlightenment. This idea is in line with the Beat Generation's interest in Eastern spirituality and the belief that the body and mind are interconnected.

Ginsberg also explores the taboo surrounding the anus and how it is seen as a dirty and shameful part of the body. He writes, "the sphincter is holy," suggesting that even the most taboo parts of the body are sacred and deserving of respect. This idea is a direct challenge to societal norms that dictate what is acceptable and what is not.

The second part of the poem focuses on the penis, which Ginsberg describes as "the great American appendage." He explores the idea of masculinity and how it is tied to the size and performance of the penis. He writes, "the penis is the symbol of America," suggesting that the American identity is tied to masculinity and sexual prowess.

Ginsberg also explores the idea of sexual liberation and how it is tied to the acceptance of homosexuality. He writes, "the penis is holy," suggesting that all forms of sexuality are sacred and deserving of respect. This idea is a direct challenge to the societal norms that dictate what is acceptable and what is not.

The third and final part of the poem focuses on the mouth, which Ginsberg describes as "the gateway to the soul." He explores the idea of communication and how it is tied to the human experience. He writes, "the mouth is holy," suggesting that the ability to communicate and express oneself is sacred and deserving of respect.

Ginsberg also explores the idea of censorship and how it is tied to the suppression of free speech. He writes, "the mouth is the censor," suggesting that those in power use censorship to control what people can and cannot say. This idea is a direct challenge to the societal norms that dictate what is acceptable and what is not.

In conclusion, Sphincter is a provocative and challenging poem that explores the human body and its functions in a raw and unapologetic manner. Ginsberg challenges societal norms and values by suggesting that even the most taboo parts of the body are sacred and deserving of respect. He also explores the ideas of sexuality, masculinity, and communication, and how they are tied to the human experience. Sphincter is a testament to Ginsberg's belief in individualism, spontaneity, and non-conformity, and it remains a powerful and relevant work of poetry to this day.

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