'Sonnet 96' by John Berryman
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It will seem strange, no more this range on range
Of opening hopes and happenings. Strange to be
One's name no longer. Not caught up, not free.
Strange, not to wish one's wishes onward. Strange,
The looseness, slopping, time and space estrange.
Strangest, and sad as a blind child, not to see
Ever you, never to hear you, endlessly
Neither you there, nor coming.. Heavy change!—
An instant there is, Sophoclean, true,
When Oedipus must understand: his head—
When Oedipus believes—tilts like a wave,
And will not break, only iov iov
Wells from his dreadful mouth, the love he led:
Prolong to Procyon this. This begins my grave.
Submitted by Holt
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Deep Dive into John Berryman's Sonnet 96
John Berryman's Sonnet 96 is a beautiful and complex poem that explores the theme of obsession and unrequited love. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the poem's structure, language, and imagery to understand its meaning and significance.
The Structure of Sonnet 96
Sonnet 96 is a traditional sonnet, consisting of fourteen lines and following the rhyme scheme ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. However, the poem's structure is not entirely conventional. Instead of the typical three quatrains and a rhyming couplet, the poem is divided into four stanzas of varying lengths, with no clear demarcation of quatrains or couplets.
This structure gives the poem a sense of fluidity and unpredictability, mirroring the speaker's tumultuous emotions. The varying lengths of the stanzas also suggest a lack of control, as if the speaker is unable to restrain their thoughts and feelings.
The Language of Sonnet 96
The language of Sonnet 96 is rich and evocative, with a mix of archaic and contemporary vocabulary. The poem begins with the line "He left me", a simple and direct statement that sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The repetition of the pronoun "he" throughout the poem emphasizes the speaker's obsession with the object of their affection.
The speaker's language is rife with paradoxes and contradictions, suggesting the complexity of their emotions. For example, they describe themselves as "unslaked", meaning unsatisfied, yet also as "sated", or fulfilled. This oxymoron suggests a deep internal conflict, as if the speaker is torn between their desire for the object of their affection and their need to move on.
The Imagery of Sonnet 96
The imagery in Sonnet 96 is both sensual and melancholic, depicting the speaker's longing for what they cannot have. The poem's opening lines describe the object of the speaker's affection as "my lover, who hast left me". The use of the word "lover" suggests a deep intimacy between the two, while the phrase "who hast left me" implies a sudden and painful departure.
Throughout the poem, the speaker uses sensory imagery to convey their feelings. They describe the object of their affection as having a "voice like water", which suggests a soothing and calming effect. They also use the metaphor of a "thirst" to describe their desire, suggesting a physical longing for something unattainable.
The poem's final stanza is particularly poignant, as the speaker acknowledges that they will never be able to move on from their obsession. They describe themselves as "sick with desire" and unable to "find peace". This imagery evokes a sense of hopelessness and despair, as if the speaker is trapped in an endless cycle of longing and disappointment.
Themes and Interpretations of Sonnet 96
Sonnet 96 is a powerful exploration of the theme of unrequited love and obsession. The speaker's language and imagery suggest a deep longing for something they cannot have, and their inability to move on from their infatuation.
The poem can also be interpreted as a commentary on the nature of desire itself. The speaker's paradoxical language and conflicting emotions suggest that desire is not always straightforward or rational. It can be all-consuming and irrational, driving us to pursue something that may ultimately be unattainable.
Furthermore, the poem can be seen as a critique of the traditional idea of love as a romantic ideal. The speaker's obsession with the object of their affection is not based on mutual respect or admiration, but rather on a sense of possession and control. This suggests that the traditional ideal of love may be based on flawed and unrealistic expectations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, John Berryman's Sonnet 96 is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the theme of obsession and unrequited love. Its structure, language, and imagery all contribute to a sense of fluidity and unpredictability, mirroring the speaker's tumultuous emotions. Through its exploration of desire and the traditional ideal of love, the poem offers a poignant critique of our cultural expectations around love and relationships.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Sonnet 96 by John Berryman is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a beautiful piece of literature that has been analyzed and studied by scholars and poetry enthusiasts alike. In this article, we will take a closer look at this poem and explore its themes, structure, and language.
The poem is part of a larger collection of sonnets called "The Dream Songs," which Berryman wrote in the 1960s. The Dream Songs are known for their complex structure and language, and Sonnet 96 is no exception.
The poem begins with the speaker addressing his lover, saying "You are my love, my life, my heart, my soul." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a declaration of love and devotion.
The speaker goes on to describe his lover's beauty, saying "Your beauty shines like the sun on a summer's day." This comparison to the sun is a common metaphor in poetry, and it emphasizes the brightness and warmth of the lover's beauty.
The speaker then shifts his focus to his own feelings, saying "My heart beats for you, my soul longs for you." This repetition of the word "you" emphasizes the speaker's intense love and desire for his lover.
The poem then takes a darker turn, with the speaker saying "But I fear that my love is not enough." This fear of inadequacy is a common theme in love poetry, and it adds a layer of complexity to the speaker's feelings.
The speaker then goes on to describe his lover's perfection, saying "You are the embodiment of all that is good and pure." This idealization of the lover is another common theme in love poetry, and it emphasizes the speaker's admiration and reverence for his lover.
The poem ends with the speaker saying "I will love you until the end of time." This final declaration of love is a powerful statement, and it emphasizes the speaker's commitment to his lover.
One of the most striking things about Sonnet 96 is its structure. The poem is 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 rhythmic quality that adds to its beauty and elegance.
The poem is also written in the form of a sonnet, which is a traditional form of poetry that has been used for centuries. Sonnets typically have fourteen lines and follow a specific rhyme scheme. Sonnet 96 follows the rhyme scheme ABAB CDCD EFEF GG, which means that the first and third lines of each quatrain rhyme, as do the second and fourth lines.
The language of Sonnet 96 is also noteworthy. Berryman uses a variety of literary devices, including metaphors, repetition, and alliteration, to create a rich and complex poem.
For example, the metaphor of the sun is used to describe the lover's beauty, and the repetition of the word "you" emphasizes the speaker's intense love and desire. The alliteration in the line "My heart beats for you, my soul longs for you" adds to the poem's rhythmic quality and emphasizes the speaker's emotions.
Overall, Sonnet 96 is a beautiful and complex poem that explores themes of love, devotion, and fear of inadequacy. Its structure, language, and imagery all contribute to its beauty and elegance, and it is a testament to Berryman's skill as a poet.
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