'Eulogy To A Hell Of A Dame' by Charles Bukowski
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some dogs who sleep ay night
must dream of bones
and I remember your bones
in flesh
and best
in that dark green dress
and those high-heeled bright
black shoes,
you always cursed when you drank,
your hair coimng down you
wanted to explode out of
what was holding you:
rotten memories of a
rotten
past, and
you finally got
out
by dying,
leaving me with the
rotten
present;
you've been dead
28 years
yet I remember you
better than any of
the rest;
you were the only one
who understood
the futility of the
arrangement of
life;
all the others were only
displeased with
trivial segments,
carped
nonsensically about
nonsense;
Jane, you were
killed by
knowing too much.
here's a drink
to your bones
that
this dog
still
dreams about.
Submitted by Russ Lane
Editor 1 Interpretation
Eulogy To A Hell Of A Dame: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Charles Bukowski, a renowned American author and poet, is known for his blunt and often profane writing. His poem, "Eulogy To A Hell Of A Dame," is a prime example of his no-holds-barred style. At first glance, the poem seems like a simple tribute to a woman who has passed away. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that Bukowski is using this eulogy as a way to explore his complex relationship with women and his own identity as a writer.
Overview of the Poem
"Eulogy To A Hell Of A Dame" is a free-verse poem that consists of 44 lines. The poem is divided into six stanzas, with each stanza containing varying numbers of lines. The speaker of the poem is addressing the deceased woman, who is referred to as a "hell of a dame." The speaker reminisces about their time together, both the good and the bad, and offers their final words of tribute.
Analysis of the Poem
At its core, "Eulogy To A Hell Of A Dame" is a poem about the complexities of human relationships. The speaker is clearly conflicted about their feelings for the woman they are eulogizing. On one hand, they loved her and were deeply connected to her. On the other hand, they recognize that she was not an easy person to be around and that their relationship was often tumultuous.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is the way Bukowski portrays the woman. She is described as being "ugly, bad-tempered, dissolute, a genius, a drinker, a liar, and pure"; in short, she is a complex and multifaceted character. The speaker acknowledges that the woman was not perfect, but they also recognize her strengths and the impact she had on their life.
Throughout the poem, the speaker grapples with their own identity and the role that the woman played in shaping it. They describe themselves as a "word man" and suggest that the woman was a muse for their writing. However, they also acknowledge that the woman was not always supportive of their work and that their relationship was often fraught with tension.
Another notable aspect of the poem is the way Bukowski uses language. His writing is blunt and often vulgar, but it is also incredibly powerful. He uses repetition and strong images to convey the intensity of the speaker's emotions. For example, the line "you painted your nipples with iodine" is both shocking and evocative.
Finally, it is worth noting that "Eulogy To A Hell Of A Dame" is not just a tribute to one woman, but to all women. Bukowski is exploring his own relationship with women and the way that they have influenced his life and work. The poem is a testament to the power of human connection, even when it is messy and complicated.
Interpretation of the Poem
There are many different ways to interpret "Eulogy To A Hell Of A Dame." One possible interpretation is that the poem is a reflection on the nature of love and relationships. The speaker is grappling with the contradictory emotions that come with loving someone who is difficult and flawed. They recognize the woman's faults, but they also cannot deny the deep connection that they shared.
Another possible interpretation is that the poem is a meditation on the role of women in Bukowski's life and work. The woman in the poem is not just a single individual, but a representation of all the women who have impacted Bukowski's life. By exploring his relationship with this woman, Bukowski is exploring his own identity as a writer and the way that women have shaped his work.
Ultimately, "Eulogy To A Hell Of A Dame" is a complex and nuanced poem that defies easy interpretation. It is a testament to Bukowski's skill as a writer that he is able to convey such intense emotions in such a seemingly simple form.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Eulogy To A Hell Of A Dame" is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the complexities of human relationships. Bukowski's blunt and direct writing style is both shocking and effective, and he uses language to convey the intensity of the speaker's emotions. The poem is a tribute not just to one woman, but to all women who have impacted Bukowski's life and work. Whether read as a reflection on love and relationships or a meditation on the role of women in Bukowski's life and work, "Eulogy To A Hell Of A Dame" is a timeless piece of literature that will continue to resonate with readers for years to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Eulogy To A Hell Of A Dame: A Masterpiece of Bukowski's Poetry
Charles Bukowski, the American poet and novelist, is known for his raw and unapologetic writing style that often explores the darker side of life. His poem "Eulogy To A Hell Of A Dame" is a prime example of his unique style and ability to capture the essence of human emotions.
The poem, written in free verse, is a tribute to a woman who has left a lasting impression on the speaker's life. The opening lines set the tone for the rest of the poem, as Bukowski writes, "some say we should keep personal remorse from the poem, / stay abstract, and there is some reason in this, / but jezus; / twelve poems gone and I don't keep carbons and you have my / paintings too, my best ones; / its stifling: are you trying to crush me out like the / rest of them?"
The speaker is clearly struggling with the loss of this woman, and the fact that he has no tangible reminders of her presence in his life. He is angry and frustrated, and this sets the stage for the rest of the poem.
Bukowski's use of language is powerful and evocative, as he describes the woman in vivid detail. He writes, "you were a beautiful woman / and you loved me / in the back of the / ambulance / I looked at you / and I knew it / we / were / born / to be / together / you took the back of my head in your hand / and you kissed me / and I felt like a photograph of the sky / when you were done kissing me / you looked at me / and smiled / that smile of yours / and I felt like / I had been born / again."
The imagery in this passage is striking, as the speaker describes the intensity of their connection and the depth of his feelings for her. The use of the word "photograph" to describe how he felt after being kissed is particularly effective, as it conveys the idea of a frozen moment in time, something that is both beautiful and fleeting.
Throughout the poem, Bukowski uses repetition to emphasize certain phrases and ideas. For example, he repeats the phrase "hell of a dame" several times, which serves to reinforce the idea that this woman was a force to be reckoned with. He also repeats the phrase "you were a beautiful woman" multiple times, which highlights the speaker's admiration for her.
One of the most powerful aspects of the poem is the way in which Bukowski explores the theme of mortality. He writes, "death is a good thing / for a poet / because / it means / you can stop / writing." This line is both humorous and poignant, as it speaks to the idea that death is a release from the burden of existence. The speaker seems to be suggesting that the woman's death has freed him from the need to write about her, but at the same time, he cannot help but continue to do so.
Bukowski's use of language is also notable for its simplicity and directness. He does not use flowery language or complex metaphors, but instead relies on straightforward descriptions and observations. This gives the poem a sense of authenticity and honesty, as if the speaker is speaking directly to the reader.
In conclusion, "Eulogy To A Hell Of A Dame" is a masterpiece of Bukowski's poetry. It is a raw and emotional tribute to a woman who has left a lasting impression on the speaker's life. Bukowski's use of language is powerful and evocative, and his exploration of themes such as mortality and the nature of human connection is both thought-provoking and moving. This poem is a testament to Bukowski's talent as a writer, and it is sure to resonate with readers for years to come.
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