'Dream Song 77: Seedy Henry rose up shy' by John Berryman
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Seedy Henry rose up shy in de world
& shaved & swung his barbells, duded Henry up
and p.a.'d poor thousands of persons on topics of grand
moment to Henry, ah to those less & none.
Wif a book of his in either hand
he is stript down to move on.
—Come away, Mr. Bones.
—Henry is tired of the winter,
& haircuts, & a squeamish comfy ruin-prone proud national
mind, & Spring (in the city so called).
Henry likes Fall.
H would be prepared to lve in a world of Fll
for ever, impenitent Henry.
But the snows and summers grieve & dream;
thse fierce & airy occupations, and love,
raved away so many of Henry's years
it is a wonder that, with in each hand
one of his own mad books and all,
ancient fires for eyes, his head full
& his heart full, he's making ready to move on.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Dream Song 77: Seedy Henry rose up shy by John Berryman
John Berryman’s poem, Dream Song 77: Seedy Henry rose up shy, is a captivating and intriguing work of literature that delves into the complex psyche of the speaker, Seedy Henry. This poem is part of Berryman’s larger collection of poems, The Dream Songs, which explores themes of loss, redemption, and the human condition. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will take a closer look at Dream Song 77 and examine the various literary devices and techniques used by Berryman to convey his message.
The Speaker’s Psyche
First and foremost, it is important to examine the psyche of the speaker, Seedy Henry. From the title of the poem, we can infer that Seedy Henry is a flawed and complex character, who may be battling with feelings of insecurity and self-doubt. The use of the word “rose up” suggests that Seedy Henry is trying to overcome something, perhaps his inner demons or a difficult situation.
The phrase “shy” further adds to the complexity of Seedy Henry’s character. Shyness is often associated with introversion and a fear of social interaction. However, the fact that Seedy Henry is “rising up” suggests that he is actively trying to overcome his shyness and assert himself in the world.
The Structure of the Poem
Berryman’s use of structure in Dream Song 77 is also noteworthy. The poem is broken up into three stanzas, each with six lines. The first and third stanzas follow a rhyming scheme of ABABCC, while the second stanza has an AABBCC rhyme scheme. This alternating rhyme scheme adds a sense of musicality to the poem and keeps the reader engaged throughout.
The use of enjambment in the final line of each stanza is also significant. The lines “but he crowded his throat with silk & he choked,” “he mouthed & he bellowed & he bit his tongue,” and “he quoted Greek adages, he went / daft” all flow into the next line, creating a sense of momentum and urgency. This technique also reflects Seedy Henry’s internal struggle and the overwhelming emotions he is experiencing.
The Use of Imagery
Berryman’s use of imagery in Dream Song 77 is both vivid and evocative. The line “He coughed & called for his chain-dogs & chicken” paints a picture of Seedy Henry in his element, surrounded by his possessions and creatures. The use of “chain-dogs” and “chicken” also adds a sense of rural charm and Americana to the poem.
The line “he mouthed & he bellowed & he bit his tongue” also creates a vivid image of Seedy Henry struggling to communicate his thoughts and feelings. The use of the verb “mouthed” suggests that Seedy Henry is struggling to form words, while “bellowed” implies that he is yelling out in frustration. The phrase “bit his tongue” further adds to the sense of internal struggle and the difficulty Seedy Henry is experiencing in expressing himself.
The Use of Allusions
Berryman’s use of allusions in Dream Song 77 is also noteworthy. The line “he quoted Greek adages, he went / daft” references Seedy Henry’s education and his knowledge of ancient Greek literature. The fact that he is quoting “adages” suggests that he is trying to impart some wisdom or insight, but the fact that he ultimately goes “daft” suggests that he is struggling to make sense of his thoughts and emotions.
The line “he remembered the ruby-bellied goldfinch” also contains an allusion to nature and the beauty of the world around us. The use of the adjective “ruby-bellied” adds a sense of exoticism and luxury to the goldfinch, while the fact that Seedy Henry remembers it suggests that he is searching for something to hold onto in a world that may feel overwhelming and confusing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Dream Song 77: Seedy Henry rose up shy is a fascinating and complex poem that explores themes of self-doubt, insecurity, and the struggle to communicate one’s thoughts and feelings. Berryman’s use of structure, imagery, and allusions all contribute to the overall effectiveness of the poem, creating a vivid and evocative portrait of Seedy Henry and the world around him. While the poem may be difficult to parse at times, its underlying themes are universal and relatable to anyone who has ever struggled with their own inner demons.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Dream Song 77: Seedy Henry rose up shy is a classic poem written by John Berryman, an American poet who is known for his unique style of writing. This poem is a part of his Dream Songs collection, which was published in 1969. The Dream Songs are a series of poems that explore the inner thoughts and emotions of the speaker, who is often referred to as Henry. In this analysis, we will take a closer look at Dream Song 77 and explore its themes, structure, and literary devices.
The poem begins with the line, "Seedy Henry rose up shy in de world & shaved & swung his baritone." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it introduces us to the character of Seedy Henry. The use of the word "seedy" suggests that Henry is not in the best of health or financial situation, while the phrase "rose up shy" implies that he is hesitant or unsure of himself. The fact that he shaves and sings in his baritone voice suggests that he is trying to present himself in a positive light, despite his circumstances.
The next few lines of the poem describe Henry's surroundings. We learn that he is in a hotel room, and that there is a "big mirror over the bed." This detail is significant, as it suggests that Henry is preoccupied with his appearance and how he is perceived by others. The fact that the mirror is over the bed also suggests that Henry's self-image is tied to his sexuality, as the bed is a symbol of intimacy and desire.
The poem then takes a darker turn, as Henry begins to reflect on his past. He remembers a time when he was "a bad boy at home," and how he "used to be a good boy at school." This contrast between his behavior at home and at school suggests that Henry is struggling to reconcile his inner desires with societal expectations. The fact that he refers to himself as a "bad boy" also suggests that he has a rebellious streak, and that he is not afraid to challenge authority.
The next few lines of the poem are particularly powerful, as Henry reflects on his relationship with his father. He remembers how his father "beat him like a dog," and how he "never cried." This imagery is both shocking and heartbreaking, as it suggests that Henry was subjected to physical abuse as a child. The fact that he never cried suggests that he was trying to be strong and stoic, despite the pain he was experiencing.
The poem then shifts back to the present, as Henry reflects on his current situation. He describes himself as "a lonely man," and how he is "afraid of the dark." This vulnerability is a stark contrast to the bravado he displayed earlier in the poem, and suggests that he is struggling with feelings of isolation and fear.
The final lines of the poem are particularly poignant, as Henry reflects on his mortality. He describes himself as "a dying man," and how he is "afraid of the light." This imagery is both powerful and haunting, as it suggests that Henry is afraid of what lies beyond death. The fact that he is afraid of the light also suggests that he is afraid of being exposed or judged for his actions in life.
In terms of structure, Dream Song 77 is written in free verse, with no set rhyme or meter. This allows Berryman to experiment with language and imagery, and to create a sense of spontaneity and improvisation. The poem is also divided into stanzas of varying lengths, which allows Berryman to create a sense of rhythm and pacing.
In terms of literary devices, Berryman employs a number of techniques to create a sense of depth and complexity. For example, he uses repetition throughout the poem, particularly with the phrase "afraid of," which creates a sense of unease and anxiety. He also uses imagery to create a sense of atmosphere and mood, particularly with the use of the mirror and the hotel room.
Overall, Dream Song 77: Seedy Henry rose up shy is a powerful and evocative poem that explores themes of identity, trauma, and mortality. Berryman's use of language and imagery creates a sense of intimacy and vulnerability, and his experimentation with structure and literary devices adds to the poem's complexity and depth. This poem is a testament to Berryman's skill as a poet, and to his ability to capture the complexities of the human experience.
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