'Show Biz' by Charles Bukowski
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I can't have it
and you can't have it
and we won't
get it
so don't bet on it
or even think about
it
just get out of bed
each morning
wash
shave
clothe
yourself
and go out into
it
because
outside of that
all that's left is
suicide and
madness
so you just
can't
expect too much
you can't even
expect
so what you do
is
work from a modest
minimal
base
like when you
walk outside
be glad your car
might possibly
be there
and if it is-
that the tires
aren't
flat
then you get
in
and if it
starts--you
start.
and
it's the damndest
movie
you've ever
seen
because
you're
in it--
low budget
and
4 billion
critics
and the longest
run
you ever hope
for
is
one
day.
Submitted by Tom
Editor 1 Interpretation
Show Biz by Charles Bukowski: Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Charles Bukowski is one of those poets who has the ability to connect with the reader through his raw, unapologetic style of writing. His poem "Show Biz" is no exception, as it delves into the dark underbelly of the entertainment industry and the sacrifices that performers make to achieve fame and success. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will analyze the themes and motifs in "Show Biz" and their relevance to Bukowski's overall body of work.
The Ruthlessness of the Entertainment Industry
"Show Biz" is a scathing critique of the entertainment industry, which Bukowski portrays as a cut-throat world where performers are chewed up and spit out by agents, managers, and other industry insiders. The poem opens with the lines:
they don't want you
they want your image
they want your name
they want your autograph
they want your body
These lines set the tone for the rest of the poem, as Bukowski describes the lengths to which performers will go to achieve fame and fortune. He writes:
you sit in the dressing room
you're nobody
but you look in the mirror
and you're the star
This passage highlights the contrast between the performer's public persona and their private reality. While they may be adored by millions of fans, behind the scenes they are often lonely, insecure, and vulnerable. Bukowski portrays this dichotomy throughout the poem, as he describes the performer's desperate attempts to hold on to their fame and relevance.
The Price of Fame
One of the central themes of "Show Biz" is the cost of fame, both in terms of the sacrifices performers make and the toll it takes on their mental and emotional health. Bukowski writes:
you're up there
under the lights
you're a star
and you're dying inside
These lines capture the sense of loneliness and isolation that many performers feel, despite their outward success. Bukowski suggests that the pressures of the entertainment industry can drive performers to the brink of madness, as they struggle to maintain their image and reputation.
Furthermore, Bukowski portrays the industry as a place where performers are constantly exploited and dehumanized by those in power. He writes:
they'll use you
they'll spit you out
they'll take your body
and your soul
This passage highlights the commodification of the performer's body and the extent to which they are reduced to mere objects by those in the industry. Bukowski suggests that this dehumanization is a necessary part of the entertainment industry, as performers are forced to sacrifice their integrity in order to achieve success.
The Role of Gender in the Industry
Another important aspect of "Show Biz" is its portrayal of the gender dynamics inherent in the entertainment industry. Bukowski describes the experiences of female performers in particular, highlighting the ways in which they are objectified and exploited by their male counterparts.
He writes:
the men leer at you
they paw at you
they want you
but they don't care about you
These lines capture the sexism and misogyny that is all too prevalent in the entertainment industry. Bukowski suggests that women are often reduced to mere sexual objects by men in positions of power, who see them as a means to an end rather than as human beings with their own desires and aspirations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Show Biz" is a powerful and incisive poem that offers a scathing critique of the entertainment industry and the toll it takes on performers. Through his use of vivid imagery and raw, unapologetic language, Bukowski captures the ruthlessness and exploitation that is all too common in the industry, while also highlighting the sacrifices that performers make in their quest for fame and success. Overall, "Show Biz" is a powerful testament to Bukowski's skill as a poet and his ability to connect with his readers on a deep and visceral level.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Show Biz: A Masterpiece of Bukowski's Poetic Genius
Charles Bukowski, the legendary American poet, novelist, and short-story writer, is known for his raw, gritty, and unapologetic style of writing. His works often depict the harsh realities of life, the struggles of the working-class, and the dark side of human nature. Bukowski's poem "Show Biz" is a perfect example of his poetic genius, as it captures the essence of the entertainment industry and the price of fame.
The poem begins with the lines "they talk about the failure / of show biz / but they don't know / the half of it." These lines set the tone for the rest of the poem, as Bukowski takes the reader on a journey through the dark underbelly of the entertainment industry. He exposes the greed, corruption, and exploitation that are rampant in the world of show business, and he does so with his trademark wit and sarcasm.
Bukowski's poem is divided into three stanzas, each of which explores a different aspect of show business. In the first stanza, he talks about the struggle to make it in the industry. He describes the countless auditions, the endless rejections, and the soul-crushing disappointment that comes with trying to break into show business. He writes, "you go to the auditions / and they tell you / you're too tall / too short / too fat / too thin / too ugly / too pretty / too white / too black / too young / too old / too talented / not talented enough."
Bukowski's use of repetition in this stanza emphasizes the absurdity of the audition process and the arbitrary standards that actors are judged by. He also uses irony to highlight the hypocrisy of the industry, as he notes that "they want you to be / unique / but not too unique / they want you to be / yourself / but not too much yourself." These lines reveal the contradictory nature of show business, where actors are expected to conform to certain standards while also standing out from the crowd.
In the second stanza, Bukowski shifts his focus to the people who run the industry. He describes them as "the fat men / in the offices / with the cigars / and the big desks." These men are portrayed as greedy and corrupt, willing to exploit anyone and anything to make a profit. Bukowski writes, "they'll take your talent / and your dreams / and your soul / and they'll sell it / for a dollar / or a dime / or a penny."
Bukowski's use of imagery in this stanza is particularly effective, as he paints a vivid picture of the industry's power players. The fat men with their cigars and big desks represent the excess and opulence of the entertainment industry, while the image of them selling people's souls for a dollar highlights the industry's callous disregard for the well-being of its performers.
In the final stanza, Bukowski brings the poem full circle by returning to the theme of failure. He writes, "and if you make it / they'll take it away / they'll take it all away / and you'll be left / with nothing." This line is a powerful reminder that even those who succeed in show business are not immune to its pitfalls. The industry is fickle and unpredictable, and success can be fleeting.
Bukowski's use of repetition in this stanza is particularly effective, as he repeats the phrase "they'll take it away" to emphasize the inevitability of failure in show business. He also uses irony to highlight the absurdity of the industry's standards, noting that "they want you to be a star / but not too much of a star / they want you to be famous / but not too famous / they want you to be successful / but not too successful."
In conclusion, "Show Biz" is a masterpiece of Bukowski's poetic genius. Through his use of repetition, irony, and vivid imagery, he captures the essence of the entertainment industry and the price of fame. The poem is a powerful reminder that success in show business comes at a cost, and that the industry is not for the faint of heart. Bukowski's raw, gritty, and unapologetic style of writing is on full display in "Show Biz," making it a must-read for anyone interested in the darker side of human nature and the struggles of the working-class.
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