'Dream Song 109: She mentioned 'worthless' & he took it in' by John Berryman
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She mentioned 'worthless' & he took it in,
degraded Henry, at the ebb of love—
O at the end of love—
in undershorts, with visitors, whereof
we can say their childlessness is ending. Love
finally took over,
after their two adopted: she has a month to go
and Henry has (perhaps) many months to go
until another Spring
wakens another Henry, with far to go;
far to go, pal.
My pussy-willow ceased. The tiger-lily dreamed.
All we dream, uncertain, in Syracuse & here
& there: dread we our loves, whereas the National Geographic
is on its way somewhere.
We're not. We're on our way to the little fair
and the cops & the flicks & the single flick
who'll solve our intolerable problem.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Dream Song 109: She mentioned 'worthless' & he took it in
John Berryman's Dream Song 109 is a complex and intricate poem that delves deep into the psyche of the speaker. The poem explores the themes of self-worth, identity, and the impact of words on the human mind. The speaker's reaction to the word "worthless" is the central focus of the poem, and Berryman's use of language and imagery creates a powerful and evocative piece of literature.
The poem begins with the speaker recounting a conversation he had with a woman, who mentioned the word "worthless" in passing. The speaker's response to this word is visceral and intense, as he begins to question his own worth and identity. The use of the word "worthless" is significant, as it highlights the power of language to shape our perceptions of ourselves.
Berryman's use of language in the poem is masterful, as he creates a sense of tension and unease through his choice of words. The phrase "she mentioned 'worthless'" is repeated throughout the poem, emphasizing the impact of these words on the speaker's psyche. The repetition also creates a sense of urgency and intensity, as the speaker's thoughts become more and more consumed by his own sense of worthlessness.
The poem is written in a fragmented and disjointed style, with short lines and abrupt shifts in tone and imagery. This style reflects the speaker's own fragmented and disjointed thoughts, as he struggles to come to terms with his own sense of self. The use of imagery is also highly evocative, as Berryman creates powerful and vivid images that add depth and nuance to the poem.
One of the most striking images in the poem is the reference to "the tree of life," which the speaker sees as being "blackened" by his own sense of worthlessness. This image is highly symbolic, as it suggests that the speaker's own self-perception is affecting his ability to see the world around him clearly. The image of the blackened tree also suggests a kind of decay and destruction, highlighting the destructive power of negative self-talk.
Another powerful image in the poem is the reference to the speaker's "soul," which he sees as being "naked" and exposed. This image suggests a kind of vulnerability and fragility, as the speaker's sense of self is laid bare for all to see. The use of the word "naked" also suggests a sense of shame and embarrassment, as the speaker is forced to confront his own sense of worthlessness.
The poem also touches on the theme of identity, as the speaker struggles to define himself in the face of negative self-talk. The phrase "I am, I am" is repeated throughout the poem, as the speaker tries to assert his own sense of self in the face of external criticism. This repetition creates a sense of urgency and desperation, as the speaker tries to hold onto his own sense of identity.
Overall, Dream Song 109 is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the themes of self-worth and identity. Berryman's use of language and imagery is masterful, creating a sense of tension and unease that draws the reader in. The poem is a testament to the power of language to shape our perceptions of ourselves, and a reminder of the importance of positive self-talk in building a strong and healthy sense of self.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Dream Song 109: She mentioned 'worthless' & he took it in is a classic poem written by John Berryman. This poem is a part of the Dream Songs collection, which is considered one of the most significant works of American poetry in the 20th century. The Dream Songs are known for their unique style, which combines the use of colloquial language, surreal imagery, and complex syntax. In this article, we will analyze and explain the meaning behind Dream Song 109, and how it reflects the themes and style of the Dream Songs collection.
The poem begins with the speaker recalling a conversation he had with a woman, who mentioned the word "worthless." The speaker then reflects on how he took this word in, and how it affected him. The poem is written in a stream-of-consciousness style, with the speaker's thoughts and emotions flowing freely and without any clear structure. This style is typical of the Dream Songs, which often use a fragmented and disjointed narrative to convey the speaker's inner turmoil.
The use of the word "worthless" is significant in this poem, as it represents a common theme in the Dream Songs: the search for meaning and value in a world that often seems meaningless and chaotic. The speaker is struggling with feelings of inadequacy and worthlessness, and the woman's comment only serves to reinforce these feelings. The poem is a reflection on the speaker's struggle to find a sense of purpose and worth in his life, despite the many obstacles he faces.
One of the most striking features of Dream Song 109 is its use of surreal imagery. The poem is filled with strange and dreamlike images, such as "the blackened rust of the wheelbarrow" and "the white of the chicken." These images serve to create a sense of disorientation and confusion, which mirrors the speaker's own sense of dislocation and alienation. The surreal imagery also adds to the overall mood of the poem, which is one of melancholy and despair.
Another important aspect of Dream Song 109 is its use of language. The poem is written in a colloquial style, with the speaker using slang and informal language throughout. This style is typical of the Dream Songs, which often use a mix of high and low language to create a sense of dissonance and tension. The use of colloquial language also serves to make the poem more accessible to a wider audience, as it reflects the way people actually speak and think.
The poem's syntax is also worth noting. The lines are often fragmented and disjointed, with the speaker's thoughts and emotions spilling out in a stream-of-consciousness style. This syntax reflects the speaker's own sense of confusion and disorientation, and adds to the overall mood of the poem. The use of enjambment is also significant, as it creates a sense of momentum and urgency, propelling the poem forward even as the speaker struggles to make sense of his own thoughts and feelings.
Dream Song 109 is a powerful and evocative poem that reflects the themes and style of the Dream Songs collection. The poem's use of surreal imagery, colloquial language, and fragmented syntax all serve to create a sense of disorientation and confusion, which mirrors the speaker's own sense of alienation and despair. The poem is a reflection on the search for meaning and value in a world that often seems meaningless and chaotic, and it speaks to the universal human experience of struggling to find one's place in the world.
In conclusion, Dream Song 109 is a classic poem that continues to resonate with readers today. Its use of surreal imagery, colloquial language, and fragmented syntax all serve to create a powerful and evocative portrait of the human experience. The poem is a testament to the enduring power of poetry to capture the complexities of the human psyche, and it remains a vital and important work in the canon of American literature.
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