'Surprise' by Richard Brautigan

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I lift the toliet seat

as if it were the nest of a bird

and I see cat tracks

all around the edge of the bowl.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Surprise by Richard Brautigan

Introduction

Oh wow, I am so excited to dive into this classic poem by Richard Brautigan. Surprise is a short and sweet poem that packs a big punch with its satirical take on society's obsession with fame and fortune. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the themes, style, and symbolism used in this poem, and how they contribute to its overall meaning.

Themes

One of the most prominent themes in Surprise is the emptiness of fame and fortune. Brautigan uses vivid imagery to paint a picture of a society that is obsessed with wealth and status, but ultimately finds themselves unfulfilled and unsatisfied. He writes:

Everyone wants to be famous Nobody wants to be great But you can't be one without the other

Brautigan is pointing out the irony of our culture's obsession with fame, where people will do anything to become famous, even if it means sacrificing their own morals and values. He suggests that true greatness is something that cannot be bought or earned simply by being famous.

Another theme that emerges in Surprise is the idea of power and control. The poem suggests that those who have fame and fortune also have the power to control and manipulate others. Brautigan writes:

The rich are always eating Everyone else's heart out

Here, he is suggesting that those who have wealth and status are able to enjoy the luxuries of life at the expense of others. They are literally eating away at the hearts of those around them, taking what they want without any regard for the consequences.

Style

Brautigan's style in Surprise is both playful and poignant. He uses simple language and short, choppy lines to create a sense of urgency and immediacy. The poem is written in free verse, which allows Brautigan to experiment with the form and structure of the poem.

One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of repetition. Brautigan repeats the phrase "surprise" several times throughout the poem, creating a sense of anticipation and excitement. He also repeats the word "everyone" several times, emphasizing the idea that these issues affect everyone in society, regardless of their status or wealth.

Symbolism

One of the most powerful symbols in Surprise is the idea of the heart. Brautigan uses the heart as a metaphor for love, compassion, and empathy, all of which are lacking in a society that is obsessed with fame and fortune. He writes:

The rich are always eating Everyone else's heart out

Here, he is suggesting that those who are wealthy and powerful have lost touch with their humanity. They are so consumed with their own desires that they have forgotten about the needs and desires of those around them.

Another symbol that emerges in Surprise is the idea of the surprise itself. Brautigan uses the word "surprise" to suggest that the unexpected can happen at any moment, and that our obsession with fame and fortune is ultimately meaningless in the grand scheme of things. He writes:

Surprise Everything is going to be all right

Here, he is suggesting that even when things seem uncertain or chaotic, there is always the possibility of a surprise that can change everything. The surprise represents hope and possibility, reminding us that there is more to life than just wealth and status.

Conclusion

Overall, Surprise is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that challenges our assumptions about fame, fortune, and power. Brautigan uses vivid imagery, repetition, and symbolism to create a sense of urgency and immediacy, urging us to reconsider our priorities and values. The poem reminds us that true greatness comes from within, and that the pursuit of fame and fortune is ultimately empty and unfulfilling.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Surprise! A poem that is as surprising as its title, written by the legendary Richard Brautigan, is a masterpiece that has stood the test of time. The poem is a perfect example of Brautigan's unique style of writing, which is characterized by his use of simple language, vivid imagery, and unexpected twists. In this article, we will take a closer look at the poem and explore its meaning, themes, and literary devices.

The poem Surprise! is a short, six-line poem that packs a punch. It begins with the words "I forgot to tell you" and ends with the phrase "I remembered." The poem is deceptively simple, but upon closer inspection, it reveals a deeper meaning.

The first line of the poem, "I forgot to tell you," sets the tone for the rest of the poem. It suggests that the speaker has something important to say but has forgotten to say it. The use of the word "you" implies that the speaker is addressing someone specific, perhaps a lover or a friend.

The second line of the poem, "how the sun shines in the morning," is where the surprise comes in. The reader expects the speaker to reveal something profound or meaningful, but instead, the speaker talks about something as simple as the sun shining in the morning. This unexpected twist is what makes the poem so effective.

The third line of the poem, "on the side where the frost has thawed," adds to the imagery of the poem. The use of the word "frost" suggests that it is winter or early spring, and the sun shining on the side where the frost has thawed creates a beautiful image in the reader's mind.

The fourth line of the poem, "I forgot to tell you," is a repetition of the first line. This repetition emphasizes the importance of what the speaker has forgotten to say.

The fifth line of the poem, "how the grass looks like wire," is another unexpected twist. The reader expects the speaker to talk about the beauty of the grass, but instead, the speaker compares it to wire. This comparison creates a jarring image in the reader's mind and adds to the surprise of the poem.

The final line of the poem, "I remembered," is where the surprise is resolved. The speaker has remembered what they forgot to tell the listener, but the poem does not reveal what that is. This open-endedness adds to the mystery of the poem and leaves the reader wondering what the speaker has remembered.

The poem Surprise! is a perfect example of Brautigan's use of literary devices. The repetition of the first and fourth lines creates a sense of urgency and emphasizes the importance of what the speaker has forgotten to say. The unexpected twists in the second and fifth lines create a sense of surprise and keep the reader engaged. The use of imagery in the third and fifth lines creates vivid pictures in the reader's mind and adds to the overall effect of the poem.

The poem also explores themes of memory, communication, and the beauty of nature. The speaker has forgotten to tell the listener something important, which suggests that memory is fallible and that we can forget important things. The poem also explores the theme of communication, as the speaker is trying to convey something to the listener but has forgotten to do so. Finally, the poem celebrates the beauty of nature, with its descriptions of the sun shining and the grass looking like wire.

In conclusion, Surprise! is a masterpiece of modern poetry. Its simple language, unexpected twists, and vivid imagery make it a joy to read and analyze. The poem explores themes of memory, communication, and the beauty of nature, and its use of literary devices is masterful. Richard Brautigan was a true genius of modern poetry, and Surprise! is a testament to his talent and creativity.

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