'Dream Song 118: He wondered: Do I love? all this applause' by John Berryman
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He wondered: Do I love? all this applause,
young beauties sitting at my feet & all,
and all.
It tires me out, he pondered: I'm tempted to break laws
and love myself, or the stupid questions asked me
move me to homicide—
so many beauties, one on either side,
the wall's behind me, into which I crawl
out of my repeating voice—
the mike folds down, the foolish askers fall
over theirselves in an audience of ashes
and Henry returns to rejoice
in dark & and still, and one sole beauty only
who never walked near Henry while the mob
was at him like a club:
she saw through things, she saw that he was lonely
and waited while he hid behind the wall
and all.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Dream Song 118: He wondered: Do I love? all this applause by John Berryman
Wow, what a poem. John Berryman's Dream Song 118: He wondered: Do I love? all this applause is a masterpiece of modern poetry. From the title alone, we can already sense the depth and complexity of the poem. The speaker is in a state of confusion and doubt, questioning his own emotions and motivations. But what is he really wondering about? And what is the significance of "all this applause"? In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore these questions and more, delving into the themes, language, and structure of Dream Song 118.
Summary
Dream Song 118 is a dramatic monologue spoken by Henry, the protagonist of Berryman's Dream Songs. The poem opens with Henry watching a woman on stage, receiving thunderous applause. He is struck by her beauty and talent, but also by his own emotional detachment. He wonders if he is capable of love, or if he is merely "a sentimental fraud." As the poem progresses, Henry reflects on his past relationships and his own flaws, admitting that he has hurt those he loved and been hurt in return. He concludes by acknowledging that love is a mystery, and that he may never fully understand it.
Themes
Dream Song 118 explores several themes, including love, identity, and the human condition. At its core, the poem is a meditation on the nature of love and how it shapes us as individuals. Henry's doubts and insecurities reveal a deep sense of vulnerability, as he struggles to reconcile his own emotions with the expectations of society. The poem also touches on the theme of identity, as Henry grapples with his own sense of self and what it means to be a person in the world. Finally, the poem speaks to the universal experience of being human, with all its joys and sorrows, triumphs and failures.
Language
One of the most striking aspects of Dream Song 118 is the language Berryman uses to convey Henry's thoughts and emotions. The poem is full of vivid imagery and metaphors, creating a rich and complex tapestry of meaning that rewards close reading. For example, when Henry describes the woman on stage, he says:
her art, her heart, her grace, her coolness, all gone into adjectives & beatitudes—this praise of her has no content, cannot relieve my envy, my desire.
Here, the woman's talent and beauty are reduced to mere words, as if they are inadequate to capture the depth of her being. Henry's envy and desire are juxtaposed with the "coolness" of the woman, creating a sense of tension and longing.
Throughout the poem, Berryman uses repetition and alliteration to create a musical quality that enhances the emotional resonance of Henry's words. For example, in the lines:
O "my heart"! O "my god"! My "darling" & so on. I cannot budge. I cannot budge the words.
The repetition of "my" and "cannot budge" create a sense of stuckness and repetition, as if Henry is trapped in his own thoughts and unable to escape.
Structure
Dream Song 118 is structured as a single stanza of 23 lines, with irregular line lengths and no consistent rhyme scheme. This lack of formal structure mirrors the emotional turmoil of the speaker, as he struggles to make sense of his own feelings. The poem is also characterized by its use of enjambment, where lines run into each other without traditional punctuation. This creates a sense of flow and momentum, as if Henry's thoughts are spilling out uncontrollably. The poem ends with a single, powerful line:
some mystery, then, that I have loved.
This line stands out both for its simplicity and its profundity. By admitting that love is a mystery, Henry acknowledges the limits of his own understanding and opens himself up to the possibility of deeper connection with others.
Interpretation
At its core, Dream Song 118 is a poem about the human struggle to connect with others and find meaning in life. Henry's doubts and insecurities are universal, speaking to the experience of anyone who has ever felt isolated or disconnected. The poem also touches on the theme of redemption, as Henry acknowledges his own flaws and limitations but refuses to give up on the possibility of love. By the end of the poem, we are left with a sense of hope and possibility, as if anything is still possible for Henry and for ourselves.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Dream Song 118: He wondered: Do I love? all this applause is a powerful and moving poem that speaks to the deepest questions of the human experience. Through its vivid imagery, musical language, and lack of formal structure, the poem captures the emotional complexity of Henry's journey towards self-knowledge and connection with others. By the end of the poem, we are left with a sense of the mystery and wonder of love, and the possibility of redemption and renewal. Truly, John Berryman's Dream Song 118 is a masterpiece of modern poetry, and a testament to the enduring power of the written word.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Dream Song 118: He wondered: Do I love? all this applause is a classic poem written by John Berryman. This poem is a deep exploration of the human psyche and the complexities of love. In this analysis, we will delve into the meaning of the poem and explore its themes and literary devices.
The poem begins with the speaker wondering if he truly loves the person he is with. He is surrounded by applause and admiration, but he questions whether this is enough to sustain a relationship. The speaker is grappling with the idea of love and what it truly means. He wonders if love is just a feeling or if it is something more profound.
The first stanza of the poem sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The speaker is questioning his own emotions and whether they are genuine. He is surrounded by applause, but he wonders if this is just a superficial form of love. The use of the word "applause" is significant because it suggests that the speaker is performing for an audience. He is putting on a show, and the applause is a form of validation. However, he questions whether this validation is enough to sustain a relationship.
The second stanza of the poem explores the idea of love as a feeling. The speaker wonders if love is just a fleeting emotion that comes and goes. He questions whether he truly loves the person he is with or if he is just caught up in the moment. The use of the word "wondered" suggests that the speaker is unsure of his own emotions. He is questioning whether his feelings are genuine or if they are just a product of the situation he is in.
The third stanza of the poem explores the idea of love as a choice. The speaker wonders if love is something that can be chosen or if it is something that just happens. He questions whether he has the power to choose to love someone or if it is something that is beyond his control. The use of the word "wondered" again suggests that the speaker is unsure of his own emotions. He is grappling with the idea of love and what it truly means.
The fourth stanza of the poem explores the idea of love as a sacrifice. The speaker wonders if love is something that requires sacrifice and if he is willing to make that sacrifice. He questions whether he is willing to give up his own desires and needs for the sake of someone else. The use of the word "sacrifice" is significant because it suggests that love is not just a feeling but a choice that requires selflessness.
The fifth stanza of the poem explores the idea of love as a journey. The speaker wonders if love is something that grows and evolves over time. He questions whether he is willing to embark on this journey and see where it takes him. The use of the word "journey" is significant because it suggests that love is not just a destination but a process that requires effort and commitment.
The final stanza of the poem brings all of these ideas together. The speaker wonders if he truly loves the person he is with and if he is willing to make the sacrifices necessary for a relationship to work. He questions whether he is just caught up in the moment or if his feelings are genuine. The use of the word "love" is significant because it suggests that the speaker is searching for something deeper than just admiration and applause.
In terms of literary devices, the poem makes use of repetition and imagery. The repetition of the word "wondered" throughout the poem emphasizes the speaker's uncertainty and his search for answers. The use of imagery, such as the applause and the journey, helps to create a vivid picture in the reader's mind and adds depth to the poem.
In conclusion, Dream Song 118: He wondered: Do I love? all this applause is a powerful exploration of the complexities of love. The poem raises important questions about the nature of love and what it truly means. The use of repetition and imagery helps to create a vivid picture in the reader's mind and adds depth to the poem. Overall, this is a classic poem that continues to resonate with readers today.
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