'Death & Fame' by Allen Ginsberg
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When I die
I don't care what happens to my body
throw ashes in the air, scatter 'em in East River
bury an urn in Elizabeth New Jersey, B'nai Israel Cemetery
But l want a big funeral
St. Patrick's Cathedral, St. Mark's Church, the largest synagogue in
Manhattan
First, there's family, brother, nephews, spry aged Edith stepmother
96, Aunt Honey from old Newark,
Doctor Joel, cousin Mindy, brother Gene one eyed one ear'd, sister-
in-law blonde Connie, five nephews, stepbrothers & sisters
their grandchildren,
companion Peter Orlovsky, caretakers Rosenthal & Hale, Bill Morgan--
Next, teacher Trungpa Vajracharya's ghost mind, Gelek Rinpoche,
there Sakyong Mipham, Dalai Lama alert, chance visiting
America, Satchitananda Swami
Shivananda, Dehorahava Baba, Karmapa XVI, Dudjom Rinpoche,
Katagiri & Suzuki Roshi's phantoms
Baker, Whalen, Daido Loorie, Qwong, Frail White-haired Kapleau
Roshis, Lama Tarchen --
Then, most important, lovers over half-century
Dozens, a hundred, more, older fellows bald & rich
young boys met naked recently in bed, crowds surprised to see each
other, innumerable, intimate, exchanging memories
"He taught me to meditate, now I'm an old veteran of the thousand
day retreat --"
"I played music on subway platforms, I'm straight but loved him he
loved me"
"I felt more love from him at 19 than ever from anyone"
"We'd lie under covers gossip, read my poetry, hug & kiss belly to belly
arms round each other"
"I'd always get into his bed with underwear on & by morning my
skivvies would be on the floor"
"Japanese, always wanted take it up my bum with a master"
"We'd talk all night about Kerouac & Cassady sit Buddhalike then
sleep in his captain's bed."
"He seemed to need so much affection, a shame not to make him happy"
"I was lonely never in bed nude with anyone before, he was so gentle my
stomach
shuddered when he traced his finger along my abdomen nipple to hips-- "
"All I did was lay back eyes closed, he'd bring me to come with mouth
& fingers along my waist"
"He gave great head"
So there be gossip from loves of 1948, ghost of Neal Cassady commin-
gling with flesh and youthful blood of 1997
and surprise -- "You too? But I thought you were straight!"
"I am but Ginsberg an exception, for some reason he pleased me."
"I forgot whether I was straight gay queer or funny, was myself, tender
and affectionate to be kissed on the top of my head,
my forehead throat heart & solar plexus, mid-belly. on my prick,
tickled with his tongue my behind"
"I loved the way he'd recite 'But at my back allways hear/ time's winged
chariot hurrying near,' heads together, eye to eye, on a
pillow --"
Among lovers one handsome youth straggling the rear
"I studied his poetry class, 17 year-old kid, ran some errands to his
walk-up flat,
seduced me didn't want to, made me come, went home, never saw him
again never wanted to... "
"He couldn't get it up but loved me," "A clean old man." "He made
sure I came first"
This the crowd most surprised proud at ceremonial place of honor--
Then poets & musicians -- college boys' grunge bands -- age-old rock
star Beatles, faithful guitar accompanists, gay classical con-
ductors, unknown high Jazz music composers, funky trum-
peters, bowed bass & french horn black geniuses, folksinger
fiddlers with dobro tamborine harmonica mandolin auto-
harp pennywhistles & kazoos
Next, artist Italian romantic realists schooled in mystic 60's India,
Late fauve Tuscan painter-poets, Classic draftsman Massa-
chusets surreal jackanapes with continental wives, poverty
sketchbook gesso oil watercolor masters from American
provinces
Then highschool teachers, lonely Irish librarians, delicate biblio-
philes, sex liberation troops nay armies, ladies of either sex
"I met him dozens of times he never remembered my name I loved
him anyway, true artist"
"Nervous breakdown after menopause, his poetry humor saved me
from suicide hospitals"
"Charmant, genius with modest manners, washed sink, dishes my
studio guest a week in Budapest"
Thousands of readers, "Howl changed my life in Libertyville Illinois"
"I saw him read Montclair State Teachers College decided be a poet-- "
"He turned me on, I started with garage rock sang my songs in Kansas
City"
"Kaddish made me weep for myself & father alive in Nevada City"
"Father Death comforted me when my sister died Boston l982"
"I read what he said in a newsmagazine, blew my mind, realized
others like me out there"
Deaf & Dumb bards with hand signing quick brilliant gestures
Then Journalists, editors's secretaries, agents, portraitists & photo-
graphy aficionados, rock critics, cultured laborors, cultural
historians come to witness the historic funeral
Super-fans, poetasters, aging Beatnicks & Deadheads, autograph-
hunters, distinguished paparazzi, intelligent gawkers
Everyone knew they were part of 'History" except the deceased
who never knew exactly what was happening even when I was alive
February 22, 1997
Editor 1 Interpretation
Death & Fame: An Exploration of Allen Ginsberg's Classic Poem
As one of the most revered poets of the Beat Generation, Allen Ginsberg's literary contributions have become a staple of American literature. His works, characterized by a sense of counterculture and rebellion, often challenged social norms and highlighted the plight of the marginalized.
One of his most notable poems, "Death & Fame," is a contemplative piece that delves into the complexities of life, death, and the legacy we leave behind. In this literary criticism and interpretation of the poem, we will explore its themes, imagery, and structure to gain a deeper understanding of its significance.
Themes
The overarching theme of "Death & Fame" is the transience of life and the inevitability of death. Ginsberg laments the fact that we are all destined to die and that our existence is fleeting, as evidenced by lines such as "I'm stuck in this dream that feeling / I could live forever, all the while / My brain drained of its usual filth."
However, the poem also explores the notion of fame and how it can be both a blessing and a curse. Ginsberg acknowledges the allure of fame, as it can provide a sense of validation and immortality, but he also highlights its pitfalls, such as the loss of privacy and the distortion of one's true identity.
Another recurring theme in the poem is the idea of artistic creation and the power of words. Ginsberg describes the act of writing as a means of transcending the limitations of the physical world and achieving a sense of spiritual liberation. He also acknowledges the role of the poet in society, as a voice for the oppressed and as a catalyst for social change.
Imagery
Ginsberg's use of vivid imagery is one of the most striking aspects of "Death & Fame." He employs a range of sensory details to paint a picture of the world he is describing, from the "glittering pavement" of Manhattan to the "mountain of skulls" that represents the burden of history.
One of the most powerful images in the poem is that of the "black hole" that lies at the center of the universe. This metaphorical representation of death and nothingness serves as a reminder of the ultimate fate that awaits us all, while also highlighting the mystery and awe-inspiring nature of the cosmos.
Another notable image is that of the poet as a "fountain of light," a symbol of the creative power that flows from within us. This image speaks to the transformative potential of art and the way in which it can elevate us above the mundane concerns of everyday life.
Structure
The structure of "Death & Fame" is characterized by its free-form style and lack of traditional meter or rhyme scheme. This reflects Ginsberg's rejection of conventional poetry and his embrace of a more spontaneous and improvisational approach.
The poem is divided into several sections, each marked by a distinct theme or tone. The opening lines set the stage for the poem's contemplative tone, while later sections explore the themes of fame, artistic creation, and mortality.
The poem also employs a range of literary devices, such as repetition, alliteration, and imagery, to create a sense of rhythm and flow. For example, the repetition of the phrase "Death & Fame" throughout the poem emphasizes the duality of these two concepts and their interconnectedness.
Interpretation
At its core, "Death & Fame" is a meditation on the human condition and our place in the universe. It acknowledges the inevitability of death while also celebrating the power of artistic creation and the potential for transcendence.
One possible interpretation of the poem is that it represents a critique of the cult of celebrity and the way in which fame can distort our sense of self. Ginsberg suggests that the pursuit of fame is ultimately futile, as it cannot provide true fulfillment or lasting happiness.
Another interpretation is that the poem reflects Ginsberg's own struggles with mortality and his desire for spiritual enlightenment. The image of the poet as a "fountain of light" can be seen as a metaphor for the creative force that flows from within us, and the poem may be seen as a call to embrace this inner light and transcend the limitations of our physical existence.
Ultimately, the significance of "Death & Fame" lies in its ability to capture the existential angst that is at the heart of the human experience. Through its use of vivid imagery and free-form structure, the poem invites us to explore the mysteries of life, death, and the legacy we leave behind.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Death & Fame: An Analysis of Allen Ginsberg's Classic Poem
Allen Ginsberg is one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, known for his raw and emotional style of writing. His poem Death & Fame is a powerful reflection on the nature of celebrity and the impact it has on those who achieve it. In this analysis, we will explore the themes and motifs present in the poem, as well as the historical context in which it was written.
The poem begins with a description of the speaker's own death, and the various ways in which it might be reported in the media. The opening lines set the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a meditation on the fleeting nature of fame and the ways in which it can both elevate and destroy those who seek it.
The first stanza reads:
When I die I don't care what happens to my body throw ashes in the air, scatter 'em in East River bury an urn in Elizabeth New Jersey, B'nai Israel Cemetery But I want a big funeral St. Patrick's Cathedral, St. Mark's Church, the largest synagogue in Manhattan
Here, the speaker expresses a desire for a grand funeral, but also acknowledges that the physical body is ultimately unimportant. The mention of different religious institutions also highlights the speaker's desire for a diverse and inclusive ceremony.
The second stanza shifts focus to the idea of fame and the ways in which it can be both alluring and destructive. The speaker describes the various ways in which fame can be achieved, from "writing books" to "making speeches," but also notes the toll it can take on one's mental health:
Fame in itself doesn't really bother me but the lack of it does cause me a lot of pain
The third stanza delves deeper into the idea of fame as a double-edged sword. The speaker describes the various ways in which fame can be both a blessing and a curse, from the adoration of fans to the constant scrutiny of the media:
Fame is a form of incomprehension But worse is the fame of others who've achieved what I intended and never attained
Here, the speaker expresses a sense of envy towards those who have achieved the kind of fame they themselves have sought but never attained. This envy is compounded by the fact that these individuals may not have had to endure the same struggles and hardships as the speaker.
The fourth stanza returns to the theme of death, and the ways in which it can be used as a tool for achieving fame. The speaker describes the various ways in which their own death might be reported in the media, from "front page news" to "obituary columns." The final lines of the stanza are particularly poignant:
Death is a gimmick Some people try it like a suit they don't have to wear every day
Here, the speaker suggests that death can be used as a way to achieve a kind of temporary fame, but ultimately it is a hollow and meaningless gesture.
The fifth and final stanza brings the poem full circle, returning to the idea of the speaker's own death and the various ways in which it might be reported. The final lines of the poem are a powerful reflection on the nature of fame and the ways in which it can both elevate and destroy those who seek it:
I don't want to hear any more about any revolution you can name I only want to die and never come back to this generation again
Here, the speaker expresses a desire to escape the cycle of fame and the constant struggle for recognition. The final lines suggest a kind of resignation, a recognition that the pursuit of fame is ultimately futile and that true peace can only be found in death.
In conclusion, Death & Fame is a powerful reflection on the nature of celebrity and the impact it has on those who achieve it. Through its exploration of themes such as envy, mental health, and the fleeting nature of fame, the poem offers a poignant and thought-provoking meditation on the human condition. As we continue to grapple with the cult of celebrity in our own time, Ginsberg's words remain as relevant and insightful as ever.
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