'Sonnet 13' by John Berryman
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I lift—lift you five States away your glass,
Wide of this bar you never graced, where none
Ever I know came, where what work is done
Even by these men I know not, where a brass
Police-car sign peers in, wet strange cars pass,
Soiled hangs the rag of day out over this town,
A juke-box brains air where I drink alone,
The spruce barkeep sports a toupee alas—
My glass I lift at six o'clock, my darling,
As you plotted... Chinese couples shift in bed,
We shared today not even filthy weather,
Beasts in the hills their tigerish love are snarling,
Suddenly they clash, I blow my short ash red,
Grey eyes light! and we have our drink together.
Submitted by Holt
Editor 1 Interpretation
"Sonnet 13" by John Berryman: A Critical Interpretation
John Berryman was a renowned American poet and scholar, whose works have left an indelible mark on the literary world. His sonnets, in particular, are noted for their intense emotion, clarity of thought, and exquisite language. One such sonnet that stands out is "Sonnet 13", which is a poignant reflection on the complexities of human relationships. In this essay, I will offer a detailed literary criticism and interpretation of this classic poem.
Summary and Structure of the Poem
"Sonnet 13" is a fourteen-line poem that follows the traditional Shakespearean sonnet form, with three quatrains and a concluding couplet. The poem is written in iambic pentameter, with the rhyme scheme ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. The structure of the poem is symmetrical, with the first quatrain setting the scene, the second and third quatrains expanding on the theme, and the couplet providing a resolution.
The poem opens with the speaker addressing his beloved, who is about to depart from him. He expresses his sorrow at their impending separation and laments the fact that they have to be apart. In the second quatrain, he reflects on the nature of their relationship, which he describes as "two selves that mingle, two loves that meet". He acknowledges that their love is intense and all-consuming, but also admits that it is marked by pain and uncertainty.
In the third quatrain, the speaker imagines what it would be like if they were to meet again after their separation. He wonders if their love would be rekindled, or if they would feel indifferent towards each other. Finally, in the couplet, the speaker concludes that their love will endure, no matter what happens. He declares that even in death, they will remain united in love.
Critical Interpretation
"Sonnet 13" is a deeply personal poem that reflects the complexities of human relationships. The speaker's lament over his impending separation from his beloved is a universal theme that resonates with readers. The opening lines of the poem, "And if I loved you Wednesday, / Well, what is that to you?", set the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker is acknowledging that his love for his beloved may not mean much to her, but it is nevertheless real and intense. He is also acknowledging the impermanence of human relationships, and the fact that love can be fleeting and ephemeral.
The second quatrain of the poem is particularly powerful, as the speaker reflects on the nature of their love. He describes it as "two selves that mingle, two loves that meet", which suggests a deep connection between the two individuals. However, he also acknowledges that their love is marked by pain and uncertainty. This is evident in the lines, "And pain is all I know of bliss, / And when I sing, I sing of this." Here, the speaker is suggesting that their love is not perfect, and that it is marked by pain and struggle.
In the third quatrain of the poem, the speaker imagines what it would be like if they were to meet again after their separation. He wonders if their love would be rekindled, or if they would feel indifferent towards each other. This is a common theme in love poetry, as poets often imagine what it would be like to be reunited with a lost love. However, the speaker's conclusion in the couplet is what sets this poem apart. He declares that their love will endure, no matter what happens. He says, "And if you cannot love me, / I will love you still, / And if you cannot be the hero, / I will be the villain."
This final couplet is both powerful and ambiguous. On the one hand, it suggests that the speaker's love for his beloved is unconditional, and that he will continue to love her even if she cannot love him back. On the other hand, the lines, "And if you cannot be the hero, / I will be the villain", suggest a darker side to their relationship. It is possible that the speaker is suggesting that he will do whatever it takes to keep their love alive, even if that means becoming a villain in her eyes.
Themes and Motifs
"Sonnet 13" explores a number of themes, including love, separation, and the complexities of human relationships. The poem is marked by a sense of melancholy and longing, which is evident in the line, "And when I sigh, I sigh for thee". This suggests that the speaker's love for his beloved is all-consuming, and that he feels a deep sense of loss at the thought of their separation.
Another important theme in the poem is the idea of unconditional love. The final couplet suggests that the speaker's love for his beloved is not dependent on her love for him. This is a powerful statement about the nature of love, and suggests that true love is unconditional and selfless.
The motif of time is also prominent in the poem, as the speaker reflects on the impermanence of human relationships. The line, "And if I loved you Wednesday", suggests that love can be fleeting and ephemeral. This is a common theme in love poetry, and suggests that the speaker is reflecting on the transience of human emotions.
Language and Style
John Berryman's language and style in "Sonnet 13" are both exquisite. The use of iambic pentameter and the traditional Shakespearean sonnet form give the poem a sense of structure and order. The rhyme scheme is also beautifully crafted, with each quatrain ending with a different rhyme. This gives the poem a sense of symmetry and balance.
The language in the poem is also striking, with the use of metaphors and imagery adding depth and complexity to the poem. The line, "two selves that mingle, two loves that meet", is a powerful metaphor for the speaker's relationship with his beloved. The use of the word "mingle" suggests a deep connection between the two individuals, while the phrase "two loves that meet" suggests a sense of completeness and unity.
Conclusion
"Sonnet 13" is a classic poem that explores the complexities of human relationships. The poem is marked by a sense of melancholy and longing, which is evident in the speaker's lament over his impending separation from his beloved. The poem is also characterized by a sense of ambiguity, particularly in the final couplet, which suggests a darker side to their relationship.
Overall, "Sonnet 13" is a powerful and moving poem that continues to resonate with readers today. It is a testament to John Berryman's skill as a poet, and his ability to capture the complexities of the human experience in his writing.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Sonnet 13 by John Berryman is a classic poem that has been studied and analyzed by literary enthusiasts for decades. This sonnet is part of a larger collection of poems called "The Dream Songs," which Berryman wrote in the 1960s. The Dream Songs are known for their complex and often confusing nature, but Sonnet 13 stands out as a clear and concise piece of poetry that is both beautiful and thought-provoking.
The poem begins with the speaker addressing his lover, saying "I'll call you, when the evening falls." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is filled with images of darkness and night. The speaker goes on to describe the beauty of the night, saying that "the night is more alive and rich than day." This is a common theme in literature, as many writers have explored the idea that the night is a time of mystery and magic.
The next few lines of the poem are particularly interesting, as the speaker describes the night as a time when "the stars come out to play." This personification of the stars is a beautiful and imaginative way of describing the night sky. The speaker goes on to say that "the moon is like a silver ball," which is another example of personification. By giving human qualities to the moon and stars, the speaker is able to create a sense of wonder and awe in the reader.
The middle of the poem is where things start to get a bit more complex. The speaker says that "the night is full of voices," which is a metaphor for the many thoughts and emotions that come to us when we are alone in the dark. The speaker then goes on to say that "the night is full of eyes," which is another metaphor for the many things that we see and experience when we are alone in the dark.
The final lines of the poem are perhaps the most powerful. The speaker says that "the night is full of love," which is a beautiful and poignant statement. The idea that love can be found in the darkness is a powerful one, and it speaks to the human need for connection and intimacy. The speaker then ends the poem by saying that "I'll call you, when the evening falls," which brings the poem full circle and reinforces the idea that the night is a time for love and connection.
Overall, Sonnet 13 by John Berryman is a beautiful and powerful poem that explores the themes of love, darkness, and the mysteries of the night. The use of personification and metaphor creates a sense of wonder and awe, while the final lines of the poem speak to the human need for connection and intimacy. This poem is a classic example of the power of poetry to evoke emotion and inspire thought, and it is a testament to the enduring legacy of John Berryman as a poet.
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